The term "allegorically" refers to a method of interpretation that seeks to find a deeper, often spiritual or symbolic, meaning beneath the literal text of Scripture. This approach has been used throughout church history to uncover layers of meaning in biblical narratives, laws, prophecies, and parables.

Biblical Basis and Examples

The Apostle Paul provides a clear example of allegorical interpretation in Galatians 4:21-31. In this passage, Paul interprets the account of Hagar and Sarah as an allegory for two covenants. He writes, "These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar" (Galatians 4:24). Here, Paul uses the historical account of Hagar and Sarah to illustrate the difference between the Old Covenant of the Law and the New Covenant of grace through faith in Christ.

Historical Use

Throughout church history, allegorical interpretation has been employed by various theologians and scholars. The early Church Fathers, such as Origen and Augustine, often used allegory to explain difficult passages and to draw out spiritual truths. For instance, Augustine famously interpreted the parable of the Good Samaritan allegorically, seeing the Samaritan as representing Christ and the wounded man as humanity in need of salvation.

Cautions and Criticisms

While allegorical interpretation can provide rich insights, it has also been subject to criticism and caution. Critics argue that it can lead to subjective interpretations that stray from the intended meaning of the text. The Reformers, such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, emphasized the importance of the literal and historical context of Scripture, cautioning against excessive allegorization that might obscure the plain meaning of the text.

Theological Implications

Allegorical interpretation can reveal the unity and coherence of Scripture, showing how Old Testament events and figures foreshadow New Testament realities. It underscores the belief that all Scripture ultimately points to Christ and His redemptive work. As Jesus Himself stated, "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about Me" (John 5:39).

Modern Application

In contemporary biblical studies, allegorical interpretation is often balanced with historical-grammatical exegesis. While the primary focus remains on the literal and historical context, allegory can still be a valuable tool for understanding the spiritual and theological dimensions of Scripture. It encourages believers to seek the deeper truths of God's Word and to apply them to their lives in meaningful ways.238. allegoreo -- to speak allegorically
... to speak allegorically. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: allegoreo Phonetic
Spelling: (al-lay-gor-eh'-o) Short Definition: I speak allegorically Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/238.htm - 6k

897. Babulon -- "gate of god(s)," Babylon, a large city situated ...
... Babylon Definition: (a) Babylon, the ancient city on the Euphrates, to which the
people of Jerusalem, etc., were transported, (b) hence allegorically of Rome ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/897.htm - 7k

2419. Ierousalem -- Jerusalem, the capital of united Isr. and ...
... er-oo-sal-ame') Short Definition: Jerusalem Definition: (Aramaic form), Jerusalem,
the capital of Palestine: hence Judaism, and allegorically, Christendom, the ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2419.htm - 7k

1858. heortazo -- to be like
... heortazo Phonetic Spelling: (heh-or-tad'-zo) Short Definition: I keep a feast
Definition: I take part in a festival, keep a feast (allegorically). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1858.htm - 5k

It was once Usual, in Speaking Allegorically, to Conceal under ...
... Book V. 41 It was once usual, in speaking allegorically, to conceal under
perfectly decent ideas? It was once usual, in speaking ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/41 it was once usual.htm

Either, Then, they must all have Been Written and Put Forward ...
... Book V. 38 Either, then, they must all have been written and put forward
allegorically? ... [4520] These are all written allegorically, you say. ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/38 either then they must.htm

But if You Come to the Conclusion that These Fables have Been ...
... Book V. 44 But if you come to the conclusion that these fables have been
written allegorically? But if you come to the conclusion ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/44 but if you come.htm

He Contends that These Testimonies Already Alleged Cannot be ...
... Against Heresies: Book V Chapter XXXV."He contends that these testimonies already
alleged cannot be understood allegorically of celestial blessings, but that ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxv he contends that these.htm

Monoimus on the Sabbath; Allegorizes the Rod of Moses; Notion ...
... rod was changeably brandished for the (introduction of the) plagues throughout Egypt
[934] "now these plagues, he says, are allegorically expressed symbols ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter vii monoimus on the sabbath.htm

In the Next Place, as it is his Object to Slander Our Scriptures.. ...
... He would not even have it appear that the words were used allegorically, although
he says afterwards, that "the more modest among Jews and Christians are ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxxviii in the next.htm

The Ecclesiastical Writers. By "The Fathers" we Understand the ...
... By the serpent which deceived Eve, according to Clement, "pleasure, an earthly vice
which creeps upon the belly, is allegorically represented." [374:1] Moses ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter i the ecclesiastical writers.htm

The Seven Books of Arnobius Against the Heathen
... 37 Let us examine, then, what is said in this way.? 38 Either, then, they
must all have been written and put forward allegorically? ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/

The Holy War,
... That the 'Holy War' allegorically represents Bunyan's personal feelings, is clearly
declared by him in the poetical Introduction or Address to the Reader ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

Excerpts of Theodotus;
... genera and their species are produced, are called abysses; since you would not call
the water alone the abyss, although matter is allegorically called water ...
/.../theodotus/excerpts of theodotus/excerpts of theodotus.htm

Allegorically (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Allegorically (2 Occurrences). Galatians 4:24 which
things are allegorized, for these are the two covenants ...
/a/allegorically.htm - 7k

Faint (76 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel uses it allegorically as describing the withering of the trees for
grief at the death of the Assyrian kings (Ezekiel 31:15). ...
/f/faint.htm - 38k

Pekod (2 Occurrences)
... It is the opinion, however, of some that this word signifies "visitation," "punishment,"
and allegorically "designates Babylon as the city which was to be ...
/p/pekod.htm - 7k

Allegory (6 Occurrences)
... Used only in Galatians 4:24, where the apostle refers to the history of Isaac the
free-born, and Ishmael the slave-born, and makes use of it allegorically. ...
/a/allegory.htm - 14k

Allegorical (1 Occurrence)

/a/allegorical.htm - 6k

Allegories (2 Occurrences)

/a/allegories.htm - 7k

Hagar (15 Occurrences)
... Ishmael afterwards established himself in the wilderness of Paran, where he married
an Egyptian (Genesis 21:20, 21). "Hagar" allegorically represents the ...
/h/hagar.htm - 22k

Spiritually (8 Occurrences)
... of the Spirit is to be spiritually-minded (compare the King James Version and the
Revised Version (British and American) Romans 8:6). Allegorically used also ...
/s/spiritually.htm - 9k

Rock (176 Occurrences)
... SPIRITUAL ROCK. (pneumatike petra): Having a spiritual significance: supernatural,
manifesting the power of the Divine Spirit; allegorically applied to Christ ...
/r/rock.htm - 49k

Locust (25 Occurrences)
... plague of locusts. Commentators differ as to whether it should be interpreted
literally or allegorically (see JOEL). Four names ...
/l/locust.htm - 34k

What is wrong with the allegorical interpretation method? | GotQuestions.org

Does the Bible contain allegory? | GotQuestions.org

Can / Should we interpret the Bible as literal? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus