How to Interpret the Bible: Literal and Figurative Language

Why This Matters Understanding the difference between literal and figurative language is essential for rightly dividing the word of truth. Misreading the Bible—especially mistaking figures of speech for literal statements or vice versa—has led to centuries of confusion, error, and division. This lesson begins to lay the groundwork for understanding biblical figures of speech, their purpose, how to identify them, and how to interpret them responsibly.

Why the Bible Uses Figurative Language Just as we use figurative speech in daily conversation to illustrate, emphasize, make concepts memorable, or describe what cannot easily be seen, so does the Bible. Figures of speech make spiritual truths more vivid and easier to grasp. They help us relate to what is unfamiliar and cause important lessons to stick. Jesus frequently used parables, metaphors, and similes to both reveal truth to the honest and conceal it from the disinterested, as seen in Matthew 13:10–17.

When Is a Passage Figurative? Determining whether a statement is literal or figurative requires thoughtful consideration. There are clues that help with this. For instance, if a passage involves an impossibility or absurdity, such as Jesus saying in Luke 9:60, “Let the dead bury their own dead,” we know this cannot be literal since the physically dead cannot bury anyone. This points us to a symbolic meaning.

Likewise, when a passage seems to contain internal contradictions, we are prompted to seek a figurative explanation. In John 11:25–26, Jesus speaks of believers never dying, though all people physically die. This teaches a spiritual truth about eternal life, not physical survival. Another example is in Matthew 18:8–9, where Jesus advises cutting off hands or plucking out eyes to avoid sin. The Bible elsewhere teaches us to honor and preserve our bodies, not mutilate them, which shows this teaching is figurative.

Context and common sense also play vital roles. In John 4:10–15, Jesus offers the Samaritan woman “living water.” Her literal interpretation doesn’t match the message, so it becomes clear He is referring to spiritual nourishment. Some passages are clarified within the text itself. In John 2:19–21, Jesus says, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,” and the passage explains that He is speaking of His body.

Guidelines for Interpreting Figurative Language When we identify that a passage is figurative, we must determine what kind of figure it is. Is it a simile, metaphor, parable, allegory, or hyperbole? Knowing the category helps guide us to its meaning. We should accept any explanations the Bible gives, as in Luke 8:11, which says plainly, “The seed is the word of God.” Figurative meanings must harmonize with the rest of scripture and should not contradict clear teachings.

The customs of the time also help in understanding figures of speech. Many are based on familiar occupations, family roles, or natural imagery from biblical times. We must not press figures too far, extracting symbolic meaning from every detail unnecessarily. Also, a figure may not carry the same meaning in every context. For example, leaven represents the kingdom of heaven in Matthew 13:33 but symbolizes false doctrine in Matthew 16:6–12.

Examples of Figurative Language in Scripture Parables are real-life illustrations used to present spiritual truths. Jesus used more than thirty of them to teach and also to test the hearts of His listeners. Fables, such as the thistle speaking to the cedar in 2 Kings 14:8–10, use imaginary elements to convey moral lessons and are clearly not meant to be taken literally.

Similes are direct comparisons using the words “like” or “as.” In Matthew 3:16, the Spirit descends “like a dove,” indicating a manner of descent, not the literal presence of a dove. Isaiah 1:18 uses familiar colors to depict forgiveness: sins like scarlet will become white as snow. Isaiah 53:6 calls God’s people sheep who have gone astray, tapping into an image well understood in agrarian culture.

Conclusion Interpreting the Bible faithfully demands effort, humility, and reverence. Recognizing figurative language and handling it properly is not a side issue—it is essential for grasping God’s will. Scripture invites us to think, discern, and seek the truth diligently. With God’s help, we can avoid error and embrace the life-changing message He has given us.

Sermon Outline — “Interpreting Figurative Language in Scripture”

• Why Figurative Language Is Used
• How to Recognize Figurative Language
• Rules for Interpretation
• Examples in Scripture

Call to Action: God’s word is deep and rich for those who seek it with an open heart. Let us commit to careful, contextual study, learning to distinguish between literal and figurative language. By honoring God’s voice in Scripture, we grow in faith and truth. Will you take that step forward today?