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.

Irony and Sarcasm
Irony involves saying the opposite of what is meant, often to emphasize a point. Job 12:2 illustrates this well when Job replies to his critic, “No doubt you are the people, and wisdom will die with you.” In modern terms, we might say, “Well, you must be the last Einstein.” This type of speech, far from being irreverent, often delivers more force than direct contradiction.

The Lord Himself uses irony in Judges 10:14, when He tells Israel to cry out to the false gods they had chosen. Elijah uses sarcasm against the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:27, suggesting their god may be asleep or traveling. Paul employs irony in 1 Corinthians 4:8–14 to rebuke the prideful attitude in Corinth. Sarcasm is also vividly present in the mocking of Jesus in Matthew 27:29 and Mark 15:31–32, where Roman soldiers and onlookers deride Him with false praise.

Hyperbole
Hyperbole is an intentional exaggeration used to emphasize a point. The Bible frequently uses it to express sorrow, power, or abundance. Psalm 119:136 says, “Rivers of waters run down mine eyes,” conveying deep sorrow over disobedience. Judges 7:12 speaks of enemy camels “without number,” emphasizing their overwhelming multitude.

2 Samuel 1:23 remembers Saul and Jonathan as “swifter than eagles” and “stronger than lions,” highlighting their valor. Psalm 6:6 pictures David’s grief: “I make my bed swim… I drench my couch with my tears.” John 21:25 says the world itself could not contain all the books if everything Jesus did were written—demonstrating the vast scope of His life and works.

Anthropomorphism
Anthropomorphism attributes human features to God to help us understand His actions. In Exodus 33:22–23, God tells Moses that His “hand” will cover him and that Moses will see His “back,” though God is spirit and has no physical body. 1 Peter 3:12 says, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous… His ears are open to their prayers.” These expressions are not literal but convey God’s attentiveness and involvement.

Conclusion
The Bible is full of vivid, expressive language meant to draw us closer to its message. When we learn to recognize and interpret figures of speech—like irony, sarcasm, hyperbole, and anthropomorphism—we begin to read with deeper understanding and richer faith. These tools are not optional for serious Bible students. They are essential.

Sermon Outline — “How to Interpret the Bible: Literal and Figurative Language”

• Why It Matters
  • Misreading the Bible leads to confusion and error.
  • Knowing when a passage is figurative is essential to understanding truth.
• Why Figurative Language Is Used
  • Figures of speech bring clarity to spiritual concepts.
  • Jesus used similes, parables, and metaphors for both revelation and concealment (Matthew 13:10–17).
• Clues That a Passage Is Figurative
  • Impossibilities: “Let the dead bury their dead” (Luke 9:60).
  • Internal contradictions or spiritual parallels (John 11:25–26).
  • Self-interpretation within the context (John 2:19–21).
  • Common sense and symbolic consistency.
• Guidelines for Interpreting Figures of Speech
  • Identify the type: simile, metaphor, parable, hyperbole, etc.
  • Compare with scripture; harmonize meaning.
  • Consider cultural context.
  • Don’t force every detail to have symbolic meaning.
• Examples of Figures of Speech
  • Irony and Sarcasm: Job 12:2, Judges 10:14, 1 Kings 18:27, 1 Corinthians 4.
  • Hyperbole: Psalm 119:136; Judges 7:12; 2 Samuel 1:23; John 21:25.
  • Anthropomorphism: Exodus 33:22–23; 1 Peter 3:12.

Call to Action:
The Bible isn’t a puzzle—it’s a message. But to truly understand it, we must handle it with care and respect, especially when figures of speech are involved. Will you be the kind of student who rightly divides the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15)? Start by asking: “Is this literal, or is God painting a deeper picture?” Let us grow in wisdom, reverence, and discernment—so we can teach others also.