Introduction to Symbolic Interpretation: His Holiness Pope Shenouda explained that there are two main schools of biblical interpretation: the literal school, represented by St. Basil the Great, and the symbolic school, represented by Origen and St. Augustine. He emphasized that some parts of Scripture cannot be understood except through symbolic meaning, which reveals deeper spiritual truths.
Examples of Symbolic Interpretation:
Sacrifices and burnt offerings in the Old Testament symbolize the one perfect sacrifice of Christ.
Purity laws and cleansing rituals symbolize sin and repentance.
The Song of Songs is symbolic of the soul’s relationship with Christ.
Ezekiel and Revelation are filled with symbols like the four living creatures (lion, ox, man, and eagle).
Natural Symbols:
The vine symbolizes Christ, the Church, and the Virgin Mary.
Olive oil and the olive tree symbolize the Holy Spirit and the Church.
Water symbolizes purification, baptism, and the Holy Spirit.
Fire and the sword symbolize holy zeal and spiritual struggle, not violence.
The stone symbolizes Christ the Cornerstone, and believers as living stones.
Numerical Symbols: His Holiness explained that numbers in Scripture hold spiritual meanings:
3 – fullness of being (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
5 – humanity (five senses).
6 – completion of work.
7 – spiritual perfection.
8 – new beginning, resurrection, eternal life.
Symbols in People and Events:
Moses’ marriage to the Cushite woman symbolizes the acceptance of the Gentiles.
The Queen of Sheba represents the Gentiles who believed in Christ.
Distinguishing Symbol from Reality: The Pope warned against exaggeration in symbolism, as some thinkers like Origen or certain Protestant groups did, while others denied symbolism entirely. The Orthodox understanding keeps balance—recognizing both reality and symbol. For example:
Priesthood, incense, and lamps are not mere symbols but real spiritual acts.
The Sabbath symbolizes rest, fulfilled in Sunday, the day of Christ’s resurrection.
Final Message: Symbolic interpretation opens the depths of Scripture, transforming the text from an outer shell into an inner fruit of divine truth. Those who grasp the symbols experience the richness of faith and understand God’s love in every word of the Bible.
“For better translation support, please contact the center.”
Symbolic interpretation of the Bible
Introduction to Symbolic Interpretation:
His Holiness Pope Shenouda explained that there are two main schools of biblical interpretation: the literal school, represented by St. Basil the Great, and the symbolic school, represented by Origen and St. Augustine. He emphasized that some parts of Scripture cannot be understood except through symbolic meaning, which reveals deeper spiritual truths.
Examples of Symbolic Interpretation:
Sacrifices and burnt offerings in the Old Testament symbolize the one perfect sacrifice of Christ.
Purity laws and cleansing rituals symbolize sin and repentance.
The Song of Songs is symbolic of the soul’s relationship with Christ.
Ezekiel and Revelation are filled with symbols like the four living creatures (lion, ox, man, and eagle).
Natural Symbols:
The vine symbolizes Christ, the Church, and the Virgin Mary.
Olive oil and the olive tree symbolize the Holy Spirit and the Church.
Water symbolizes purification, baptism, and the Holy Spirit.
Fire and the sword symbolize holy zeal and spiritual struggle, not violence.
The stone symbolizes Christ the Cornerstone, and believers as living stones.
Numerical Symbols:
His Holiness explained that numbers in Scripture hold spiritual meanings:
3 – fullness of being (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
5 – humanity (five senses).
6 – completion of work.
7 – spiritual perfection.
8 – new beginning, resurrection, eternal life.
Symbols in People and Events:
Moses’ marriage to the Cushite woman symbolizes the acceptance of the Gentiles.
The Queen of Sheba represents the Gentiles who believed in Christ.
Distinguishing Symbol from Reality:
The Pope warned against exaggeration in symbolism, as some thinkers like Origen or certain Protestant groups did, while others denied symbolism entirely. The Orthodox understanding keeps balance—recognizing both reality and symbol.
For example:
Priesthood, incense, and lamps are not mere symbols but real spiritual acts.
The Sabbath symbolizes rest, fulfilled in Sunday, the day of Christ’s resurrection.
Final Message:
Symbolic interpretation opens the depths of Scripture, transforming the text from an outer shell into an inner fruit of divine truth. Those who grasp the symbols experience the richness of faith and understand God’s love in every word of the Bible.
“For better translation support, please contact the center.”