The allegorical interpretation of the Holy Bible
His Holiness Pope Shenouda explains the existence of two basic schools of Biblical interpretation: the literal school and the symbolic school, and affirms that some Biblical texts can only be understood through symbolic interpretation.
Practical examples of the necessity of symbolic interpretation: He addresses clear examples: the sacrifices and burnt offerings in the Old Testament symbolize the Lord Christ and his mysteries (Passover, sin offering, peace offering), and matters of purifications and uncleanness (leprosy, the issue of the flow, the dead, clean and unclean animals) are only understood by their symbols.
Poetic texts and prophecies: The Song of Songs, Ezekiel and Revelation are examples that cannot be taken literally; many of their images are linguistic and symbolic and need spiritual explanation.
Symbols in nature and materials: The vine symbolizes Christ and the Church, oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit and anointing, and water symbolizes purification and baptism and the living water for the grace of the Holy Spirit. Also trees, stars, light and stones all carry symbolic meanings.
Examples of verbal and behavioral symbols: Fire sometimes symbolizes the Holy Spirit or the word of God or holy zeal; the sword symbolizes spiritual struggle or suffering, not a physical weapon. Bread, leaven and unleavened loaves symbolize good or evil according to context.
The importance of numerical symbols: The number 7 symbolizes completeness, 8 a new beginning and the resurrection, 6 completion of work, 5 symbolizes man (senses and limbs), and 3 symbolizes perfection and being. Numbers open deep horizons for understanding texts.
Limits and errors of symbolic interpretation: He warns against exaggeration or annulment: some fathers (Origen) exaggerated and turned everything into a symbol, and some movements (certain Protestants) canceled many New Testament realities assuming they were “mere symbols.” The need is to distinguish when a word is literal and when it is symbolic.
Conclusive pastoral-educational note: The Pope encourages a balanced interpretive approach that opens spiritual and rich meaning of Scripture, urging the student and the priest to know when to take the sense literally and when spiritually, so that the Christian and sacramental life may flourish.
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