Interpreting the Symbols I. Why is it so important to have strict guidelines for the interpretation of symbols?

There is perhaps no other area that has generated so may wild and strange doctrines as that of the interpretation of symbols. The Bible is a book of symbols, but symbols must be interpreted in the light of all of the other principles of biblical interpretation. Types and symbols must never be seen as the source of doctrine, they should only be used to confirm and support the clear teaching of the Bible.

II. What is a symbol and how does it relate to biblical study? A. There are several definitions of “symbol” that help us to understand the meaning. “A symbol is something such as an object, picture, written word, sound, or particular mark that represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention.” –Wikipedia

“Something chosen to stand for or represent something else, usually because of a resemblance in qualities or characteristics.” –Funk & Wagnalls “An object used to typify a quality, abstract idea, etc. (The oak is a symbol of strength).” –Funk & Wagnalls

B. The interpretation of symbols plays a significant part in biblical study. God often used the language of the symbol to help impart divine truth. The Bible actually implies that God created much of what we see to be symbolic of things that He wanted us to learn and to understand (Rom. 1:18-21).

C. The proper interpretation of any passage of Scripture is only possible when the symbolic language contained in that verse is decoded. Not all Bible verses contain symbolic language. However, when symbolic language does occur, it must be interpreted in order to understand the full meaning or intent of the passage.

III. What are the primary categories of symbols that are used in the Bible? There are seven primary categories of symbols that are used in the Bible— symbolic objects, creatures, actions, numbers, names, colors and places.

A. Symbolic Objects In the Scripture, God often used inanimate objects (whether God-created or man created) as symbols. Examples: Psalm 18:2; Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 18:10; Hosea 7:8; I Corinthians 5:6-8

B. Symbolic Creatures In the Scripture, God often used living creatures, whether plants or animals as symbols. Examples: Hosea 7:11; Luke 13:32; I Peter 1:24; John 1:29; Matthew 3:7

C. Symbolic Actions In the Scripture, God often used, prescribed or recorded actions that are meant to be symbolic in nature. Examples: Joshua 1:3; Psalm 141:2; Ezekiel 4:4-13; Acts 21:11

D. Symbolic Numbers In the Scripture, God often attributed symbolic significance to certain numbers.

“Some numbers seem to suggest certain concepts because they are frequently used in association with the concept (e.g., six is often associated with evil, Rev. 13:18; Dan. 3:1; seven is often associated with perfection, Gen. 2:2-3; Rev. 1:12; 4:5; 5:1; 8:1; 15:1; 16:1; forty is often associated with testing as in Moses’ forty years in Midian, Israel’s forty years in the wilderness, Jesus’ forty days of temptation)… “Some numbers seem to suggest certain concepts because they are frequently used in association with the concept (e.g., six is often associated with evil, Rev. 13:18; Dan. 3:1; seven is often associated with perfection, Gen. 2:2-3; Rev. 1:12; 4:5; 5:1; 8:1; 15:1; 16:1; forty is often associated with testing as in Moses’ forty years in Midian, Israel’s forty years in the wilderness, Jesus’ forty days of temptation)…

However, this kind of association is no basis for making the numbers mean something other than their normal, literal meaning. Though the length of Jesus’ temptation is associated with the concept of testing, He was tempted for forty literal days.” –Dr. Stephen R. Lewis, Hermeneutics, pg. 110 However, this kind of association is no basis for making the numbers mean something other than their normal, literal meaning. Though the length of Jesus’ temptation is associated with the concept of testing, He was tempted for forty literal days.” –Dr. Stephen R. Lewis, Hermeneutics, pg. 110 Examples: Matthew 18:21-22; Matthew 19:28; Revelation 13:18

E. Symbolic Names In the Scripture, God often used names to be symbolic of individuals or nations. In Scripture a name is often significant of the nature, character, experience or function of a person. Examples: Genesis 25:25-26; I Samuel 4:21; I Samuel 25:25; Matthew 16:18

The name “Peter” comes from “petros” which means “a rock, a piece of a rock or a pebble.” The characteristic of a pebble is that is can be moved or picked up for the purpose of throwing. The rock on which the church is built is “petra” which means “a large, massive rock, a cliff or a ledge.” The rest of the New Testament tells us that the “petra” is Christ (I Cor. 10:4). The characteristic if this “rock” is that it is firm, solid and immovable.

F. Symbolic Colors In the Scripture, God often attributed symbolic significance to colors. Examples: Isaiah 1:18; John 19:2-3; Revelation 3:4-5

G. Symbolic Places In the Scripture, God often attributed symbolic significance to places. Most of the time these places were actual localities, but they came to mean something well beyond the natural locality. Examples: Genesis 11:9; Hebrew 12:22; Revelation 17:4-6; Revelation 21:10

IV. What are some important guidelines to remember when interpreting symbols? A symbol is a tool that utilizes a visible, concrete object to represent something that is more intangible and abstract. When dealing with symbols follow these guidelines.

A. Be sure that the passage or word in question warrants a symbolic interpretation. The literal sense should always be understood to be the right sense unless… 1. Another verse of Scripture clearly interprets the sense symbolically. 2. The literal sense makes no sense at all.

B. Acknowledge the three fundamental elements of symbolism (Conner/Malmin, pg ). 1. The significance of the symbol is based upon the literal nature and characteristics of that which is being used as a symbol. 2. A symbol is meant to represent something essentially different from itself.

3. The link between that which is used as a symbol and that which it symbolizes is the characteristic common to both.

C. Separate the three parts of the symbolic reference. 1. The object or the actual symbol employed 2. The subject or that to which the symbol refers 3. The meaning, the connection, the resemblance or the common characteristics of the two

D. Determine the boundaries of the symbolic comparison. As a rule the Scripture will interpret itself (Rev. 1:20). The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.

Be sure to understand the limitations of the symbol based on other verses that confirm the comparison.

E. Be sure that the interpretation of the symbol is consistent with the other principles of interpretation especially the context principle. F. Keep in mind that some symbols are used of more than one thing.