Should We Take Scripture Literally?

Article by Michael Goforth II:  

In my own approach to Scripture, I would categorize myself as consistently literal. While the Bible certainly contains allegory (including symbols, figures of speech, and parables), a consistently literal approach to Scripture would use the context of each passage to determine whether or not it should be interpreted as allegory.

For example, in many of Jesus’ parables He uses allegories to explain truth, but the text itself clearly shows this is the case. This is especially obvious when Christ Himself explains the meaning behind the parable. (Mark 4:13-20) A literal approach to interpretation allows the text itself to control what is being said, rather than a reader looking for hidden messages behind every verse. 

What exactly is a consistently literal approach to Scriptural interpretation? This is an approach that seeks to find the plain or normal meaning of the text being studied. Baker’s Dictionary of Practical Theology defines the approach this way, ""Literal" interpretation means the understanding which any person of normal intelligence would get, without any special spiritual gifts and without any “code” or "key.""[1] 

This is in contrast to allegorizing which can be defined as, “searching for a hidden or a secret meaning underlying but remote from and unrelated in reality to the more obvious meaning of a text.” [2] This latter approach can quickly lead to inconsistency in interpretation and the forfeiture of objectivity. This would not be, “rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) 

A key passage that deals with the doctrine of Scripture is 2 Timothy 3:16-17 where the Apostle Paul says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” This passage not only affirms the inspiration of Scripture, it also affirms that Scripture is profitable. In other words, God intends to communicate truth to us that we can understand and benefit from.

However, in order for someone to benefit from truth, they have to be able to understand it. If every verse has some hidden meaning behind it, there will be confusion and a lack of understanding. Charles Ryrie argues, “The purpose of language itself seems to require literal interpretation. That is, God gave man language for the purpose of being able to communicate with him.” [3]

If Scripture is interpreted allegorically, who determines what it is actually saying?  A situation like this reminds me of the time of the Judges where, "every man did that which was right in his own eyes." (Judges 17:6)

In conclusion, I would agree with John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue who say, “Proper hermeneutics are the interpretive rules applied by exegesis in order to find the single meaning God intended to convey in the text. By employing the hermeneutical principles of literal, grammatical-historical interpretation, the student can understand this meaning.” [4]

The moment we move into an allegorical interpretation of Scripture, we walk away from the clear meaning and invite distortion and confusion into our hermeneutics.

 


NOTES

[1] William Sanford LaSor, "Interpretation of Prophecy," ed. Ralph G. Turnbull, Baker's Dictionary of Practical Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1967), 130.
[2] Roy B. Zuck, Basic Bible Interpretation: A Practical Guide to Discovering Biblical Truth, ed. Craig Bubeck Sr. (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 1991), 29.
[3] Charles Caldwell Ryrie, Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth (Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1999), 128.
[4] John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue, eds., Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2017), 134.