Allegorical interpretation seeks to uncover deeper, often symbolic or spiritual meanings within a text, beyond its plain, historical sense. Allegory assigns a figurative meaning to people, events, or objects in Scripture, interpreting them as representing spiritual truths or heavenly realities.
For example, in the allegorical reading of the Song of Solomon, the love between the bride and groom is often understood as representing the love between Christ and His Church.
Allegorizing vs. Spiritualizing: Clarifying the Terms
Allegorizing
Allegorical interpretation seeks deeper, symbolic meanings in the text, often with clear precedent or warrant from Scripture itself.
For example, when Paul interprets Hagar and Sarah as representing two covenants (Galatians 4:21–31), he explicitly names his approach as allegory, using it to illuminate redemptive truths already present in the narrative.
Allegorizing is legitimate when:
- It is modeled by the inspired writers of Scripture.
- It reveals Christ and the gospel in harmony with the whole counsel of God.
Spiritualizing
Spiritualizing often refers to assigning a spiritual meaning to a text without any explicit or implicit warrant from the text or its context. It can involve disregarding the historical and grammatical sense of Scripture in favor of speculative or subjective interpretations.
For example, if someone reads the detailed measurements of the temple in Ezekiel and claims they symbolize specific eras in church history without textual basis, they are likely spiritualizing inappropriately.
Spiritualizing is problematic because:
- It risks imposing human imagination on the text rather than drawing out the Spirit-intended meaning.
- It often neglects the plain, historical sense of the passage.
Why the Overlap?
The confusion arises because allegorizing and spiritualizing both deal with meanings beyond the literal sense. However, their difference lies in method and warrant. Allegorizing can be Spirit-guided and legitimate, while spiritualizing often veers into speculation.
The New Testament interprets some Old Testament passages in a spiritual or Christological way, but these are always Spirit-inspired and consistent with redemptive history.
Is Allegorical Interpretation Appropriate and Legitimate?
Allegorical interpretation can be appropriate when Scripture itself invites or models such an approach.
For example, the New Testament often interprets the Old Testament in ways that go beyond the plain historical meaning, showing how the Old Testament points to Christ.
However, allegory must be handled with care to avoid unwarranted or fanciful readings. The Reformers, especially John Calvin, were critical of excessive allegorization that strayed from the text’s plain meaning. Instead, they emphasized the importance of letting Scripture interpret Scripture, allowing the Spirit-inspired writers of the New Testament to guide our understanding of how the Old Testament reveals Christ.
Does the New Testament Interpret the Old Testament Allegorically?
Yes, the New Testament sometimes interprets the Old Testament allegorically or spiritually, though not arbitrarily. Here are examples:
Paul’s Allegory of Hagar and Sarah (Galatians 4:21–31)
Paul explicitly describes the story of Abraham’s two wives as an allegory, representing two covenants: the old covenant and the new covenant of grace.
Christ as the True Temple
Jesus declares, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). John clarifies that Jesus was speaking of His body, not the physical temple, interpreting the temple spiritually as a type of Christ.
The Passover Lamb
Paul identifies Christ as our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). While the Passover was a historical event, Paul interprets it spiritually as pointing to Christ’s sacrifice.
Israel in the Wilderness
Paul interprets the events in the wilderness as typological and spiritual. He says, “These things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction” (1 Corinthians 10:11). He also describes the rock that provided water as Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4).
Melchizedek and Christ
The author of Hebrews interprets Melchizedek’s priesthood as a type of Christ’s eternal priesthood (Hebrews 7). Melchizedek’s lack of genealogy is understood spiritually to prefigure Christ’s eternal nature.
Conclusion
Allegorical interpretation is appropriate and legitimate when it aligns with the broader narrative of Scripture and has clear biblical warrant. Spiritualizing, on the other hand, becomes dangerous when it divorces itself from the historical and grammatical sense of the text, leading to subjective or unfounded conclusions. The New Testament models how to interpret Scripture in a way that sees Christ as the fulfillment without abandoning the text’s intended meaning.
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