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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | symbolic/literal scriptures? | Jer 32:35 | Beja | 227521 | ||
Julia, Writing is very flexible. Something literal is taken at face value. A flower is a plant. This is literal, I'm not using fancy language to paint some picture for you. On the other hand I could give you a very similiar sentence, "Judah is a lion." And what I certainly do not mean is that Judah is a large hunting cat. I am not saying something literal. I'm attributing certain qualities of a lion to judah whether it be the ferocity, the preditory nature, or the majestic aspects of the creature. In scripture we sometime see very dramatic symbolism. In Zechariah chapter 5 we see a vision of a giant 30 foot long scroll flying through the air. The author does not meant for this to be taken as a prophecy of a literal giant scroll that will one day fly over the world. Rather he menas for it to be symbolic of something. In this case it symbolizes the words of the Lord that will be pronounced in a curse over the world. Now, one of the surest indicators of when symbolism is being used is what type of genre you are reading. There is poetry, history, apocalyptic literature, parables, didactic teaching. This may sound intimidating but give it a little thought. Where do you suspect symbolism? In history? Probably not. It is attempting to give an account of the past. However in apocalypic literature symbolism is used extensively. Revelations, Zechariah, and Daniel all have many examples of symbolism. Beasts that represent nations in reality. Trees that represent a kingdom, and on it goes. Now, to apply this to our current discussion, we have hell displayed as an eternal place of torment in a variety genres, apocalyptic, parables, and straightforward teaching. The suggestion that it is all symbolism in every case would be extremely doubtful. However, when they suggest that hell is symbolic, what they mean is that it is only speech that really means something else. For example it simply means to be a symbol of how God's wrath is really displayed at the end. I hope this helps. In Christ, Beja |
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2 | symbolic/literal scriptures? | Jer 32:35 | julcol87 | 227523 | ||
I understand what your talking about now, and I guess overtime I'll be able to tell right away, what scripture is symbolic and what is literal. I understand symbolic pretty clearly about the 30 ft scroll. So literal would be versus such as these: Mathew 25:41, 13:41-42 2 peter 3:7 If I'm understanding it correctly.. Thanks |
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3 | symbolic/literal scriptures? | Jer 32:35 | Beja | 227532 | ||
Julia, Absolutely. I think those are fine examples of passages where there was full intent that the words be taken literally. In addition, you'll neve reach a point where it is all just obvious. You will have some passages which are obviously literal and you will have some that are obviously symbolic. However, there will always be some that we must work hard in order to see how the author intended his words to be understood. Though God's word is worth such diligent study. And my God cause you to prosper in knowing His word and may you be diligent to grow in it. Let nobody despise the day of small things, though let us not be content to stay there. In Christ, Beja |
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