One of the most fundamental guidelines for properly understanding the Bible is known as the “literal principle.” We should read and understand the Bible literally.

The Literal Principle is just one of a set of established rules for solid and faithful interpretation of Scripture. These recognized interpretation rules are also known as “principles of biblical hermeneutics.”  (The post What is Inductive Bible Study? and this post “The 4 R Bible Study Method for Everyday Use” will point you toward a simple Bible study method that follows the proper interpretation guidelines.)

Why is the Literal Principle important? The biblical authors wrote in the language of their day using common grammatical rules so that others could easily read and understand. Their purpose was to correctly communicate God’s Word. Therefore, they wrote to be clear, not cryptic. That means we can – and must – take the Bible at face value. When we read we should look for the plain, literal, and most obvious meaning.

In his book Inductive Bible Study: A Trusted Guide to Understanding and Applying the Word of God, author Kenneth Acha wrote: “When the plain sense of a text makes common sense, we should seek no other sense.” (I’m reading this book right now!)

Looking for hidden meanings, allegories, or figurative understanding will almost always get us off track. Yet, many people fall into this trap. Failure to read the Bible literally results in “meanings” that shift, change, and sound good to the individual. But this approach misses God’s one, eternal, original meaning. I’ve often heard it said, “The Bible can never mean what it never meant.”

Are there times when we shouldn’t read the Bible literally?

What about intentional figurative language? Yes, there is plenty of figurative language in the Bible. But even when the authors use figurative or “non-literal” language, they intend to communicate literal meaning. In their book Inductive Bible Study, authors Richard Alan Fuhr Jr. and Adreas J. Kostenberger explains: “So the literal principle acknowledges rhetorical imagery and figurative language but understands that these are based in literal intent.” 

Some literary genres like poetry and prophecy are filled with figurative language, but it is obvious. Most importantly, the meaning behind the figurative language is still literal. We expect figurative language in these genres and account for it.

Let’s take a quick look at Psalm 91:4. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge.

The psalmist used a bird metaphor to help us understand a truth about God. We clearly recognize the psalmist did NOT mean God has wings. Instead, like a mother bird protects her young, God also protects and cares for His children.

3 Things to Consider:

The Literal Principle is just one of other principles to consider when we seek to interpret the meaning of a Bible passage. When we reflect on our observations to determine God’s one original meaning, we must keep the Literal Principle in balance with the other rules of interpretation. Here are a few to keep in mind:

  1. Literary Context – This component of the larger “Contextual Principle” reminds us to keep any verse or passage we study within the context of what precedes and follows it. Taking a passage out of its surrounding context is one of the most common ways of misunderstanding a Bible passage or verse. The surrounding context can more clearly show if there is any figurative language/meaning in the smaller passage we’re considering. (Also see “How Literary Context Helps You Understand the Bible.”)
  2. Literary Genre – The Bible is literature and each of its 66 books is a particular style of literature. There is roughly eight types of literature in the Bible. Each type has its own rules for understanding. Some genres – like wisdom and poetry – do use figurative language. But as stated above, this is obvious and still conveys literal meaning. (Also see “Quick Tips for Handling 8 Different Literary Genres.”)
  3. Obvious Figurative Language – Sometimes the biblical authors intentionally use figures of speech and rhetorical devices. But generally, these are quite obvious. We don’t have to look for them. For instance, Jesus often used figures of speech like metaphors and hyperboles.

If you’d like to learn more about Inductive Bible Study, consider my “Complete Guide to Inductive Bible Study.” This PDF is packed with all the tools and guidance you need to get started in simple, but solid Bible study. It’s a great value for just $15. Another great resource from the Bible Project is the video: How to Understand Poetic Metaphor in the Bible.

What about you? Have you fallen into the “figurative” trap when it comes to interpreting Scripture?

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