When we say that we take the Bible literally, we do not mean that figurative language is absent from the Bible. However, to interpret figuratively we must find a good reason in the passage to justify doing this.

Some types of writing by their very nature tend to exclude the possibility of figurative language. These include laws, historical writings, and philosophic writings although even these have figurative language where it is sensible. For example, "Martin Luther was like a bull in a china shop." Some literature (poetry, for example) also is figurative in nature.

A good rule for interpretation is, "If the literal sense makes good sense, seek no other sense lest you come up with nonsense." The words of a given text should be interpreted literally if possible. If not possible, one should move to figurative language.

Usually there are clues in the context. Sometimes there will be a definition. For example, when the Book of Revelation speaks of the dragon (Revelation 12:9), the dragon is defined for the reader. Knowing the culture also will help, for the more one knows about the language and thought forms of a particular period, the better chance one will have to determine how to interpret a given passage.

Many have built a straw man out of the teaching of literal interpretation, alleging that we have to take everything in the Bible literally, e.g., "the trees of the field shall clap their hands" (Isaiah 55:12).

The Bible contains definite types of figurative language including metaphor, simile, hyperbole and anthropomorphism.

A metaphor is a comparison by direct statement. In John 15:1 Jesus states, "I am the true vine." This does not mean He is a literal vine, but that He can be compared to one.

A simile is a comparison by use of the words "like" or "as”. Exodus 24:17 states, "The glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the mountain top."

A hyperbole is an exaggeration for emphasis. In John 21:25 we find an example of this: "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books which were written."

Anthropomorphism, which is found particularly in the Old Testament, is attributing to God human characteristics or experiences. This can be seen in statements such as "It repented the Lord that He had made man" (Genesis 6:6 KJV), and "The eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His". (2 Chronicles 16:9 NASB).

However, many statements previously thought to be figurative have, with greater knowledge, proven to be quite literal. Take, for example, the snake eating dust. Research has shown that snakes do eat dust. It helps them to navigate-they "see" through the dust they ingest.

Therefore, figurative language does have a place in Scripture, but only when certain factors indicate that the passage in question is not to be interpreted literally.

ADDITIONAL REFERENCE SOURCES

Bernard Ramm, Protestant Biblical Interpretation, Baker Book House, 3rd rev. ed.,
1970
Milton S. Terry, Biblical Hermeneutics, Zondervan, 1974
A. Berkeley Mickelsen, Interpreting the Bible, Eerdmans, 1963
Samuel J. Schultz and Morris A. Inch, Interpreting the Word of God, Moody Press, 1976