Is everything in the bible literal?

[Babylove]

Is everything in the bible supposed to be literal, or are some things supposed to be figurative? How do we know what is to be taken as literal or not? For example, was the bible supposed to be literal when stating that God created everything in six days? If not, then how do we know that? Also, if not, then is the story of Adam and Eve supposed to be literal? If the story of six days of creation and one day of rest is not supposed to be literal, but the story of Adam and Eve is, how can we determine that the story of Adam and Eve really is literal? How about the world-wide flood? How do we know if that was supposed to literally be a flood that covered the entire earth and really killed all land life aside from Noah, his family, and the animals on the ark? How about Revelations? Is what is described there supposed to be a literal account of what will happen, or not? If everything else in the bible is to be taken as literal except Revelations, why would Revelations be the only figurative book in the entire bible?

Does anyone know what stories in the bible are supposed to be literal, and what ones are supposed to be figurative? How do you know this? Can you please let me know how you are sure that some stories are literal and some are figurative?

Thank you

[apothanein kerdos]

Is everything in the bible supposed to be literal, or are some things supposed to be figurative? How do we know what is to be taken as literal or not? For example, was the bible supposed to be literal when stating that God created everything in six days? If not, then how do we know that? Also, if not, then is the story of Adam and Eve supposed to be literal? If the story of six days of creation and one day of rest is not supposed to be literal, but the story of Adam and Eve is, how can we determine that the story of Adam and Eve really is literal? How about the world-wide flood? How do we know if that was supposed to literally be a flood that covered the entire earth and really killed all land life aside from Noah, his family, and the animals on the ark? How about Revelations? Is what is described there supposed to be a literal account of what will happen, or not? If everything else in the bible is to be taken as literal except Revelations, why would Revelations be the only figurative book in the entire bible?

Does anyone know what stories in the bible are supposed to be literal, and what ones are supposed to be figurative? How do you know this? Can you please let me know how you are sure that some stories are literal and some are figurative?

Thank you

There's a lot of debate over determining what is literal and what is not.

Sometimes the most obvious methods are looking at the writing style. Poetry, prose, and things of that nature should not be taken too literal. There is theology within the writings, but we should never take what is said at face value.

[Tubal-Cain]

If you ask the following questions before reading a book/passage of the Bible you will be in a good position to understand things correctly:

1 - Who wrote the book/passage and why did they write it?

2 - Who was the original audience?

3 - In what socio-historical context was the book/passage written and read?

4 - What is the genre of the book/passage?

5 - What meaning did the author intend to convey? How would the original audience have understood the writing?

#5 is what truly matters. If you can answer that correctly then you can say you understand that book/passage. #1-4 merely help you answer #5. Since different passages/books will have different answers to those questions it is perfectly reasonable to expect different parts of the Bible to be interpreted differently.

[MeCajunboy]

Is everything in the bible supposed to be literal, or are some things supposed to be figurative? How do we know what is to be taken as literal or not? For example, was the bible supposed to be literal when stating that God created everything in six days? If not, then how do we know that? Also, if not, then is the story of Adam and Eve supposed to be literal? If the story of six days of creation and one day of rest is not supposed to be literal, but the story of Adam and Eve is, how can we determine that the story of Adam and Eve really is literal? How about the world-wide flood? How do we know if that was supposed to literally be a flood that covered the entire earth and really killed all land life aside from Noah, his family, and the animals on the ark? How about Revelations? Is what is described there supposed to be a literal account of what will happen, or not? If everything else in the bible is to be taken as literal except Revelations, why would Revelations be the only figurative book in the entire bible?

Does anyone know what stories in the bible are supposed to be literal, and what ones are supposed to be figurative? How do you know this? Can you please let me know how you are sure that some stories are literal and some are figurative?

Thank you

There's a lot of debate over determining what is literal and what is not.

Sometimes the most obvious methods are looking at the writing style. Poetry, prose, and things of that nature should not be taken too literal. There is theology within the writings, but we should never take what is said at face value.

Cajunboy:::: Please explain, "face value" and to what you apply this approach to?? I have to disagree somewhat to your explanations' vagueness. Simply put, if I believe much of the writing apply to me for any reason, I adhere to it or take it in. I cannot dismiss it or will not disreguard it as being "too literal" as I believe that most of the writings apply to someone SOMEWHERE! Or some part of a scripture/verse may merely be a learning less as in "Psalms" as to how and who to love and how to properly use the "passion" we are gifted with in our present day lives. However, I do understand fully what you refer to when you reference "theology" as it appears clear that we are learning time lines and cultures as they change in reference to ours! But I would be hestiant to dispel or assume that much of the Bible writings are not designed as a learning/observing tool that much of the time mirrors our own lives. The only things that change in the process is the people and names. But many situations, when well observed can aid most of us, since none of us here on earth, are without since as well. And that's one thing that we have shared since the beginning of time.....God's time!

Cajunboy

[AndrewA]

People who are Spiritually dead and those who practice religion, will love to argue these things over and over, quite simply because they do not have the Holy Spirit within them, everything has to be proved and argued in a scientific and intellectual way, quite often this is where man becomes derailed as leaving God and Faith out of the equation results in wrong conclusions.

It is quite obvious which are real events, those you speak of , 6 day creation, the flood etc, all happened, The Bible tells things straight and to the point. Some places, especially when the prophets are speaking of their visions etc, then yes it can get a bit weird and these are obviously metaphorical, a person living 4,000 years in the past trying to describe modern world we live in today etc. the Parables are stories Jesus told, it is obvious that Jesus is telling them. It really isn

[Smalcald]

We do need to keep in mind that the bible is not random, it is given to all of us, it was written for all believers for all time, it is written to us personally, not just to those who lived during that time.

As far as being literal or figurative, I think the bible itself usually answers that question for us. For example, when Jesus used parables we all know and Jesus points out, this is a parable. Thus we don't gouge our eyes out if we look at someone in a lustful way. However when Mary say's that Christ is risen that the stone is rolled out of the way and the Body is gone, when Christ has Thomas feel His wounds, this is all literal and obviously so, it is told as an eyewitness account.

I honestly think that in general it is pretty self-explanatory.

The major exception to this is the Book of Revelation; thus we all argue a whole bunch about that book. The book itself we know is the description of a vision or dream that John had. But we must tackle it because God wanted us to have that book.

For me, my rule of thumb is that it is literal unless it is obviously otherwise, this is the safest way to read the bible.

[Vickilynn]

Is everything in the bible supposed to be literal, or are some things supposed to be figurative? How do we know what is to be taken as literal or not? For example, was the bible supposed to be literal when stating that God created everything in six days? If not, then how do we know that? Also, if not, then is the story of Adam and Eve supposed to be literal? If the story of six days of creation and one day of rest is not supposed to be literal, but the story of Adam and Eve is, how can we determine that the story of Adam and Eve really is literal? How about the world-wide flood? How do we know if that was supposed to literally be a flood that covered the entire earth and really killed all land life aside from Noah, his family, and the animals on the ark? How about Revelations? Is what is described there supposed to be a literal account of what will happen, or not? If everything else in the bible is to be taken as literal except Revelations, why would Revelations be the only figurative book in the entire bible?

Does anyone know what stories in the bible are supposed to be literal, and what ones are supposed to be figurative? How do you know this? Can you please let me know how you are sure that some stories are literal and some are figurative?

Thank you

Shalom Babylove,

Great question!!!

I agree with Smalcald's post:

We do need to keep in mind that the bible is not random, it is given to all of us, it was written for all believers for all time, it is written to us personally, not just to those who lived during that time.

Exactly! The Bible and G-d's truths are applicable to US today and in every situation.

For me, my rule of thumb is that it is literal unless it is obviously otherwise, this is the safest way to read the bible.

AMEN! Same here.

The Word also says of itself:

Hebrews 4

12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

[Leonard]

The best rule, very briefly put, is this: Take the Bible literally everywhere it CAN be taken literally. Where you cannot take it literally, look for the TRUTH back of the symbol.

[Guest]

"Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:"

2 Peter 3:3-6

Dear Sister

I Believe The Bible Is God's Literal Word To Mankind.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2 Timothy 3:16

I Believe The Bible Is Holy And True.

For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.

They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.

Psalms 119:89-91

God's Word Is As Valid For My Walk Today As It Was For Adam, Noah, Abraham, David, Paul And All Children Of Faith.

Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psalms 119:104-105

Should The Lord Tarry, The Bible Will Be As Fresh And As Valid Tomorrow As It Was The Day It Was Given.

The Bible Will Still Be God's Truth For The Folks Born One Hundred Or One Thousand Years From Today.

The Holy Bible Will Still Be.

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

Luke 21:33

God Does Not Lie.

Satan Lies.

Men Lie.

Beware!

Where the language is poetic and talking about subjects like the Nature of God, I believe it is an understatement of an aspect of God's Nature rather than an exaggeration.

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Psalms 91:4

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

Luke 12:4-9

Dear sister

Please do not let any man steal your priceless Bible from you.

Let The Spirit of The Living God teach you from The Written Word of God.

Jesus paid far too much and you are far too precious for you to lose Master's Love Notes.

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Psalms 119:11

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

Be Blessed

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.

Numbers 6:24-27

Love, Your Brother Joe

[apothanein kerdos]

Please explain, "face value" and to what you apply this approach to??

In other words, we read in Revelation how the Lamb will have a Sword coming out of His mouth. Does this mean that Jesus will literally look like a lamb with a sword coming out of His mouth? Reading it at "face value" would mean we do.