Daily Journal: 1 July

Biblical Symbolism

Symbolism is an important way for humanity to draw out meaning-making and identity. Symbols can reveal spiritual meaning. Biblical allegory and metaphors are full of symbolism and form the substance of the Christian’s worldview.

The bible is rich in symbolism. There is deeper meaning layering linguistical usage, embedded in ancient culture and practises, formed around the person of God and His Kingdom principles.

Revelation 22:17 (ESV)

And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

Symbolic language is like a code. Understand the code and you can understand a wealth of hidden meaning.

Some symbols in the bible include mountains, valleys, the rainbow, crowns, the horn, the cross, blood, water, fire, oil, light, darkness, trees, the vine, the branches, seed, soil, fruit, colour, numbers, the rod and staff of a shepherd, and various animals. There is a vast amount more.

When biblical symbolism is misconstrued or used for inauthentic purposes, it is twisted deceptively. The rainbow is an example which began with God’s promise in the bible of goodness to the world but the world today has used it in an objectionable way to God, celebrating its rebellion against God.

The power of symbolism in the world is used prolifically but many fail to recognise its meanings and relevancy of its placements. Leviticus and Deuteronomy warns against tolerating the uses and practises of ungodly customs by God's people and, specifically, calls out idolatry.

Leviticus 26:1 (GWT)

The Lord continued, “Never make worthless idols or set up a carved statue or a sacred stone for yourselves. Never cut figures in stone to worship them in your country, because I am the Lord your God.

The power of symbolism in the bible is relevant because it helps us to grasp the ultimate power of Jesus Christ and the image we see of the Father. For the symbolism in the bible to have genuine relevancy, Jesus Christ must first be the cornerstone of a person’s life. This gives us our direction and shapes our hope for life.

The question about symbolism becomes, where is the source from, what is its original purpose and how do we understand it, accept it, or use it? We need to know and appropriate symbolism correctly.

Jesus spoke in symbols to help people understand His message. To those who don’t know God, it becomes a veil.