Pastor Luther Walker discusses the Greek verb allegoreo (ἀλληγορέω), meaning “to speak allegorically” or “to speak otherwise,” derived from roots implying “other” and “to speak publicly.” This term appears only once in the New Testament, in Galatians 4:24, where Paul uses it to describe the story of Hagar and Sarah as an allegory representing two covenants: one from Mount Sinai (law, bondage, Hagar) and the other of promise (grace, freedom, Sarah).
An allegory conveys dual meaning—literal and symbolic—and is often used for abstract or philosophical ideas through extended correspondences in a story. Paul employs it legitimately here as a figure of speech to illustrate theological truths without negating the historical reality of the events.
Walker contrasts allegory with related concepts:
Metaphor: A figure of speech transferring qualities (e.g., Jesus as “the bread of life” in John 6:35, sustaining eternal life like bread sustains physical life). The term “metaphor” isn’t in Scripture, but the concept is.
Typology: Historical persons, events, or institutions prefigure future realities (antitypes), retaining literal truth in both. Example: Adam as a type of Christ (the last Adam) in Romans 5:14 and 1 Corinthians 15:45–47, where the first Adam brings death as a living soul, and Christ as life-giving spirit redeems those in Him.
Symbolism: Words or expressions standing for something else (from Greek “symbolon,” meaning “casting together”). Symbols suggest identity or agreement and are suggestive rather than structured.
Allegory is deliberate, extended, and structured, unlike metaphors (comparison), typology (historical correspondence), or symbols (suggestive representation).
Walker warns that while allegory is a valid literary device, imposing allegorization on Scripture for interpretation is dangerous and inappropriate. Many modern doctrines from professing Christians rely on reinterpreting texts allegorically, disregarding historical, contextual, and covenantal distinctions. This leads to false teachings, such as applying Old Testament covenants to the church, making the church “spiritual Israel,” or using numerology/mysticism in the Old Testament. False teachers often allegorize prophecy (e.g., in Revelation) or Old Testament passages to make them seem relevant today, ignoring literal meaning.
Scripture should be taken literally where it states facts or truths plainly—there is no hidden spiritual mystery behind every text. Allegory belongs as a figure of speech in the text (as Paul uses it), not as a method to impose new meanings or manipulate Scripture, similar to ignoring instructions when repairing something.