1. The Literal Meaning as the Plain, Normal Sense
The literal interpretation of Scripture means understanding words in their ordinary, grammatical sense, unless the context clearly indicates a figure of speech. When the Bible says that God created the heavens and the earth in six days, the literal meaning is six actual days. When it says that Christ rose from the dead on the third day, the literal meaning is a physical, bodily resurrection. The literal method does not ignore figures of speech such as parables, metaphors, and similes. It recognizes them for what they are—figurative language used to communicate literal truth. The consistent testimony of Scripture is that words mean what they say.
2. Jesus and the Apostles Interpreted Scripture Literally
When Jesus was tempted by Satan, He answered every temptation by quoting Deuteronomy, taking the words in their plain, literal meaning. He said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone.'" He did not spiritualize the text. When Jesus referred to Jonah being in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights, He treated it as literal history. When He spoke of the flood in the days of Noah, He treated it as a literal event. The apostles likewise interpreted the Old Testament literally, understanding the prophecies of Christ's birth, death, and resurrection as literal fulfillments of literal predictions.
3. The Historical Context Must Be Considered
Every book of the Bible was written to a specific audience in a specific historical setting. To interpret literally, the reader must understand who wrote the book, to whom it was written, and under what circumstances. Paul wrote to the Corinthians about issues specific to that church. Moses wrote to Israel in the wilderness. The prophets spoke to Israel and Judah before, during, and after the exile. Ignoring the historical context leads to misinterpretation. The literal method requires the reader to understand the original situation, then apply the timeless principles to today.
4. The Grammatical Structure of the Original Languages
The literal method pays close attention to the grammar of the original Hebrew and Greek. Tenses, cases, moods, and word order carry meaning. Paul writes, "We conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law." The present tense indicates a constant truth. The prophets wrote in poetic parallelism, which helps clarify meaning. The literal interpreter studies the grammar because God chose to inspire specific words in specific grammatical forms. A change in tense or mood can change the entire meaning of a passage.
5. The Danger of Allegorical Interpretation
Allegorical interpretation seeks hidden, spiritual meanings behind the literal text. This method was used by the Gnostics and the Alexandrian school, and it leads to subjective, unpredictable results. One interpreter may find one hidden meaning, another a completely different one. There is no control on allegory. The Bible itself does not support this method. When the New Testament authors quote the Old, they consistently use the literal sense. Allegory turns history into myth and prophecy into vague symbolism. It undermines the trustworthiness of God's Word.
6. Recognizing Figures of Speech
Literal interpretation does not mean ignoring figures of speech. The Bible uses metaphors, similes, hyperbole, personification, and other figures. When Jesus said, "I am the door," He was using a metaphor. The literal meaning of the metaphor is that He is the only entrance to salvation. When the psalmist says, "The mountains skipped like rams," that is poetic personification. The literal interpreter recognizes the figure and understands the literal truth it conveys. The key is that figures of speech are used to communicate literal truth, not to hide it.
7. The Literal Interpretation of Prophecy
Prophetic passages should be interpreted literally unless the text itself indicates a symbolic meaning. When Isaiah prophesied that a virgin would conceive and bear a son named Immanuel, it was fulfilled literally in the birth of Jesus Christ. When Micah said the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, it was fulfilled literally. When Zechariah said they would look upon Him whom they had pierced, it was fulfilled literally at the cross. The literal interpretation of prophecy gives confidence that God's promises will be fulfilled exactly as spoken.
8. How to Apply the Literal Method
To interpret literally, first read the passage in its immediate context. Ask: What did the author intend to say to the original audience? Second, consider the historical and cultural background. Third, examine the grammar and word meanings. Fourth, identify any figures of speech. Fifth, compare the passage with other clear passages on the same subject. Sixth, apply the literal meaning to your life. This method respects the Bible as God's actual communication to man, not a puzzle to be decoded by an elite few.
9. The Literal Method and the Simplicity of Scripture
The psalmist declares, "The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple." The literal method affirms that the basic message of Scripture is clear to the humble reader. God did not hide His truth in secret codes or multiple layers of hidden meaning. He spoke plainly so that His people could understand and obey. While some passages are difficult, the essential doctrines of salvation, holiness, and the gospel are clearly revealed. The literal method trusts that God means what He says and says what He means.
10. The Foundation of All Sound Interpretation
The literal, grammatical-historical method is the foundation of all sound biblical interpretation. Jesus used it. The apostles used it. The Reformers recovered it. It alone gives the reader confidence that he is understanding God's Word as God intended. While typology and prophetic symbolism have their place, they must be grounded in the literal sense. The literal method does not eliminate mystery; it respects the plain meaning of the text, even when that meaning reveals truths beyond human comprehension. Let every student of Scripture interpret literally, trusting that God has spoken clearly in His Word.
Conclusion
The literal, grammatical-historical method of interpretation respects the plain meaning of Scripture, the historical context, and the grammatical structure of the original languages. This is the method used by Jesus and the apostles. It guards against the errors of allegory and spiritualization. It affirms that God speaks clearly and that His Word can be understood. Let every believer interpret the Bible literally, trusting that God means what He has said.