Symbolism in scripture

Introduction

A symbol is a token or sign. While the word symbol does not appear in the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments are rich in symbolism and symbolic language whether it be through colours, numbers, actions, or objects. The universal and supreme symbol of the Christian faith is the cross, an instrument of execution. For Christians, this object has come to be a sign of God's love for human beings and an eternal sign of hope in the Good News.

Symbolism in scripture

While the cross, water, bread and wine are symbols at the centre of the Christian faith and practice, they are not the only symbols mentioned in the Bible. Many texts of the New Testament draw on symbolism from the Old Testament. John’s Gospel employs some images for Jesus not used in the Synoptic Gospels e.g. that of Jesus as the sacrificial lamb.

The gospels record that Jesus used symbolic language in talking about himself and his relationship to others; some examples of this refer to Jesus as the Living Water, the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, the Good Shepherd, and the Door.

The gospels also record that Jesus used symbolism when he spoke in parables. A parable is a brief tale illustrating a moral principle. His 39 recorded parables (stories) connected with the real world of agriculture (sowing, harvesting, growing), the food industry (baking, fishing), real estate (land purchasing, home ownership), and retailing (the sale of pearls). The images and language helped bring the message of Jesus alive.

Examples

The tables below illustrate how four types of symbolism found in the Bible are used. The four types are:

• actions
• colours
• numbers
• objects