INTRODUCTION

In this module, titled “The Language of the Bible”, you will learn that the Bible can interpret itself when guided by the Holy Spirit.

John 16:13 states:

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

The good news is that the Holy Spirit has come and fills all born-again believers. However, as highlighted in the “Study for Approval” Study Guide, it is important that we do our part.

The Bible uses different figures of speech and forms of language to help us accurately understand its message. This Study Guide will give you a foundational understanding of these language forms.

When combined with context and scriptural harmony, this will help you rightly divide the truth. Take your time studying this section, as it lays the groundwork for many of the Study Guides and lessons that follow. If you come across unfamiliar terms, consult your dictionary.

THE FOUNDATIONS OF BIBLICAL LANGUAGE

The Bible was originally written in three primary languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.

Hebrew

The majority of the Old Testament, also known as the Hebrew Bible, was written in Hebrew. This language is part of the Semitic family, which also includes languages like Arabic and Aramaic.

Hebrew is known for its poetic and symbolic nature, often using parallelism and metaphor to convey deep spiritual truths. The use of Hebrew in the Bible captures the historical and cultural context of the ancient Israelites, providing insight into their beliefs, practices, and relationship with God.

Aramaic

Aramaic, another Semitic language, was commonly spoken in the Near East during the time of Jesus.

Several portions of the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Daniel and Ezra, are written in Aramaic. This language was widely used during the Babylonian exile and continued to be a common language in the region for centuries.

In the New Testament, some of Jesus’ words are recorded in Aramaic, showing its continued use among the people of that time.

Greek

The New Testament was primarily written in Koine Greek, a common dialect of Greek that developed after the conquests of Alexander the Great.

Greek was the dominant language of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Roman Empire, making it an effective language for spreading the message of the Gospel.

Koine Greek, also known as “Biblical Greek”, is recognised for its precision and clarity. This allowed the writers of the New Testament to communicate complex truths effectively.

The use of Greek also enabled the rapid spread of Christian teaching across different cultures and language groups.

These original languages each contribute to the depth and richness of Scripture. They help us understand the historical context, cultural meaning, and spiritual truth within the Bible.

From these original languages and manuscripts, many translations have been made into different languages, allowing people from all backgrounds to access its message.

TRANSLATIONS

From the original languages and manuscripts, the Bible has been translated into many different languages. This has made its timeless message accessible to people of all languages and backgrounds.

Septuagint (3rd–2nd Century BC)

One of the earliest and most significant translations was the Septuagint. It was a Greek version of the Hebrew Bible.

This translation was completed by Jewish scholars in Alexandria, Egypt. It was widely used in the Hellenistic Jewish community and also by the early Christian church.

Vulgate (4th Century)

The Vulgate was translated by Jerome and became the standard Latin version of the Bible for the Roman Catholic Church.

Jerome’s work was commissioned by Pope Damasus I in 382 CE and was completed around 405 CE. The Vulgate played an important role in making the Scriptures accessible to the Western Christian world.

Gothic Bible (4th Century)

The Gothic Bible was translated by Ulfilas for the Goths. It was one of the earliest translations of the Bible into a Germanic language.

Ethiopic Bible (5th–6th Century)

The Bible was translated into Ge’ez, the ancient language of Ethiopia. This reflects the early spread of Christianity into Africa.

Slavonic Bible (9th Century)

Cyril and Methodius translated the Bible into Old Church Slavonic for the Slavic peoples of Eastern Europe.

Martin Luther’s Bible (1522–1534)

Martin Luther’s translation of the Bible into German was highly influential during the Reformation.

It made the Scriptures accessible to ordinary Germans and played a key role in the development of the modern German language.

King James Version (1611)

The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible was commissioned by King James I of England. It became one of the most widely read and influential English translations.

Its literary quality has had a lasting impact on the English language.

19th and 20th Centuries

As missionary activity expanded across the world, the Bible was translated into many more languages.

Notable translations include the Swahili Bible in the 19th century and the Chinese Union Version in 1919.

Contemporary Translations

Today, the Bible has been translated into over 3,000 languages, including indigenous and minority languages.

Organisations such as the United Bible Societies and Wycliffe Bible Translators continue working to make the Scriptures accessible to more people worldwide.

VARIOUS LANGUAGE FORMS USED IN THE BIBLE

The Bible uses various language forms and figures of speech. Together with the Holy Spirit, these help us correctly understand the Bible’s meaning and how it should be applied to our lives today.

The Bible uses these forms of language so people of all ages, cultures, religious backgrounds, and educational levels can understand its words.

However, as shown in the first Study Guide, “Study for Approval”, correctly understanding truth involves more than only reading the Bible. It must be studied.

2 Timothy 2:15 states:

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The word “study” is the Greek word spoudazo, which gives the meaning of labour and also shows that we must be diligent.

Part of that diligence is having a good grounding in the various language forms and figures of speech used in God’s Word.

Parables

Parables are simple, story-like studies used by Jesus to convey moral or spiritual lessons. These stories are usually fictional, but they illustrate deeper truths about the Kingdom of God and human behaviour.

The original Greek word for parable is parabole, which means “a placing beside”, “to lay beside”, or “to compare”. It therefore means placing one thing beside another for the purpose of comparison, similar to a similitude.

There are more than thirty parables that Jesus used and that are recorded in the Gospels, including:

• The Parable of the Sower
• The Parable of the Weeds, or Tares
• The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price
• The Parable of the Fig Tree
• The Parable of the Talents
• The Parable of the Faithful Servant
• The Parable of the Prodigal Son

Some of these will be explained in detail later in this Study Guide. Jesus used these fictional stories to illustrate and teach spiritual lessons.

Similes

Similes are comparisons between two different things using the words “like” or “as” to highlight similarities.

Examples that Jesus used include:

• “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed,” comparing the growth of the Kingdom to the growth of a mustard seed.
• “The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for pearls,” comparing the Kingdom’s value to the pursuit of precious pearls.

Metaphors

Metaphors are figures of speech that describe an object or action in a way that is not literally true, but helps explain an idea or make a comparison.

Examples Jesus used include:

• “I am the bread of life,” illustrating how He is essential for spiritual sustenance and therefore eternal life.
• “I am the light of the world,” illustrating that He illuminates the way to God, and that following Him leads to spiritual understanding and salvation.
• “I am the vine; you are the branches,” illustrating that He is the source of spiritual vitality and growth, and that without connection to Him, believers will achieve nothing of spiritual significance.

As with parables and similes, metaphors are descriptive and paint a picture so their meaning can transcend language and cultural boundaries.

Literalism

Literalism is the interpretation of words in their most basic sense, without metaphor or allegory. In a biblical context, it means understanding the Bible’s text exactly as it is written, assuming every word is true in a direct and straightforward sense.

For example, we believe in the literal account of creation in the book of Genesis:

• The “days” are understood as actual 24-hour periods.
• The sequence of creation events occurred exactly as described over six consecutive days.

Therefore, it is our belief that the entire creation process took place in one literal week and approximately 6,000 years ago.

However, we do not believe or accept that the book of Revelation is a literal account, but rather a book containing symbolism.

Symbolism

Symbolism involves using symbols to represent something beyond their literal meaning. Like metaphors, symbolism creates pictures or images. However, symbolism is also designed to convey both character and context.

Symbols are not based on physical reality, but create vivid mental pictures to portray a spiritual truth in its proper interpretation.

The book of Revelation uses symbolism throughout its text. It uses imagery such as “a beast with seven heads and ten horns emerging from the sea” or “a woman clothed with the sun, standing on the moon.”

Clearly, you will never see a seven-headed beast or a literal woman standing on the moon while being clothed in the sun. These symbols produce pictures that point to deeper spiritual truths found in other parts of the Bible. This will be covered in great detail in this Study Guide.

Dreams

Dreams are images, thoughts, or emotions experienced during sleep, which in the Bible often carry divine messages or revelations.

Biblical figures such as Joseph and Daniel received important prophetic dreams that guided their actions and revealed God’s will.

Dreams are similar to visions because the language is symbolic.

Visions

Visions are supernatural appearances that convey divine messages. In the Bible, prophets such as Daniel and John received visions that revealed God’s plans and purposes, involving symbolic imagery and future events.

One of the most misunderstood visions is the Mount of Transfiguration, where many believe that Elijah and Moses literally and physically appeared.

As you study the language of the Bible, you will discover that this is not true. It was a vision conveying symbolic imagery to communicate deeper spiritual truths relating to Christ and the work of salvation.

Typology

Typology is a method of biblical interpretation where an element found in the Old Testament is seen to prefigure one found in the New Testament.

For example, the sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham is viewed as a type of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Although typology is similar to symbolism, Old Testament elements are literal and real, but they point to a spiritual truth and reality in the New Testament. This will be covered in this Study Guide in great detail.

Scope of This Study Guide

In summary, this Study Guide will study in detail:

• Parables
• Symbolism
• Typology
• Visions
• Dreams

PARABLES - AN INTRODUCTION

When we think of parables, our minds are usually directed to Jesus and the many parables He spoke during His three and a half years of ministry to the Jewish people.

The exact number of parables can vary depending on interpretation, but there are generally about 37 distinct parables recorded in the synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Some parables appear in more than one Gospel.

The general breakdown is:

• Matthew: approximately 23 parables
• Mark: approximately 9 parables
• Luke: approximately 28 parables

In their simplest form, parables are simple stories with hidden meanings. In some ways, they are similar to riddles, where a puzzling question or situation is presented as a problem to be solved.

Although Jesus used parables extensively, they are also found in the Old Testament. God spoke to Ezekiel, giving him parables that he was instructed to pass on to the nation of Israel. These parables contained important messages woven into them.

Other notable Old Testament figures who used parables include Nathan, Balaam, and Job.

An Old Testament Parable

The parable Nathan gave concerning David and Bathsheba is a clear example of why parables are so effective.

David had arranged the death of one of his loyal soldiers so he could take the man’s wife as his own. Blinded by his desire for this woman, David failed to see the severity of his sinful actions. God sent Nathan to help David realise how disastrous his actions were.

This parable can be read in 2 Samuel 12.

Nathan tells a story about a wealthy man and a poor man. The wealthy man had many flocks and herds, but the poor man had only one little lamb.

When the wealthy man needed to prepare a meal for his guests, instead of taking one of his many lambs, he took the poor man’s only lamb.

When David heard the story, he became very angry at the actions of the wealthy man and pronounced judgement. Nathan then told David that he was the wealthy man.

The hidden message behind the fictional story was that David had acted greedily, selfishly, and sinfully by taking another man’s wife when he already had wives of his own.

When David heard the parable, he immediately recognised the seriousness of his own sin.

The Impact of Parables

This account shows how powerful parables can be. They are memorable, the characters are clear, and the symbolism is strong.

A parable is designed to make a strong impact and remain with the listeners for a long time.

JESUS USED PARABLES EXTENSIVELY

As mentioned earlier, when we think of parables, our minds often go to Jesus, who used them extensively. Therefore, to truly understand what parables are, including their style, purpose, and intended recipients, we should study His parables.

The Recipients of Jesus’ Parables

In Matthew chapter 13, the disciples asked Jesus why He spoke to the people in parables.

Matthew 13:11 states:

He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

This shows that parables were not given for all people to understand, but for those who are disciples of Jesus Christ.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus spoke about the Kingdom.

John 3:3 states:

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

A person must experience spiritual birth to receive the spiritual life that comes through the indwelling Holy Spirit. This is necessary for understanding the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Jesus uses the present tense when He says a man must “be” born again. This shows the need to remain in a continual and constant state of spiritual life.

When Jesus speaks of “seeing the kingdom”, He is not speaking in a literal sense. The Greek word “see” is eido, which means “to know”, “behold”, or “consider”.

Therefore, in context, and knowing that the Kingdom of God is spiritual, Jesus is saying that only those who are born again are able to understand and perceive the spiritual reality of God’s Kingdom and reign.

A person may have been born again in the past, but they must also be in a position where they can receive truth today.

The same truth is repeated by John in the book of Revelation.

Revelation 1:1 states:

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

This shows that the revelation of Jesus Christ, who is the Truth, is revealed to His servants. These are those who are born again and living free from sin.

Jesus not only wants us to be born again, but also to come to a knowledge of the Truth.

1 Timothy 2:4 states:

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Paul shows that a person must first be saved and receive the Holy Spirit, and then come to a knowledge of the truth. A person cannot come to this knowledge without first being saved.

Only divine revelation enables a person to stand in a position where they continue to maintain their spiritual experience.

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul says:

1 Corinthians 2:14 states:

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

This again shows that the truth or spiritual reality that “lies beside” or is hidden within the literal story of a parable can only be understood by someone who is spiritually alive and born again.

The Nature of the Language of Parables

As already stated, the Greek word parabole shows that within a parable, one thing is laid beside another for the purpose of comparison.

The literal story is not to be taken only at face value. It must be viewed as a “word vehicle” used to convey spiritual truth.

In Matthew chapter 13, we gain an understanding of the nature of parabolic language.

Matthew 13:35 states:

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

Here Matthew is quoting from Psalm 78.

Psalm 78:2-3 states:

I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.

If we use the Golden Rule and allow the Bible to interpret itself, we ask: “What did the fathers tell us?”

Hebrews 1:1 states:

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

It is evident, then, that parables are generally prophetic in nature. This is certainly true of the seven parables in Matthew chapter 13.

PARABLES - MATTHEW CHAPTER 13

In Matthew chapter 13, we are introduced to seven parables:

• The Parable of the Sower
• The Parable of the Tares
• The Parable of the Mustard Seed
• The Parable of the Leaven
• The Parable of the Hidden Treasure
• The Parable of the Pearl
• The Parable of the Net

The Significance of the Seven Parables

We are immediately drawn to the question of why there are seven parables in this chapter, and not six or eight. To a Bible student, the number seven is recognised as occupying a special place in Scripture.

There are the seven redemptive names of God:

• Jehovah-Jireh: The Lord will provide
• Jehovah-Rapha: The Lord who heals
• Jehovah-Nissi: The Lord our banner
• Jehovah-Shalom: The Lord our peace
• Jehovah-Raah: The Lord our shepherd
• Jehovah-Tsidkenu: The Lord our righteousness
• Jehovah-Shammah: The Lord is there

In Genesis 29:20, Jacob served seven years for Rachel. In Joshua chapter 6, seven priests went before the Ark and surrounded the city seven times. Seven trumpets sounded as they circled the city seven times on the seventh day.

There are many references to the number seven throughout the Old Testament.

In the New Testament, Matthew chapter 13 contains seven parables. In John’s Gospel, there are seven “I am” statements. In the book of Revelation, there are:

• Seven letters
• Seven seals
• Seven trumpets
• Seven vials
• Seven angels
• Seven thunders
• Seven Spirits of God
• Seven heads
• Seven horns
• Seven eyes

The number seven is significant. In biblical terms, it denotes “completeness” or “entirety”.

This is understood from the book of Genesis.

Genesis 2:1-2 states:

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

Both the words “finished” and “ended” are translated from the Hebrew word kalah, which means “complete”.

This same understanding is seen when Jacob served Laban for seven years to complete his agreed time of service to receive Rachel.

Typology and the Seven Parables

To understand the significance of the seven parables in Matthew chapter 13, we use the language form called typology.

Typology uses types, also called shadows, found in the Old Testament that point to the reality, known as the antitype, in the New Testament. (A full understanding of typology will be covered later in this Study Guide.)

Both the words “finished” and “ended” come from the Hebrew word kalah, which means complete. This same understanding is seen when Jacob served Laban for seven years to complete his agreed time of service to receive Rachel.

The Days of the Son of Man

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus said:

Luke 17:26 states:

And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man

From Genesis chapter 7, we learn that after Noah and his family entered the ark, there were seven days before God shut the door. During this time, people still had the opportunity to enter and be saved.

This is a type that points to the reality described as “the days of the Son of man.” It presents a literal picture that points to a spiritual reality.

Jesus is not referring to a literal seven days of salvation, but to a period of time in which people can be born again and saved. This period is often referred to as the day of salvation, the Christian dispensation, or the Gospel Day.

Seven Distinct Periods of the Gospel Day

In Noah’s time, there were seven literal days after the ark was completed in which people could enter and be saved before God shut the door.

In the same way, during the Gospel Day, there are seven days—not literal days, but prophetic periods—during which people can be saved before time is brought to a close.

Isaiah prophesied concerning these periods.

Isaiah 30:26 states:

Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound.

Just as Noah completed the ark, the true Ark—the church of God—was revealed on the Day of Pentecost. The door is open, and whoever will may come, enter, and be saved.

This understanding is supported in the book of Revelation.

Revelation 1:4 states:

John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

John speaks of seven churches and seven Spirits. Yet Paul writes:

Ephesians 4:4 states:

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

This shows that the seven churches represent the complete church across different periods of time, and the seven Spirits represent the fullness of the Holy Spirit’s work in those periods.

Jesus Speaks “Ex Cathedra”

As already stated, Jesus spoke approximately thirty-seven parables. However, when He gave the seven parables in Matthew chapter 13, He “sat down.”

Matthew 13:1 states:

The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.

The term “ex cathedra” is a Latin phrase meaning “from the chair.”

Rabbis often taught while standing, but when they delivered official or important teaching, they would sit.

Jesus referred to “Moses’ seat,” as seen in the Old Testament.

Exodus 18:13 states:

And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.

A “seat” in this context represents a place of authority. In a similar way today, a judge is said to occupy the “bench,” and when they speak, it carries authority.

When studying God’s Word, every word is important. This is especially true when studying parables, where a story is used to reveal spiritual truth.

Therefore, the setting in which the seven parables were given is also important.

Jesus sitting down shows that what follows is central and of great importance to His church and its journey throughout the Gospel Day.

In the Gospel of Mark, it is written concerning the same parables:

Mark 4:2 states:

And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,

Summary

It is not the purpose of this Study Guide to explain every parable spoken by Jesus. However, by using the Parable of the Sower, we can demonstrate how parables should be studied.

MATTHEW 13 – THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER (EXAMPLE)

As explained, the seven parables in Matthew chapter 13 are viewed as vehicles to understand the entire Christian dispensation, the Gospel Day. Through these parables, Jesus reveals the events that have occurred, why they occurred, and what produced them. He also shows what is happening now and what will happen in the future.

Jesus takes us through these parables from the beginning of His earthly ministry at the Jordan River, through His Spirit ministry beginning on the Day of Pentecost, and continues through to the end of time.

How to Study Parables

By studying the Parable of the Sower in detail, a methodical approach to understanding all parables can be developed. This includes:

• Analysing the context and setting
• Identifying key elements and their symbolic meanings
• Comparing translations and using concordances for deeper understanding
• Reflecting on the spiritual truths revealed through the parable

As part of this methodical approach, the following are important:

• Individual Words: Each word can hold significant meaning. For example, the different types of soil represent different spiritual conditions.
• Strong’s Concordance: This helps uncover the original Greek or Hebrew meanings, providing deeper insight.
• Other Bible Versions: Comparing translations such as the LITV and YLT can clarify meaning and expand understanding.

By following a careful and structured approach, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and sound study aids, the deeper spiritual meaning of parables can be understood and applied.

The Parable

Matthew 13:3-9 states:

And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Behold, A Sower Went Forth To Sow

Matthew 13:3 states:

And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;

• Behold

Jesus begins with the word “Behold”, which means to fix your eyes upon, to pay attention, and to consider that something of great importance is about to follow.

The Sower Went Forth To Sow

The King James Version states “a sower”, but the original text identifies “the sower”. This is confirmed by Jesus when He explains the parable.

Matthew 13:18 states:

Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.

The Literal Translation of the Holy Bible (LITV) reflects this more clearly.

Matthew 13:3 (LITV) states:

And He spoke to them many things in parables, saying: Behold, the sower went out to sow.

This distinction is important because it identifies the sower as Christ Himself. Only Jesus, the Lamb of God, has the authority to reveal the Word of God.

In Revelation chapter 5, John wept because no one was found worthy to open the book, which represents the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 5:5 states:

And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

This shows that only Christ can open and reveal the Word of God.

1 Corinthians 2:9-10 states:

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

The Role of the Spirit

• Although the gospel is preached, it is the Spirit of God who reveals truth to the heart
• God reveals His truth according to His will

There are not many sowers, but one—Christ Himself.

Some Seeds Fell by the Way

Matthew 13:4 states:

And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:

• The Seed

When Jesus explains the parable to His disciples, He refers to the “word of the kingdom” as the seed.

Matthew 13:19 states:

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

This is further confirmed in Mark’s Gospel.

Mark 4:14 states:

The sower soweth the word.

The Ground

The seed is not being sown into literal ground. As the Word of God, the gospel is sown into the hearts and minds of men and women, representing humanity.

In the parable, Jesus identifies four types of ground. These represent all humanity and the different responses to hearing the Word:

• The way side ground
• The stony places
• The thorns
• The good ground

All humanity is represented by one of these four grounds and their response to the seed. None of the seed is lost, and no person escapes.

The gospel is a universal message to all mankind throughout the Gospel Day, beginning with the appearing of Jesus at His first coming.

John 3:16 states:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Paul repeated this truth when he preached on Mars Hill.

Acts 17:30 states:

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Peter also repeated the same truth.

2 Peter 3:9 states:

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

The universal call is also shown in Revelation.

Revelation 22:17 states:

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

The Way Side Ground

To understand the way side ground, we must look at the explanation Jesus gives.

Matthew 13:19 states:

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

At first glance, many believe this means the devil steals the seed. However, this is not the case.

The word “understandeth” in Greek is better understood as “considers” or “regards it not”.

The original text does not contain the word “one”. In the King James Version, it appears in italics, showing that it was not in the original text.

The correct understanding is:

“When any hear the word of the kingdom and do not consider or regard it, then comes the wicked and catches away that which is sown in his heart.”

The original text does not say “wicked one” because there are many wicked.

When Jesus first spoke the parable in Matthew 13:4, He said that the fowls came and devoured the seed. The word “fowls” is plural. Therefore, in the parallel meaning of Matthew 13:19, “the wicked” must also be understood as plural.

The Fowls and the Wicked

As with symbolism, the literal story is something easily understood and pictured. The parallel meaning is the spiritual reality.

The key to understanding symbols is to identify their meaning from elsewhere in the Bible. This follows the Golden Rule: allow the Bible to interpret itself.

The fowls point to the wicked who devour the seed, which is the word of the kingdom.

Psalm 50:16-17 states:

But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee.

Those who declare God’s statutes are religious leaders who preach from God’s Word, but hate its true instruction. They refuse the reality of God’s words and cast them behind them.

These are the wicked. This does not refer to sinners for whom Jesus gave His life, but to religious leaders who will not take the truth of God’s eternal Word and live by it. Instead, they manipulate the Word and truth to satisfy their own ends.

The Bible Relates “Fowls” to the Wicked

The Bible directly relates fowls to the wicked. These religious leaders fail to live by the truth of God’s Word and manipulate it for their own purposes. They are like the fowls that devour the seed.

Revelation 19:17-18 states:

And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.

The book of Revelation is written in symbolic language. These symbols create pictures that are interpreted elsewhere in the Bible.

The Greek word for “fowls” is orneon. This is also used for “every unclean and hateful bird” in Revelation chapter 18.

Revelation 18:2 states:

And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

These unclean fowls represent the religious leaders of Babylon, symbolising false religion. They cater to the flesh, symbolising carnality.

These leaders teach a religion of man’s making, focusing on the earthly and physical to appeal to the carnal mind. This stands against true and pure religion, which is spiritually minded and brings life and peace.

Paul warned of false religious leaders in his day.

Colossians 2:8 states:

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

These religious leaders do not follow the Holy Spirit. They follow the flesh and work against the cause of truth.

Jeremiah also prophesied about the danger of false religious leaders.

Jeremiah 5:26-27 states:

For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich.

This form of religion, promoted by false religious leaders, devours or opposes the word of the kingdom. In doing so, it comes against Christ Himself.

The Way Side Ground

The word “way” is translated from the Greek word hodos. It can mean a path, direction, route, mode, or journey.

This is the same word used in John 14:6, where Jesus says, “I am the way.” This means He is the route, road, or vehicle to the Father. In the spiritual sense, Jesus is the course of life to the Father.

Solomon wrote:

Proverbs 16:25 states:

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

The Hebrew word for “way” is derek. This is also used in Isaiah 35:8, where it speaks of “the way of holiness”. Its meaning is similar to the Greek word hodos.

In context, there are two ways of religion. One is pure and is the vehicle to the Father and life. The other is false and leads to death. One opposes the other.

When Jesus began to sow the seed at the beginning of His earthly ministry, He immediately faced opposition.

John 1:11 states:

He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

Jesus healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath day. The scribes and Pharisees watched Him and sought to accuse Him. They represented the opposing religion of that day.

Luke 6:11 states:

And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

In John’s Gospel, they were so filled with anger that they sought to kill Jesus.

This is the way side religion. It is a vehicle that not only opposes true religion, but also draws away those who have little or no regard for the word of the kingdom. It is a picture of the fowls trying to devour the seed.

In 31 AD, when Jesus returned on the Day of Pentecost and continued to sow the seed through His Spirit ministry, the opposition continued.

In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, this opposition is still seen.

Galatians 3:1 states:

O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

Again, the fowls are at work. They use false religion as the vehicle to remove the true seed, the word of the kingdom, and replace it with the way of the Law, the word and way of false religion.

Galatians 3:2-3 states:

This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

The way side is the way of religion that seeks to devour the seed the Sower is sowing. It also seeks to draw away all those who have no regard for the word of the kingdom.

Thank God there is the way, the path that no fowl knows.

Job 28:7 states:

There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture's eye hath not seen:

The Stony Places

Remember that parables are parallel stories. They contain a literal story and a spiritual reality.

The Literal Story

Matthew 13:5-6 states:

Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

The Spiritual Reality

Matthew 13:20-21 states:

But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon (immediately) with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

This story shows seed falling on stony ground. Because the seed cannot take root, it is scorched and withers away.

• Seed: represents the Word of God
• Root and stony places: according to Matthew 13:19, the seed is sown into the heart
• What is a “Stony Heart”?

Ezekiel 36:25-26 states:

Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

A stony heart represents a person who is unconverted and therefore not born again.

What is the Root?

Jesus said that they had “no root”. We must then ask what the root represents.

Revelation 22:16 states:

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

A person who has no root does not have the presence of Christ within them and is therefore not connected to Him.

Paul explained this truth.

Romans 8:9 states:

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

These people hear the word of the kingdom with immediate joy, but they are not truly converted in Christ. They do not receive Jesus, because they have no root.

• They enjoy hearing what they think will benefit the flesh.
• They see the miracles and personal benefits rather than Christ and the life of the Kingdom.

Each type of ground represents a condition that the message of the kingdom faced when it was first sown, and still faces today.

Stony Heart Unbelievers

Jesus revealed the “stony heart” unbelievers in John chapter 6. These people sought Him for material benefit. They had seen the miracles He did and sought to take Him by force to make Him king.

Jesus departed, but they searched for Him. He responded:

John 6:26-27 states:

Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

The religious world is full of unconverted people who seek and follow Jesus for what they perceive as material benefits. They are “fish and loaves” followers.

In His interpretation of the stony heart unbelievers, Jesus gives an important key to identify them.

Matthew 13:21 (LITV) states:

but has no root in himself, but is temporary, and tribulation, or persecution occurring because of the Word, he is at once offended.

The word “offended” in Greek is skandalizo, which means “to trip up” or “to be enticed to sin”.

The Unconverted Followers

Many who claim to follow Jesus believe they continue to sin every day in thought, word, and deed because they are unconverted. They have stony hearts and no root.

It is only in Christ that a person is kept from falling and from giving in to temptation.

Jude 1:24 states:

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

Some Fell Among the Thorns

Jesus gives a literal picture followed by a spiritual reality. A parable places one thing beside another for comparison.

The Literal Story

Matthew 13:7 states:

And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:

The Spiritual Reality

Matthew 13:22 states:

He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

The picture is of seed sown among thorns. As the thorns grow, they choke the seed.

Jesus shows that the spiritual reality is people who receive the word of the kingdom and are fruitful for a time, but then allow the cares of this age and the desire for earthly riches to overcome them.

Matthew 13:22 (YLT) states:

And that sown toward the thorns, this is he who is hearing the word, and the anxiety of this age, and the deceitfulness of the riches, do choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

These represent those who were once spiritually alive but have turned back, such as Demas.

2 Timothy 4:10 states:

For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

• The Care of this Age

This refers to a focus on the carnal and earthly rather than the spiritual and eternal.

In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus shows that natural provision comes to all. Therefore, decisions must be based on eternal realities, not temporary conditions.

Demas and others allowed the conditions of the world and the desire for riches to distract them from the true purpose of life, which is not only to receive Christ as Saviour but to live for Him.

The choices made now carry eternal consequences.

The Deceitfulness of Riches

Paul warned about this danger.

1 Timothy 6:7-10 states:

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Anything that draws a person away from trusting Christ becomes a snare. These “thorns” grow and choke spiritual life, causing a person to turn away from Christ and rely on the flesh.

Jesus warned of this condition in the church.

Revelation 3:16-17 states:

So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

Lukewarmness

Lukewarmness represents a divided condition. It describes those who mix their love for God with their love for the world.

This condition allows the thorns to grow and choke faith, leading a person away from Christ.

Divided Love

God does not accept divided love. He requires full devotion.

Jesus addressed this directly.

Luke 16:13 states:

No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

The Pharisees, who represented false religion, reacted against this truth.

Luke 16:14 states:

And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.

Jesus responded:

Luke 16:15 states:

And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

Other Fell Into Good Ground

The seed is not sown into literal ground. As the Word of God, the gospel is sown into the hearts and minds of men and women, representing humanity.

In the parable, Jesus identifies four types of ground, representing all humanity and their response to hearing the Word.

We now come to the final type of ground: the good ground.

The Literal Story

Matthew 13:8 states:

But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

The Spiritual Reality

Matthew 13:23 states:

But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

What sets the good ground apart is further explained in Luke’s Gospel.

Luke 8:15 states:

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

Luke 8:15 (YLT) states:

And that in the good ground: These are they, who in an upright and good heart, having heard the word, do retain it, and bear fruit in continuance.

All humanity has the opportunity to hear God’s Word and respond. However, only those with an honest and good heart truly receive and retain the seed.

These individuals:

• Hear the Word
• Hold it fast
• Bear fruit through endurance and continuance

This perseverance is seen in Paul’s testimony.

2 Timothy 4:6-7 states:

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Jesus builds His true church upon this good ground—those who endure to the end.

Matthew 10:22 states:

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Jesus does not build His church upon religion, the unconverted, or those who fall away, but upon those with upright and faithful hearts.

• The Power of the Word

The seed represents the power of life, for it is the Word of God.

John 6:63 (LITV) states:

It is the Spirit that gives life. The flesh does not profit, nothing! The Words which I speak to you are spirit and are life.

John wrote of Jesus:

John 1:4 states:

In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

He later affirmed:

1 John 5:11 states:

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

Paul declared:

Romans 1:16 states:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

The seed sown in good ground produces fruit—whether hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold. God’s Word fulfils its purpose.

Isaiah 55:11 (LITV) states:

so shall My Word be, which goes out of My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in what I sent it to do!

Conclusion

The Parable of the Sower reveals the depth of what Jesus desires His disciples to understand. Each parable contains both a literal story and a spiritual reality.

Although the seven parables in Matthew chapter 13 correspond to seven prophetic periods of the Gospel Day, the conditions they describe are also present today.

SYMBOLISM

Symbolism involves using symbols to represent something beyond their literal meaning. Like metaphors, symbolism creates pictures or images. However, symbolism is also designed to convey both character and context.

Symbols are not based on physical reality, but create vivid mental pictures to portray a spiritual truth in its proper interpretation.

The book of Revelation uses symbolism throughout its text. It uses imagery such as a beast with seven heads and ten horns emerging from the sea, or a woman clothed with the sun and standing on the moon.

Clearly, you will never see a seven-headed beast or a literal woman standing on the moon while being clothed with the sun. These symbols produce pictures that point to deeper spiritual truths found in other parts of the Bible.

One of the best ways to understand symbolism is through examples.

Symbolism in the Book of Revelation

The book of Revelation, the last book in the Bible, is filled with symbols and should not be taken literally, as some people do today.

The first verse immediately provides a clue to its interpretation.

Revelation 1:1 states:

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

The word “signified” in Greek is semaino, meaning “to reveal or express through signs or symbols”.

Purpose of Symbolic Language

Symbolic language creates images in our minds to explain context and character. Therefore, the beasts, dragons, trumpets, and horses mentioned in Revelation are symbols, not literal things.

They are symbolic expressions that point to deeper truths found elsewhere in the Bible. These truths are spiritual and eternal in nature.

Symbols bring a picture or image to the mind, including character.

• Lamb: brings an image of nature and character
• Wolf: also brings an image of nature and character

Another clue about the language of Revelation is found in chapter 9.

Revelation 9:17 states:

And thus I saw the horses in the vision,

John says he saw the horses “in the vision”, not “in a vision”. This shows that the whole book is one complete and continuous vision.

Visions are always symbolic, as will be shown more fully in the separate section on visions.

Revelation Chapter 12 Example

Understanding the symbolic nature of Revelation, we must interpret its imagery spiritually rather than literally.

Revelation 12:1 states:

And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:

If taken literally, this would present an unrealistic image of a woman clothed with the sun and standing on the moon. However, the passage later shows the woman fleeing into the wilderness, confirming the symbolic nature of the vision.

The symbols represent:

• The woman: the church
• The moon: the Old Testament
• The sun: the New Testament

This shows that the Old Testament, like the moon, does not produce its own light but reflects light. It is fully understood through the New Testament, which brings illumination.

The Bible, though containing historical events, is fundamentally a spiritual book. Its true meaning is revealed through the Holy Spirit.

To those who are not born again, the Bible remains a sealed book. To those who are born again, its truths are revealed.

The Old Testament is hidden within the New, and the Old is revealed through the New.

Revelation Chapter 16 and the Hail Example

To further understand the meaning of semaino, which is to reveal through signs or symbols, consider the example of hail.

Revelation 16:21 states:

And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

If taken literally, this would describe extremely large hailstones. However, as established, Revelation uses symbolic language.

Revelation 11:19 states:

And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

This shows that the hail comes from the “temple of God”.

The temple of God represents the body of Christ, which is the church.

2 Corinthians 6:16 states:

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

1 Corinthians 12:27 states:

Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

Colossians 1:18 states:

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

To understand the symbol of hail, we consider its nature. Hail is frozen or solid rain.

In Scripture, rain represents doctrine or truth.

Deuteronomy 32:2 states:

My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:

Therefore, hail, as solid rain, represents solid doctrine.

Isaiah confirms this interpretation.

Isaiah 28:17 states:

Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.

Literal hail cannot remove lies, but the truth of God’s Word can.

Therefore, Revelation 16:21 symbolically represents the powerful declaration of God’s truth by the church, impacting the hearts of people.

The weight of the hail symbolises the strength and convicting power of the message, bringing people to repentance, as seen on the Day of Pentecost.

Why Some Interpret Revelation Literally

Many interpret Revelation literally because, although all read the same Bible, understanding depends on the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit acts as the seal, revealing truth to those who are able to receive it.

When reading passages such as Revelation 11:19 and 16:21, some assume “heaven” refers to the physical sky. However, Scripture reveals different meanings.

• The first heaven: the physical sky (Genesis chapter 1)
• The second heaven: the dwelling place of God
• The third heaven: the spiritual realm where believers are seated in Christ

Paul referred to this in 2 Corinthians 12:2, where he speaks of being caught up to the third heaven.

Ephesians chapter 2 describes this as the heavenly place in Christ.

SUMMARY

The Study Guide “The Language of the Bible” shows how the Bible interprets itself through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The original languages of the Bible—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek—contribute to its depth and richness. Through translations such as the Septuagint, the Vulgate, and the King James Version, the Bible has been made accessible to people throughout the world.

Emphasis on Language Forms

This Study Guide highlights the importance of understanding different language forms in order to correctly interpret Scripture.

These include:

• Parables
• Similes
• Metaphors
• Literalism
• Symbolism
• Dreams
• Visions
• Typology

Understanding these forms helps ensure that Scripture is not misinterpreted and that its message is understood correctly.

Parables and Symbolism

Parables are simple stories with hidden meanings that Jesus used to teach spiritual truths.

Symbolism, especially in the book of Revelation, uses vivid imagery to reveal deeper spiritual realities.

Understanding both parables and symbolism requires diligent study and the revelation of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

The study of biblical language forms equips believers to rightly divide the Word of truth.

It enables a clearer understanding of Scripture and helps apply its truths accurately in daily life.