Pronunciation Guide: al-lay-gor-eh’-o (əlˈleɪɡəreɪoʊ)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G238: ἀλληγορέω (allēgoreō) describes the practice of interpreting a text, especially Scripture, where one thing is expressed but another thing is signified – specifically speaking allegorically or explaining something through allegory. The word combines two Greek concepts: speaking (ἄλλος) about something through (ἀγορεύω) another thing. In biblical usage, it specifically refers to finding deeper spiritual meaning beneath the surface of historical narratives.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (present passive participle)
• Compound word from ἄλλος (allos, “other”) + ἀγορεύω (agoreuo, “to speak”)
• Primary usage in teaching/interpretative passages
• Rare in New Testament (hapax legomenon – appears only once)
• Classical Greek rhetorical term

ἀλληγορέω Morphology:

• ἀλληγορούμενα (present passive participle, nominative plural neuter) – being allegorized
• ἀλληγορέω (present active indicative) – I speak allegorically
• ἀλληγορεῖν (present active infinitive) – to speak allegorically

Origin & History

The term ἀλληγορέω emerged from classical Greek rhetoric, where it was used by philosophers and literary critics to describe the practice of finding deeper meaning beneath surface narratives. Philo of Alexandria (20 BCE – 50 CE) extensively employed allegorical interpretation in his Jewish philosophical writings, particularly in interpreting the Torah.

The practice predates the term itself, as ancient Greek philosophers like Heraclitus used allegorical interpretation to explain Homer’s works, finding philosophical truths beneath mythological stories. The Stoics later developed this into a sophisticated method of textual interpretation.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To speak allegorically or through allegory
• To interpret something symbolically
• To explain one thing by speaking of another
• To convey deeper spiritual truth through historical narrative

ἀλληγορέω Translation Options:

• “To allegorize” – emphasizes the interpretative action
• “Speaking allegorically” – highlights the communicative aspect
• “May be interpreted allegorically” – passive sense emphasizing the text’s capacity for deeper meaning
• “Contains another meaning” – focuses on the presence of multiple layers of meaning

Biblical Usage

The term appears explicitly only once in the New Testament, in Galatians 4:24, where Paul uses it to interpret the story of Sarah and Hagar as an allegory of the two covenants. This usage demonstrates the apostolic authority for finding deeper spiritual meaning in historical narratives while maintaining their historical validity.

While the specific term is rare, the practice it describes is found throughout Scripture, particularly in:

• “Which things are being allegorized [ἀλληγορούμενα]” Galatians 4:24

Cultural Insights

In the first-century Jewish world, allegorical interpretation (midrash) was a common rabbinic method of biblical exposition. The Messiah’s parables reflect this cultural practice of using stories to convey deeper spiritual truths. The Jewish interpretative tradition recognized four levels of meaning in Scripture: peshat (literal), remez (hint), derash (search), and sod (secret), collectively known by the acronym PaRDeS.

This approach to Scripture wasn’t merely an intellectual exercise but reflected a deeply held belief that God’s Word contained layers of meaning that could be uncovered through careful study and spiritual discernment. The rabbis often said, “Turn it and turn it again, for everything is in it.”

Theological Significance

The use of ἀλληγορέω in Galatians 4:24 provides divine authorization for seeing deeper spiritual meaning in Scripture while maintaining its historical truth. This demonstrates that allegory, when properly applied under apostolic guidance, can reveal profound theological truths about God’s redemptive plan.

The practice reflects the rich, multi-layered nature of divine revelation, showing how God uses historical events to prefigure and teach spiritual truths. This approach to Scripture helps us see how the entire Bible points to the Messiah Jesus, as He Himself taught on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:27).

This understanding of Scripture suggests that God’s Word operates on multiple levels simultaneously, containing both historical truth and deeper spiritual significance, reflecting the infinite wisdom of its Divine Author.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀλληγορέω encourages us to read Scripture with both historical awareness and spiritual sensitivity. While we must be careful not to force allegorical meanings where they don’t exist, we should remain open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in revealing deeper layers of truth in God’s Word.

This approach to Scripture can enrich our Bible study by helping us see how historical events and narratives can speak to our contemporary situation while maintaining their original historical meaning. It reminds us that God’s Word is living and active, speaking to each generation in fresh ways while remaining anchored in unchanging truth.

Related Words

• τύπος (typos) – type, pattern, example – Used for events/persons that foreshadow future realities – See G5179
• παραβολή (parabolē) – parable, comparison – Similar method of conveying truth through story – See G3850
• σκιά (skia) – shadow, foreshadowing – Used for Old Testament prefigurings – See G4639
• μυστήριον (mystērion) – mystery, hidden truth – Related to deeper spiritual meanings – See G3466

Did you Know?

• The English word “allegory” comes directly from this Greek term ἀλληγορέω, demonstrating its lasting influence on literary and biblical interpretation.
• The famous “Allegory of the Cave” in Plato’s Republic, written centuries before Paul’s use of ἀλληγορέω, established allegory as a powerful tool for conveying complex philosophical and spiritual truths.
• Medieval Jewish scholars developed complex systems of allegorical interpretation, including gematria (numerical values of letters) and notarikon (taking letters as abbreviations), showing how this concept expanded over time.

Remember This

ἀλληγορέω represents the divine invitation to discover the magnificent layers of meaning God has woven into His Word, where historical truth and spiritual significance unite to reveal His redemptive plan through the Messiah.