Allegory

An extended metaphor where characters and events represent deeper spiritual realities. Galatians 4:24-26 identifies Paul's interpretation of Hagar and Sarah as an allegory representing the old and new covenants. Ezekiel 16 and 23 use allegory to portray Israel's unfaithfulness as adultery. John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, though not Scripture, exemplifies allegorical interpretation of the Christian life. While allegory is a legitimate biblical genre, interpreters must be cautious not to impose meanings the original author did not intend. The best allegorical readings are those that Scripture itself identifies or that the broader narrative clearly supports.