Symbols

A symbol represents a different object, person or event by likeness or association. Symbols differ from types in that a symbol can refer to something past, present or future.

One example of a symbol from the New Testament is the Lord’s Supper, in which “you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26) [1]. This is clearly not prophetic, as it is pointing backwards to an event that has already taken place.

One clear example of symbols is the use of parables by the Lord Jesus. The word “parable” is the Greek word “parabole”, meaning “something that serves as a model or example pointing beyond itself for later realization” or “a narrative … designed to illustrate a truth especially through comparison or simile” [2].

The Lord Jesus spoke many parables during His earthly ministry, teaching truth about God, Himself, heaven, and other topics. Some of His parables were prophetic, such as the parable of the vineyard in Matthew 21:33-44. Others were focused on present conditions, such as the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32.

In Hebrews 9:9 this word parabole is used to describe how the tabernacle and the associated God-given directions were symbolic for the present time. This use of the Greek word parabole then is an object or event pointing to a future truth that would be revealed.

The scriptures, then, are replete with symbols pointing to things past, present and future. Some of these are clearly described in the scriptures, while others are revealed to the student of the word during study of and meditation on the scriptures. These symbols bring out the richness of God’s revelation.

[1] New King James Version, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc.

[2] F. W. Danker, 2000, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and other Early Christian Literature. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago.