ἀλληγορέω

I speak allegorically

Definition

The verb ἀλληγορέω means 'to speak allegorically' or 'to interpret allegorically.' In its sole New Testament occurrence, it describes the act of interpreting a historical narrative to reveal a deeper, spiritual meaning. Specifically, in Galatians 4:24, the Apostle Paul states that the story of Hagar and Sarah 'is being interpreted allegorically' to illustrate the contrast between the covenant of law and the covenant of promise. This usage does not deny the historical reality of the events but employs them as a typological illustration of a greater spiritual truth. The word thus captures a specific method of biblical interpretation that seeks symbolic or figurative significance within a text.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Galatians 4:24. Paul uses it to introduce his typological interpretation of the Genesis account of Abraham's two sons, born of Hagar the slave and Sarah the free woman. The context is Paul's argument against legalism, where he employs allegorical interpretation to contrast the old covenant of the law (symbolized by Hagar and Mount Sinai) with the new covenant of grace and promise (symbolized by Sarah and the heavenly Jerusalem). This is a deliberate rhetorical and theological device within his epistle to the Galatians.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek ἄλλος (allos, meaning 'other') and ἀγορεύω (agoreuō, meaning 'to speak in the assembly' or 'to proclaim'). Thus, the compound word literally means 'to speak otherwise' or 'to say something different' from the literal sense. It came to denote the specific rhetorical technique of expressing one thing in words while signifying another, deeper meaning—the essence of allegory.

Semantic Range

This term is theologically significant as it represents the only explicit use of 'allegorize' in the New Testament. It provides a biblical example of how the Old Testament can be interpreted typologically to reveal Christ and the gospel. Paul's use validates seeking deeper spiritual meaning in Scripture while anchoring that meaning in historical reality, distinguishing it from fanciful or arbitrary allegorization. Understanding this Greek term helps readers grasp Paul's interpretive method and the foundational contrast between law and grace central to Christian doctrine.

In the Hellenistic world, allegorical interpretation was a common method used by philosophers and literary critics, especially by Stoics and later by Jewish scholars like Philo of Alexandria, to find philosophical or moral truths in ancient myths and texts. Paul's use of this term would have been recognizable to his Greek-speaking audience as a sophisticated interpretive technique. However, he adapts it for a distinctly Christian, Christ-centered typology, grounding the 'other' meaning in the redemptive historical narrative of Scripture, unlike some pagan applications that could disregard historical fact.

τυπόω (typoō, G5179) — to be a type or pattern; focuses on a person/event as a prefiguring model. παραβολή (parabolē, G3850) — a parable or comparison; a story told to illustrate a truth, often without the same historical basis.

Word Details

Scripture References