Bible Lexicons

Bullinger's Figures of Speech Used in the BibleBullinger's Figures of Speech

Symbol

A material Object substituted for a moral or spiritual Truth

Greek, σύμβολον (symbolon), from σύν (syn), together, and βάλλειν (ballein), to cast; hence a casting together. Used by the Greeks, much in the same way as we use the word "coupon," where one part corresponded with or represented another part. Hence, in language, the use of one thing to represent another; or, the use of a material object to represent a moral or spiritual truth.

The word does not occur in the New Testament, and nothing is said in Scripture as to one thing being so used. The assertion as to anything being a symbol of another rests entirely on human authority, and depends for its accuracy on its agreement with the teaching of Scripture.

Μυστήριον (mysteerion) means secret; * [Note: See The Mystery, by the same author and publisher.] and later it came to mean a secret sign or symbol. Justin Martyr (A.D. 148) says† [Note: Apology, i. 27.] that in all false religions the serpent was represented as "a great symbol and mystery."

Speaking of Isaiah 7:14, "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son," he says, "since this refers to the house of David, Isaiah has explained how that which was spoken by God to David, ἐν μυστηρίῳ (en mysteerio), in a mystery, would actually come to pass. Perhaps," he adds, "you are not aware, my friends, of this-that there were many sayings written ἐπικεκαλυμμένως (epikekalummenôs), obscurely; or, ἐν παραβολαῖς (en parabolais), in parables; or, μυστηρίοις (mysteeriois), in secret signs; or, ἐν συμβόλοις (en symbolois), in symbols; which the prophets, who lived after the persons who said or did them, expounded."‡ [Note: Trypho, c. 68.]

Thus it will be seen that symbol is practically synonymous with the latter use of mystery as meaning a secret sign. It is only two or three times so used in Scripture:-In Revelation 1:20, the stars which John saw were a mystery: i.e., secret sign (or symbol); and in Revelation 17:5; Revelation 17:7, Babylon is said to be a mysteerion (or symbol): i.e., a secret sign of something spiritual and moral which it represented.

Ephesians 5:32 shows us that it was also synonymous with the Latin sacramentum, which is there used to represent the Greek mysteerion. So that the sacramentum of the Latin Vulgate meant simply a symbol.

Sacramentum is said to have reference to a military oath, but it must have been only because of some secret sign used in connection with the administration of the oath. From this it is clear that "the sacrament" so called is only a secret sign or symbol of spiritual truths and acts or events which it is used to commemorate.

Doubtless there are many symbols in the Scriptures, but great care and caution must be exercised in their interpretation. The different interpretations which have been given to the same so-called symbol, are sufficient to serve as a warning.

All Metonymies (q.v. [Note: Which see.] ) are, in a certain sense, symbols. When, for example, "cup" is used, by Metonymy, for blessing (Psalms 16:5; Psalms 116:13); or, "clay" for man (Isaiah 64:8 (7)); or, "gate" for entrance, etc., the one is practically a symbol of the other: and when by repeated and constant use the one gets to be more and more closely associated with the other, it is then used as a symbol of it and is substituted for it. The transition stage is Hypocatastasis (q.v. [Note: Which see.] ) or Implication.

The stages by which a symbol is reached, therefore, are: (1) either by Metonymy or Metaphor, one thing is used to represent another; then (2) the one is used to imply the other; and finally (3) it becomes permanently substituted for it as a symbol of it.

Thus, with regard to "leaven," we have first the thing itself causing fermentation, and therefore forbidden to be used in connection with any sacrifice or offering to the Lord. Then it is used by Metonymy for that which is corrupt (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). Then by Implication for corrupt or evil doctrine (Matthew 16:6). And finally it is used as the permanent symbol of it (Matthew 13:33). Indeed, "leaven" is always used in a bad sense, and of that which is corrupt. In the case of the two wave-loaves, where leaven was to be put into one and not into the other, the exception is significant, and proves the rule. For one represented Christ, and the other His People.

In the same way, "key" is used as a symbol of power and authority, and especially the power of opening and closing (Revelation 1:18; Revelation 3:7. Isaiah 22:22). In Matthew 16:19, the power and authority of opening the doors of the kingdom were committed to Peter, and he exercised that commission in making the final offer of the Messiah to the nation of Israel (Acts 2:1-47 -viii., and x.). Observe, that they were the keys of the Kingdom, not of the church; and that he was altogether incompetent and unable to transfer that power and authority to others.

It is scarcely necessary for us to attempt to say more with regard to symbols. The subject would form a work by itself; and, indeed, many works have been written upon it. We can only repeat our caution as to their use.