In responding to this question, it is important to understand that the Bible uses a language that is significantly different from ordinary prose.

Biblical Interpretations: Balancing Literal and Metaphorical Meanings

In responding to this question, it is important to understand that the Bible uses a language that is significantly different from ordinary prose. The texts are often written using poetic devices, imagery, and symbols, making a straightforward literal meaning not always possible or even desirable. That is, to correctly understand the content, both metaphorical and literal aspects must be taken into account, depending on the genre and context of the text.

On one hand, the Bible contains spiritual truths conveyed through highly figurative language, as highlighted by the following statement:
"Knowledge of the peculiarities of the biblical language. The language of the Bible is characterized by high imagery. In divine revelation, spiritual truths are presented that exceed the capacities of human reason. They may be expressed in the language of images, symbols, and comparisons. An amateur who does not understand the poetic qualities of the Sacred Scriptures is often misled and provides false interpretations. Figurative language sometimes aims to convey theological ideas more vividly and clearly, while in other passages it is used to make the truth hidden, that is, to conceal it from proud and irreverent people. The poetic devices used in biblical texts are very diverse. Most often, various types of tropes (from the Greek tropos meaning "turn" or "figure of speech") are employed. Thanks to these tropes, a word’s meaning shifts from its direct sense to a figurative one." (source: link txt)

This passage indicates that many parts of the Holy Scriptures use figurative language to convey deeper theological ideas that cannot be fully captured through a literal interpretation. Thus, an approach that is exclusively literal or exclusively metaphorical turns out to be overly simplistic.

On the other hand, there are viewpoints that emphasize fidelity to the Word of God, which often boils down to a choice between different, sometimes competing, interpretations of the text. As noted:
"However, the confessions of the Baptists themselves testify that the issue of fidelity to the Word of God ultimately becomes a choice of loyalty to one interpretation of its text over another.

The meaning of the Bible is not as obvious as some Christians would like to assume, and everyone reading the Holy Scriptures faces the necessity of interpretation: 'How can I understand if nobody instructs me?

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This suggests that the process of interpretation involves both personal and collective exploration of the Word, where attention to symbolism and imagery is an integral part of proper understanding.

Thus, our understanding of the Bible must acknowledge its dual nature: on one hand, certain passages can be interpreted literally when they pertain to specific historical events or directives, and on the other hand, artistic and poetic elements require a metaphorical interpretation to fully uncover the theological meaning. Such a combined approach helps to more deeply grasp the authors' intent and the profound spiritual depth of the text, preserving its relevance for the lives of believers.