Do Not Confuse “Literal” With “Physical” In Bible Study

To help us to see that “literal” does necessarily mean “physical” in Bible study, following are some definitions from Dictionary.com with my Bible examples …

literal – in accordance with, involving, or being the primary or strict meaning of the word or words; not figurative or metaphorical

John 2:16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.

The word “dove” here is used literally. A timid person could be called a “dove” but that would be a figurative use of the word.

figure – representing by a figure or emblem; emblematic

John 2:19,21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. … But he spake of the temple of his body.

The word “temple” is used figuratively to represent Jesus body.

spiritual – of or relating to the spirit or soul, as distinguished from the physical nature

Matt 9:2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

Jesus literally forgave the man’s sins, but that is not a physical thing; it is an non-material idea/thought that happens in the mind of God.

physical – of or relating to that which is material

Matt 9:6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

The man was physically sick, not sick spiritually. Perhaps I Cor 11:30 is an example of someone who is sick spiritually.

The word “literal” is the opposite of “figurative” and “spiritual” is the opposite of “physical.” Just because something is not physical/material does not mean we can’t talk about it literally.

hear Bible Crossfire Sunday nights at 8:00 central on SiriusXM radio Family Talk 131 or at BibleCrossfire.com