anagogical interpretation
Quick Summary
Anagogical interpretation is a method of biblical criticism that seeks a spiritual or mystical meaning beyond the literal, allegorical, and moral senses of a text. This approach aims to connect earthly events or biblical passages to the afterlife or heavenly realities. For example, the Jordan River might be interpreted as the river of death, leading to the heavenly Canaan.12
This method is one of several types of biblical hermeneutics, which are principles used to interpret the Bible. While some argue for a strictly literal interpretation, others believe sacred texts must have a deeper spiritual meaning accessible through figurative exegesis. Anagogical interpretation is part of this broader tradition of seeking profound, often spiritual, truths within scripture.2
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