What is the term for interpreting Scripture by reading its symbolic or figurative meanings beyond the literal sense?

• A. Allegorical sense
• B. Literal sense
• C. Moral sense
• D. Anagogical sense

Answer: (A)

Interpreting Scripture by reading symbolic or figurative meanings beyond the literal sense is the allegorical sense. This approach seeks deeper spiritual truths that the text points to, not just the plain, surface meaning. It often looks for symbols and patterns that connect to Christ, the Church, or broader salvation themes. For example, events or figures in Scripture might be read as signs or prefigurations of later spiritual realities, inviting readers to see how the story foreshadows what is fulfilled in Jesus.

By contrast, the literal sense is focused on the plain, historical meaning of the words; the moral (tropological) sense emphasizes how to live rightly; and the anagogical sense looks toward ultimate destiny and heavenly realities. So when the goal is to uncover what deeper spiritual message a passage conveys beyond what it says on the surface, the allegorical sense is the approach being used.