This is one of the most common—and important—questions people ask when approaching the Bible for the first time.
The short answer?
Both.
Let’s explain.
What Is the Bible?
The Bible isn’t one book. It’s a collection of 66 ancient writings written over 1,500 years by dozens of authors, in different places, cultures, and styles. It includes:
History
Poetry
Prophecy
Songs
Laws
Letters
Parables
Eyewitness accounts
Because of this, not every part of the Bible is meant to be read the same way. Just like today, we read a poem differently than a newspaper article, and a letter differently than a biography.
Christians Believe the Bible Is True
Christians believe the Bible is inspired by God—meaning it contains truth about who God is, who we are, and what matters most in life.
But truth can be told in more than one way.
Some parts are literal history (like the life of Jesus or the exile of Israel).
Some parts are symbolic or poetic (like visions in Revelation or metaphors in the Psalms).
Some parts are mysterious and require thoughtful reflection and spiritual insight.
Why Does This Matter?
If someone reads everything in the Bible literally—even the metaphors—they might misunderstand its purpose. If someone reads everything symbolically, they might miss the real events and people it describes. The key is knowing how to read each part.
This takes time, study, and context—something Christians throughout history have devoted their lives to. And it’s something we offer help with through our free study guides and lessons.
Literal AND Symbolic at Once?
Yes. Sometimes the Bible speaks in a way that is literally true, but also symbolic in meaning.
For example:
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” He didn’t mean He glows like a lamp (though maybe He did to some!)—but He meant He reveals truth and drives away darkness.
The Exodus from Egypt was a historical event. But Christians also see it as a symbol of freedom from sin because of the template it offers of God liberating slaves after they use the blood of the Lamb on the doorposts so that death would pass over their house. All that actually happened, but God poetically wrote history in a symbolic template.
The death and resurrection of Jesus actually happened, Christians believe. But they also carry deep meaning—about love, sacrifice, and eternal life.
A Book That Speaks to the Soul
The Bible is more than a book of facts. It’s a book that speaks to the heart, the imagination, and the spirit. That’s why Jesus taught in parables—simple stories with layers of meaning. Christians believe the Bible invites us not just to read—but to reflect, to ask questions, and to listen.
So… Is it literal or symbolic?
Christians believe it’s spiritually true, historically grounded, and full of symbols that speak to something deeper than the surface. It’s not just words on a page. It’s a doorway into understanding who God is—and who we are meant to be.