Interpretation of the Bible

• HANDBOOKS:
  • St. Eucherius of Lyons, Formulæ.

• Different Approaches: The literal and moral approaches are associated with the Antiochian patristic tradition, the allegorical with the Alexandrian. The terms "symbol", "allegory", and "analogy" are used in very different ways by different Fathers, and often do not mean what the reader might first think.
  • General: St. Eucherius of Lyons, Formulæ, Preface; St. Vincent of Lérins, Commonitorium, 27;
    • Church tradition as a guide in maze of interpretations: St. Vincent of Lérins, Commonitorium, 2;
    • Scripture as a spiritual mirror: St. Ephraim of Syria: Epistle to Publius;
  • Literal/Historical
  • Moral/"Rhetorical"
  • Allegorical/Symbolic
  • Prophetic