The Medieval Senses of Scripture
Exploring the historical, symbolic, moral, and eternal lenses through which Medieval Christian's interpreted the Bible.
Literal vs. Spiritual Interpretations
In biblical study (hermeneutics), scholars and theologians historically divide scripture into two primary senses: the Literal and the Spiritual. The spiritual sense is further subdivided into three categories: the Allegorical, the Moral, and the Anagogical.
Historically summarized by the medieval Latin couplet, "Litera gesta docet, quid credas allegoria, moralis quid agas, quo tendas anagogia", these four approaches (known as the Quadriga) work together to provide a robust, multi-layered understanding of biblical texts without undermining their historical roots.
The Primary Distinction
Understanding the fundamental difference between the Literal and Allegorical methods.
The Literal Sense
The literal sense is the foundation of all biblical interpretation. It is not "literalism" (which ignores figures of speech), but rather the meaning intended by the original author using the literary conventions of their time. It answers what actually happened and what the words plainly meant.
Key Principle
"All other senses of Sacred Scripture are based on the literal." — St. Thomas Aquinas
The Allegorical Sense
The allegorical sense looks beyond the surface details of historical events to find hidden spiritual truths. It connects different parts of scripture—most notably showing how Old Testament narratives, figures, and laws find their ultimate fulfillment in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Key Principle
"The New Testament lies hidden in the Old, and the Old Testament is unveiled in the New." — St. Augustine
The Four Senses of Scripture (The Quadriga)
Literal Sense (Sensus Literalis)
Litera gesta docetTranslation: "The letter teaches deeds"
The fundamental meaning conveyed by the words of Scripture themselves, discovered through sound grammatical-historical exegesis. It considers the author's intent, historical context, literary genre, and cultural background.
What did the human author actually write and mean to convey to their original audience?
Allegorical Sense (Sensus Allegoricus)
Quid credas allegoriaTranslation: "Allegory teaches what you should believe"
A deeper, spiritual reading of the text where people, events, and institutions in the Old Testament foreshadow or represent deeper realities in the New Testament (specifically Christ, the Church, or Christian doctrines). Also known as Typology.
How does this passage point forward to Jesus Christ, His Church, or the mysteries of the faith?
Moral Sense (Sensus Tropologicus)
Moralis quid agasTranslation: "The moral teaches what you should do"
An interpretation that translates the historical or spiritual realities of Scripture into ethical instructions for the believer's daily life, directing how one ought to act justly and love God.
How does this text instruct me to live, act, and transform my personal character today?
Anagogical Sense (Sensus Anagogicus)
Quo tendas anagogiaTranslation: "Anagogy teaches where you are heading"
The eschatological or mystical reading of Scripture that views earthly events and promises in light of their eternal significance, pointing toward heaven, the final judgment, and the ultimate destiny of humanity.
How does this passage point to our final destination, eternal life, or the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom?
The Fourfold Meaning of "Jerusalem"
To understand how these interpretations work in harmony, theologians historically applied all four senses to the city of Jerusalem:
The physical, earthly city located in the Judean hills, which served as the capital of Israel and the site of Solomon's Temple.
The Holy Church of God, the spiritual assembly of believers redeemed by Christ under the New Covenant.
The individual human soul, which must be ruled by peace, virtue, and faith, acting as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
The Heavenly Jerusalem, the eternal city of God where believers will dwell in perfect communion in the afterlife.