Allegorically Speaking in Galatians 4:21–5:1

Abstract

Abstract This study examines Paul's phrase "allegorically speaking" in Gal 4:24, suggesting that the following passage is not the literary genre of narrative allegory, a method of Greek rhetoric, or a method of interpretation known as "typology." Instead, the study examines another ancient allegorical technique that employed two literary devices to startle the reader and act as markers leading to the Hebrew Scriptures for deeper spiritual interpretations. Furthermore, because these allegorical markers are clustered together in Gal 4:24–28, one can recognize the literary structure. By identifying the method of Paul's argument and the literary structure of the passage, this study promotes further examination of the meaning of these verses by following the allegorical markers to the Hebrew Scriptures.