We can better comprehend and appreciate the Lord's message to us in the scriptures if we understand the scriptural use of symbolism.

1. S Y M B O L S O F T H E
S C R I P T U R E
Presented by:
Alejandrina Torres, LPT

2. W h a t i s s y m b o l ?
Symbol is a sign, shape, or object that is
used to represent something else

3. W h a t i s s y m b o l i s m ?
Symbolism is to convey the hidden meaning
to the reader or listener. It tells us about
artistic expression and represents abstract
ideas.

4. Nehemiah 8:15 “Go out to the hills and bring
branches of olive, wild olive, myrtle, palm,
and other leafy trees to make booths, as it is
written.”
Genesis 8:11 “And the dove came back to him
in the evening, and behold, in her mouth was
a freshly plucked olive leaf. So Noah knew
that the waters had subsided from the
earth.”
Olive Leaf / Olive Branch

5. In the Bible, the olive tree,
branch, or leaf is a symbol of
peace, prosperity, beauty, and
victory and, of course, a
relationship between God and
man.
Olive Leaf / Olive Branch

6. Deuteronomy 32:4 “The Rock, his work
is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A
God of faithfulness and without
iniquity, just and upright is he.
2 Samuel 22:3 My God, my rock, in
whom I take refuge, my shield, and the
horn of my salvation, my stronghold
and my refuge, my savior; you save me
from violence.
Rock

7. Rock is a very bold and blunt symbol
of the Bible. Rock is a strong and
stable foundation on which the whole
empire can be built. It is related to
God, who is an immovable force that
anchors us. It also stands for firmness
and faithfulness. The One who is
genuine like a rock. It is also symbolic
of strength and permanence.
Rock

8. Honey and Curd
2 Samuel 17:29 Honey and curds and
sheep and cheese from the herd, for
David and the people with him to eat,
for they said, “The people are hungry
and weary and thirsty in the
wilderness.”
Isaiah 7:15 “He will eat cheese and
honey until he knows how to reject evil
and choose good.”

9. Honey and Curd
Honey means delight and joy,
according to the Bible. It also
symbolizes good health and
prosperity. Both are also symbolic of
refusing evil and selecting the
sacred and right for life. Later in the
Bible, these symbols change from
delight to scarcity to judgment.

10. Rainbow
Genesis 9:13 I set my bow in the cloud, and
it shall be a sign of the covenant between
me and the earth.
Ezekiel 1:28 Like the appearance of the
bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain,
so was the appearance of the brightness
round about. Such was the appearance of
the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And
when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I
heard the voice of one speaking.

11. Rainbow
It is the sign of promise and
blessing from God. A rainbow is
also a symbol of redeeming
grace in the chapter of Noah. It
is related to the glory of the
Lord. It reminds us of the
covenant-keeping God and His
magnificent beauty.

12. Genesis 8:11 And the dove came
back to him in the evening,
and lo, in her mouth a freshly
plucked olive leaf; so Noah
knew that the waters had
subsided from the earth.
Luke 3:22 And the Holy Spirit
descended upon him in bodily
form, as a dove, and a voice
came from heaven, “Thou art
my beloved Son; with thee, I am
well pleased.”
DOVE

13. Dove is a symbol of innocence
and purity. The Holy Spirit
revealed by a dove many times.
It soothes our troubled
thoughts and helps us to go
about our lives calmly. The low
cooing sound of dove served
mournful imagery to evoke the
suffering of the people of
Judah
DOVE

14. Genesis 28:11-12 And he dreamed that there was a
ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached
to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were
ascending and descending on it! 13 And behold, the
Lord stood above it and said, “I am the Lord, the God
of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the
land on which you lie I will give to you and to your
descendants
John 1:51 And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you,
you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God
ascending and descending upon the Son of man.”
Stairway

15. A stairway or stairs is actually the way to
follow the path of God and enter into his
kingdom. It’s a way of connection between
two spaces – heaven and earth. We can think
of Jesus waiting up at the staircase and
paved the way for us. It is also symbolic of
the life experiences and the stages we climb
towards virtues. It is also the spiritual
journey of mankind.
Stairway

16. White Hair
Daniel 7:9 Thrones were placed and
one that was ancient of days took his
seat; his raiment was white as snow,
and the hair of his head like pure wool;
his throne was fiery flames, its wheels
were burning fire.
Revelation 1:14 His head and his hair
were white as white wool, white as
snow; his eyes were like a flame of fire

17. White Hair
White hair or greying hair is a
symbol of the true blessing of life
experience gained over time. Many
figures in the Bible are discussed as
old and experienced- Abraham,
Jacob, and Moses. Their white hair
stands for their wisdom and
insightful judgment gained through
years of struggles in their lives.

18. Lamb
Genesis 22:8 Abraham said, “God
will provide himself the lamb for a
burnt offering, my son.” So they
went both of them together.
Exodus 12:7 Then they shall take
some of the blood, and put it on the
two doorposts and the lintel of the
houses in which they eat them.

19. Lamb
The sacrifice of the lamb is discussed
several times in the Bible. It symbolizes
the blood pouring from Jesus on the
cross during the ultimate sacrifice of his
crucifixion. This sacrifice is discussed as
a sign of peace and love of Jesus. Lamb
is considered as the most innocent
creature. In the Bible, Jesus is compared
to the lamb of sacrifice. e

20. Mark 15:17 And they clothed him in purple and
they twisted the crown of thorns, put it on His
head.
Judge 8:26 Now the weight of the gold earrings
that he requested was one thousand seven
hundred shekels of gold, besides the crescent
ornaments, pendants, and purple robes which
were on the kings of Midian, and besides the
chains that were around their camels’ necks.
Color Purple

21. The purple color is associated with
royalty, richness, and authority.
Roman emperors wore clothing
colored purple, and Catholic
Bishops have, for many years, worn
it as well.
Color Purple

22. Genesis 41:42 Then
Pharaoh took his signet
ring off his hand and
put it on Joseph’s
hand; …
Esther3: 10 So the king
took his signet ring and
gave it to Haman.
RING

23. The ring stands for
authority. The transfer
of the ring from one
finger to the others is
actually the changing
or declaration of
authority. It also
stands for the favor,
withdrawal of favor
and beauty.
RING

24. @Teacher Aj :-)