Hebrew and Aramaic are languages full of hyperbole and symbolism, just like English.
When I say 'It's raining cats and dogs', it's not literally raining cats and dogs but it's a way of saying the raindrops are very heavy and abundant.
Here's a biblical example;
'The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge', also 'broken the yoke'. These are in two sentences within 3 verses of Jeremiah. So you can imagine the amount of symbolism just within one book!
There is A LOT of biblical symbolism, especially in the Old Testament.
It is not to be taken as a literal translation but rather as imagery. The bible is something that requires deep study to get the message and the motive behind the teaching, rather than the literal 'facts' if you like.
When I say 'It's raining cats and dogs', it's not literally raining cats and dogs but it's a way of saying the raindrops are very heavy and abundant.
Here's a biblical example;
'The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge', also 'broken the yoke'. These are in two sentences within 3 verses of Jeremiah. So you can imagine the amount of symbolism just within one book!
There is A LOT of biblical symbolism, especially in the Old Testament.
It is not to be taken as a literal translation but rather as imagery. The bible is something that requires deep study to get the message and the motive behind the teaching, rather than the literal 'facts' if you like.
Yes one must study the bible but it all starts with the relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. And the Holy Spirit leading and guiding into all truth. The Book, Chapter and verse must be in context to the Author's intent.