Teaching and Learning
Understanding Symbolism in the Scriptures

“Understanding Symbolism in the Scriptures,” Scripture Study Skills Teacher Manual (2024)

Understanding Symbolism in the Scriptures

Define

Explain that the Lord often uses symbols to teach us about Himself and His gospel. A symbol represents or stands for something else; it is often a material object representing something abstract. For example, the rod of iron in Lehi’s dream represents the word of God (see 1 Nephi 15:23–24). The Lord sometimes uses symbols to communicate to us on a deeper level. Identifying and understanding symbolism in scriptures can take time and effort, but it has great benefits.

You could display and share the following tips for understanding symbolism in scripture:

  1. Identify symbols by looking for comparisons.

  2. Search for clues about the meaning of symbols in the text of the scriptures and in footnotes, chapter headings, the Guide to the Scriptures, or other sources.

  3. Think about the symbolism. You might ask yourself: How are these two things similar? Or how is this object, person, or event like ?

Model

You could model this skill using the following example or one of your own:

  1. Identify symbols by looking for comparisons. Read Psalm 23:1, and explain that David compared the Lord to a shepherd.

  2. Search for clues. Point out the phrases “he leadeth me beside the still waters” and “he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness” in Psalm 23:2–3. Explain how these phrases can give insight into the comparison.

    Look up “Shepherd” and “Good Shepherd” in the Guide to the Scriptures. Share other scripture passages that provide hints and clues about this symbolism, such as John 10:14–15 and 1 Nephi 22:25.

  3. Think about the symbolism. Ask yourself: What do I know about shepherds and what they do for their sheep? How is Jesus Christ like a shepherd to us?

    Explain that like a shepherd, Jesus Christ loves, cares for, protects, leads, and nourishes us. He knows each of us. He willingly gave His life for us.

Practice

Select a passage from this week’s scripture reading that includes symbolism. Or you could choose from the examples provided below. Give students time to read the passage and use the tips found in the “Define” section to understand the symbolism. Invite students, as a class or in small groups, to share the symbols they found and the insights they gained as they worked to understand the symbolism.

Additional passages for practicing this skill:

Invite and Follow Up

Invite students to look for symbolism in the scriptures to enhance their personal scripture study. Remember to allow time when you meet again for students to share any symbols they found and how thinking about the meaning of these symbols helped them better understand and apply scripture. You could also invite students to share how this skill helps them to enjoy scripture study more. Continue practicing this skill in class.