Faith & Reason Nexus

The Torah begins with the story of creation in Genesis, and the question is often asked: how literal is this story meant to be? Most commentaries and rabbinical literature assume it is quite literal. However, some sages have pointed out that the creation story, at least until the time of the flood and Abraham, contains deep secrets that are not fully understood. Because of this, it’s possible the Torah could be speaking metaphorically or symbolically in some places.

For instance, while many commentaries say the six days of creation were literal 24-hour days, others suggest there may be a broader interpretation.

A helpful idea is to recognize that the Torah can speak both historically and metaphorically at the same time. People often think of these as two separate options—either history or metaphor. But this may be a false choice because even when the Torah is telling a literal historical story, it is also teaching metaphors for spiritual truths.

For example, as a believer, I accept that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were real people and founders of the Jewish people. I also believe that the Jewish people were slaves in Egypt and that God freed them. However, these figures and events also represent spiritual forces and truths. Abraham symbolizes loving kindness, Isaac represents inner strength, and Jacob embodies beauty. The Exodus from Egypt is not just a historical event but also a metaphor for the soul’s struggle with the temptations of the world.

So, when asking if the story of Adam and Eve, the tree of knowledge, or the snake are metaphors for deeper ideas like temptation, the answer is yes. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t also literally true. The Torah uses history as a way to convey deeper spiritual principles that shape the universe.

In short, the stories in the Torah can be both literal and symbolic at the same time.