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Understanding biblical types and symbols through Scripture alone.
The top level page for this section: The Ultimate KJV Bible Study Hub.
Types of Christ in the Bible
Biblical Symbols Explained (KJV)
Old Testament Pictures of Jesus
Numbers in the Bible Explained (KJV)
Feasts of the Lord Explained (Prophetic Pictures)
Tabernacle and Temple Symbols (KJV)
Parables of Jesus Explained (KJV)
Bible Types and Symbols Explained — Pictures of Christ in Scripture
The Bible is full of rich imagery, patterns, and symbolic pictures that point to Christ, God’s plan of redemption, and spiritual truths that deepen a believer’s understanding of Scripture. Many passages go beyond literal narrative — they serve as types and symbols that foreshadow the work of Christ, reveal God’s character, and teach deeper spiritual realities.
Bible Types and Symbols Explained is a guide to help believers see these pictures of Christ and truth throughout Scripture. Whether in the Old Testament shadows of sacrifice, covenants, feasts, or in the New Testament fulfillment of promise, understanding types and symbols enriches faith and equips believers to see the Bible as a unified revelation of God’s perfect plan in Christ.
This page will explain what types and symbols are, why they matter, how to interpret them biblically, and walk through many classic examples in Scripture that reveal Christ and the gospel in hidden yet powerful ways.
What Are Types and Symbols in the Bible?
In Scripture, a type is a person, place, event, or thing in the Old Testament that foreshadows a greater reality in the New Testament, most often fulfilled in Jesus Christ. A symbol is an image that conveys deeper meaning beyond the natural event.
These are not random allegories, nor are they fanciful interpretations. Types and symbols are real shadows that God intentionally placed in Scripture so that the New Testament fulfillment would bring joy, revelation, and assurance to believers.
The Bible itself acknowledges this pattern:
“And they wrote many things unto you, exhorting them, and testifying that this is the true Christ, even the same that is made manifest in you.” — 1 John 5:20
Understanding types and symbols helps believers see how the whole Bible — both Old and New Testaments — points to Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.
Why God Uses Types and Symbols
God uses types and symbols for several spiritual purposes:
- To reveal Christ before His incarnation
- To teach truths in vivid, memorable ways
- To show the unity of Scripture
- To strengthen faith by revealing God’s eternal plan
Paul explains that the law was a shadow of good things to come:
“For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things…” — Hebrews 10:1
Types are not the reality — Christ is the reality. But the shadows teach us to look beyond the temporary to the eternal.
How to Interpret Types and Symbols Biblically
When studying Bible Types and Symbols Explained, it’s important to follow Scripture’s own interpretive principles:
1. Scripture Interprets Scripture
No symbol should contradict clear biblical teaching. A type must be confirmed by fulfillment in the New Testament or by apostolic teaching.
2. Types Point to Christ or Salvation
A type must ultimately reveal something about God, redemption, or Christ’s work.
3. Types Are Consistent With Covenant Themes
Many types emerge out of God’s covenant with His people — patterns that find fulfillment in Jesus.
4. Do Not Force Meanings
A type is not a personal subjective interpretation. It must have support in Scripture or clear theological alignment with biblical revelation.
With these guardrails, believers can safely explore types without allegorizing every verse.
Major Categories of Bible Types and Symbols
1. People as Types of Christ
Adam
Adam is the first human and a pattern of Christ:
“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” — 1 Corinthians 15:22
Adam’s sin brought death, but Christ’s obedience brings life. Adam is a type of Christ — the head of humanity in both judgment and redemption.
Abraham
Abraham believed God and was counted righteous:
“And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” — Genesis 15:6
Paul explains that Abraham’s faith foreshadowed justification by faith in Christ.
Joseph
Joseph’s life — rejected by brothers, raised to rule, and providing salvation for his family — pictures Christ’s suffering, exaltation, and saving work.
2. Events as Types of Salvation
The Exodus
Israel’s deliverance from Egypt is a profound type of salvation. Egypt represents bondage and slavery to sin, and the Passover lamb symbolizes Christ:
“And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses… when I see the blood, I will pass over you…” — Exodus 12:13
Just as the blood of the lamb spared Israel, Christ’s blood saves sinners.
Crossing the Red Sea
Israel passed through water to freedom:
“And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground…” — Exodus 14:22
Paul explains that this event symbolizes baptism — passing from death to life in Christ.
Day of Atonement
This annual feast illustrated substitutionary sacrifice and cleansing, fulfilled in Christ’s blood:
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust…” — 1 Peter 3:18
3. Symbols of Christ and Salvation
The Passover Lamb
Christ is the Lamb of God:
“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” — John 1:29
The Passover lamb’s blood was placed on doorposts to save God’s people. Christ’s blood saves His people from eternal death.
The Rock
In the wilderness, Moses struck the rock and water flowed:
“And that Rock was Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 10:4
Christ is our living water, satisfying the thirsty soul.
The Ark
The ark saved Noah’s family from judgment:
“And spared not the old world, but saved Noah…” — Hebrews 11:7
The ark prefigures Christ as the refuge from judgment.
Manna
God provided bread from heaven:
“And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years…” — Exodus 16:35
“I am the bread of life.” — John 6:35
Christ is the true bread, the source of eternal nourishment.
Types in the Tabernacle and Temple
The tabernacle’s design was full of symbolism pointing to Christ:
The Outer Court — access to God through sacrifice
The Brazen Altar — Christ’s atoning sacrifice
The Laver — cleansing and sanctification
The Holy Place — presence of God
The Ark of the Covenant — God dwelling among His people
Every piece spoke of redemption, holiness, and God’s presence with His people.
Symbols in Prophecy
Prophecy often uses symbols to convey deep spiritual truths.
The Vine
Jesus said:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.” — John 15:1
Believers are branches — connected to life only through Christ.
Salt
Salt preserves and purifies:
“Ye are the salt of the earth…” — Matthew 5:13
Believers influence the world with purity and preservation of truth.
Light
Light dispels darkness:
“Ye are the light of the world…” — Matthew 5:14
Christ is Light, and believers reflect that light in a dark world.
Greater Fulfillment in Christ
The great joy of studying types and symbols is seeing how they find fulfillment in Jesus. He is the promised Seed, the Passover Lamb, the Bread of Life, the Good Shepherd, the High Priest, and the King of kings.
“Who is the image of the invisible God…” — Colossians 1:15
Christ is God’s ultimate revelation. Every type and symbol points us to Him.
How Types Strengthen Faith
Studying Bible types and symbols strengthens faith because:
- It reveals God’s long-term plan for redemption
- It shows continuity between Old and New Testaments
- It demonstrates God’s faithfulness across generations
- It encourages believers to trust God’s Word as unified and purposeful
Common Misinterpretations to Avoid
When studying Bible Types and Symbols Explained, be careful not to:
Read personal meaning into every object
Interpret symbols without biblical support
Assume every verse is a hidden symbol
Replace literal teaching with fanciful speculation
Always interpret Scripture with Scripture and submit to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
How to Study Bible Types and Symbols
- Begin with prayer — ask God for discernment
- Read the context — never interpret in isolation
- Compare fulfillment in the New Testament
- Use Scripture to interpret Scripture
- Confirm meaning with sound theology
God blesses those who diligently search His Word.
Conclusion — Seeing Christ in Every Page
The Bible is not just a collection of stories. It is God’s revelation of redemption. From the early shadows in Genesis to the glorious fulfilment in Revelation, Bible Types and Symbols Explained reveals a beautiful unity: every picture points to Christ.
Christ is Prophet, Priest, and King. He is Sacrifice and Savior. He is the Bread of Life, the Passover Lamb, the Rock of our salvation.
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” — Hebrews 12:2
As believers study types and symbols, they see not only God’s creativity, but His grace — writing truth into picture and story so that Christ would be unmistakably revealed through every page.
Bible Types and Symbols Explained – Complete FAQ
What are Bible types and symbols?
Bible types and symbols are real people, events, objects, or institutions in Scripture that God designed to picture greater spiritual truths. Most types point forward to Jesus Christ, salvation, or God’s redemptive plan. They are not imaginary or symbolic-only stories — they are historical realities that also carry spiritual meaning.
Are Bible types and symbols taught in Scripture?
Yes. The Bible itself teaches that many Old Testament events were shadows of things to come. The New Testament explains and confirms these types, showing their fulfillment in Christ and His work.
What is the difference between a type and a symbol?
A type is usually a real person, event, or thing that foreshadows something greater in the future, often fulfilled in Christ.
A symbol is an image or object used to represent a spiritual truth. Types often include symbols, but not all symbols are types.
Do all Bible types point to Jesus Christ?
Most true Bible types ultimately point to Christ, His sacrifice, His role as Savior, or His relationship with His people. Jesus is the central theme of Scripture, and types exist to reveal Him before His earthly coming.
How do we know if something is truly a Bible type?
A true Bible type will:
Align with clear doctrine
Be supported or confirmed by Scripture
Point to Christ, salvation, or God’s plan
Never contradict the plain teaching of the Bible
If an interpretation adds new doctrine or contradicts Scripture, it is not a valid type.
Is Adam a type of Christ?
Yes. Adam represents humanity, just as Christ represents redeemed humanity. Adam brought sin and death through disobedience, while Christ brought righteousness and life through obedience. Scripture directly contrasts Adam and Christ to explain salvation.
Why is the Passover lamb a type of Christ?
The Passover lamb was sacrificed so that Israel would be spared judgment. Its blood was applied, not merely acknowledged. In the same way, Christ’s blood saves those who trust in Him. This picture clearly foreshadows Christ’s substitutionary death.
What does the ark represent in Bible types and symbols?
The ark represents salvation and refuge from judgment. Just as Noah and his family were saved by entering the ark, sinners are saved by being in Christ. There was only one ark and one door, just as there is only one Savior.
Why are there so many types in the Old Testament?
God used types to teach truth before Christ came and to prepare people to recognize Him. These pictures helped believers understand salvation, sacrifice, holiness, and redemption long before the Gospel was fully revealed.
Are Bible types meant to replace literal meaning?
No. Types do not cancel the literal meaning of Scripture. The events were real and historical. The spiritual meaning is an added layer that God placed intentionally, not a replacement for the literal sense.
Can Bible types be misused?
Yes. Types are often abused when people:
Force symbolism into every verse
Invent meanings not supported by Scripture
Use types to create new doctrine
This is why Bible types and symbols must always be interpreted carefully and biblically.
Why does the Bible use shadows instead of direct explanations?
God uses shadows to reveal truth progressively. The Old Testament prepared the way, and the New Testament reveals the fulfillment. This demonstrates God’s wisdom, foreknowledge, and unified plan across history.
What is the role of the tabernacle in Bible types and symbols?
The tabernacle is one of the richest collections of Bible types. Its structure, furniture, sacrifices, and priesthood all point to Christ’s sacrifice, God’s holiness, and access to God through blood atonement.
Does the New Testament still use symbols?
Yes. Jesus used parables, metaphors, and symbolic language to teach spiritual truth. Revelation also uses symbols to communicate future events and spiritual realities while remaining consistent with Scripture.
How should believers study Bible types and symbols?
Believers should study types prayerfully, using Scripture to interpret Scripture. The focus should always be on understanding Christ more clearly, not on speculation or hidden meanings.
Why are Bible types and symbols important for Christians today?
Bible types and symbols strengthen faith by showing that God’s plan has always centered on Christ. They reveal the unity of Scripture, deepen understanding of salvation, and increase confidence in the Bible as God’s preserved Word.
Do I need special knowledge to understand Bible types and symbols?
No. God reveals truth through His Word to ordinary believers. A saved believer, guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit, can understand biblical types without needing extra-biblical sources.
What is the greatest purpose of Bible types and symbols?
The greatest purpose is to reveal Jesus Christ. Every true type magnifies Him, His sacrifice, His glory, and His role as Savior. Studying types should always lead to deeper worship, gratitude, and obedience to Christ.