Covert Symbols as Biblical Symbols: Hidden Wisdom in Scripture

The Covert Symbol in the Old Testament

Proverbs 25:2 declares, 'It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.' This is the basis for the concept of covert symbols.

This verse underscores a divine purpose in veiling wisdom, reserving deeper truths for those who seek them diligently. In wisdom literature, such as Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, instruction is often wrapped in metaphor or riddles, challenging the reader to engage actively with the text. This method both protects sacred knowledge from misuse and rewards those who pursue understanding with humility and perseverance.

Beyond proverbs, Israel’s use of veiled instruction is evident in Nathan’s parable to David (2 Samuel 12:1-14), which exposed the king’s sin without direct confrontation. Similarly, Ezekiel’s cryptic visions (e.g., the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37) employed symbolic imagery to convey hope for restoration. These examples reveal how covert symbols served as pedagogical tools, aligning with God’s patient character in revealing Himself to those attuned to His voice.

Jesus as the Fulfillment of Covert Symbols

Jesus continues and completes the biblical tradition of covert symbols by embedding divine mysteries in parables that reveal and conceal simultaneously.

In the Gospels, Jesus employs parables like the Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-20) to mirror the OT pattern of veiled teaching. Matthew 13:10-17 explicitly clarifies this dual purpose: the parables unveil spiritual truth to Jesus’ disciples, who are "given the secret of the kingdom of heaven," while obscuring it from outsiders who remain spiritually indifferent. This aligns with Isaiah 6:9-10, where God hardens the hearts of those who reject revelation, ensuring His word is entrusted only to those who seek it earnestly. By using parables, Jesus safeguards the depth of His message from exploitation while inviting responsive hearts to grow in understanding.

The Parable of the Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30, 36 - 43) exemplifies this structure. Jesus explains to His disciples that the parable symbolizes the coexistence of good and evil until the final judgment, using imagery like "the enemy" (Satan) and "the harvest" (eschatological separation). This allegory illustrates how covert symbols require insider interpretation: the disciples must ask for clarification (Matthew 13:36), underscoring that spiritual insight is a gift granted to those who pursue it.

Theologically, Jesus’ veiled teaching serves three aims: it protects sacred truth from misuse by those unready for it, fosters discipleship through active engagement with Scripture, and reflects God’s sovereign timing in revelation. This method honors the OT principle that "it is the glory of God to conceal a matter" (Proverbs 25:2), while also pointing forward to the full revelation of Christ’s identity and mission. The next section will explore how the early church continued this tradition in its own symbolic language.

What the Covert Symbol Means for Us Today

Believers today must approach covert symbols in Scripture with discernment and humility, recognizing that their meaning is unveiled through spiritual maturity and reliance on Christ.

Covert symbols challenge us to seek deeper understanding, as seen in 1 Corinthians 2:6-8, where Paul writes, 'We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, not the wisdom of the world or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom that God predetermined before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.' This passage underscores that spiritual insight is a divine gift, reserved for those who grow in Christ-centered interpretation. To avoid misinterpreting veiled teachings, we must balance active engagement with Scripture and dependence on the Holy Spirit, avoiding overreach or dogmatism. By embracing humility and community, we honor the mystery of God’s revelation while guarding against prideful speculation.

Going Deeper

To further explore covert symbols, consider how allegory and apocalyptic imagery expand biblical teaching.

In Galatians 4:21-31, Paul uses Hagar and Sarah as allegorical symbols to contrast law and grace, revealing spiritual truths through narrative. Similarly, Revelation’s apocalyptic symbols (e.g., the seven seals, the Lamb) employ veiled imagery to depict cosmic conflict and redemption, inviting readers to discern meaning through divine revelation. These examples, alongside Jesus’ parables (e.g., the Prodigal Son) and Proverbs’ wisdom, highlight Scripture’s balance between clarity and mystery, urging humility in interpretation.