There are many passages in the Bible that hint at a deeper meaning. Since we are told that the Holy Spirit explicitly tells us some things, we should infer that He reveals other things implicitly (1 Tim 4:1, CSB). There is said to be a secret meaning to some things (Rev 1:20, ISV). Other truths have an inner or hidden meaning (Mk 4:11, Voice; Gal 4:24, TNT). Some secret meanings are deeper than others (Eph 5:32, KNT). Certain claims are suggestive (Jn 5:18, Voice). God implies things that have to be discerned (Eph 5:32, JB). Furthermore, we are expected to make inferences from some truths (Rom 6:1, Barclay). For example, the trinity is an inferred truth.
It is easy to think that having a good understanding of the Lord’s written and spoken word is a very straightforward matter: determine the meaning for the original listeners by using context. Yet, the Lord often uses hints and has hidden meanings in what He has written or said. The principles for determining the fuller meaning of His written word and spoken word are similar. It is vital that we do not settle for the literal-historical meaning without carefully using the proper interpretive tools to check for a possible hidden meaning. (See my book, Hints from the Lord’s Prayer).
I was once alone with a woman in her apartment when she asked me, “What would you most want to do right now?” I interpreted the question without regard to the hint and gave, what for her, was a disappointing answer. Imagine my surprise several weeks later when someone told me she had confessed that she had tried to seduce me. She asked if I was a saint or just stupid.
Failure to understand hidden meanings may have some usefulness – but not when it comes to better knowing what the Lord is intimating to us!
Instead of being timid, learn to be appropriately bold.