What did ancient and medieval scholars generally believe about biblical passages?

Ancient and medieval scholars typically approached biblical passages with the belief that they had only a single meaning, which could either be literal or allegorical. This perspective stemmed from a tradition that emphasized the importance of adhering to a specific interpretation that aligned with theological principles and dogmas of the time. Scholars often engaged with texts through careful exegesis—interpreting scripture in a way that sought to reveal deeper spiritual truths.

In this context, the literal meaning was understood as the straightforward interpretation of the text based on historical and grammatical analysis, while the allegorical meaning allowed for a more symbolic understanding that could reveal moral or spiritual lessons relevant to faith and ethics. This binary perspective on interpretation reflected the hierarchical structure of knowledge and authority in medieval scholarship, where interpretations were often guided by established doctrines.

Thus, the emphasis on a single meaning underscored the belief that scripture was divinely inspired and should be understood in a unified way, rather than as a document with diverse interpretations based on individual viewpoints or contextual influences.