Q&A: How to determine what is literal vs. metaphorical in the Bible — genre and context

The key is to let context determine literal vs. metaphorical meaning. Examples: Proverbs are pithy wisdom sayings, not hard rules; Psalms are poetry (e.g., "I make my bed swim with my tears" is obvious hyperbole). Genre indicators: poetry, narrative, didactic/teaching, hyperbole, simile (look for "like" or "as"). English literature training is the best preparation for reading the Bible, since the same interpretive skills apply. Slow down, read in context, and ask whether the text seems to mean something literally or figuratively.