Do some look for the symbolism behind the verse, or do most just see literal translations?

seek,

and ye shall

find.

The truth of scripture spans multiple layers. There is the literal sense-- what the author himself meant, the moral sense-- timeless moral truths revealed or expressed by example, the typical sense-- usually pointing us to supra mundane realities, the mythical sense-- a world view creating sense, etc. I'm sure you can come up with others.

How do most people read the text? I'm not really sure. I begin with the literal sense because it anchors all the others. No valid reading is going to contradict the author's intended meaning. It may move beyond it, but will still have some connection. I do reflect upon scripture, bringing as many other layers into view as I can. But if someone asks me: "what does it mean?", I'll invariably go with the literal sense. After all, that's the only objective sense I have. Only after that will I invite exploration of so-called deeper meanings.

I usually find the literal sense quite deep enough for my limited swimming abilities.

God the Holy Spirit lets me know what I need to know. I have an English lit background and so have been well-trained in looking for symbolism and meaning. Thing is, sometimes what I think is a meaning or a symbol isn't. That's why it's best to see what the author intended. In the case of the bible, it was God the Holy Spirit who led yielded human instruments to write scripture.

I am an agno-myst

and i think,

those who are ignorant or blind believers see literal translations,

whereas those who are aware and conscious may look for the symbolism behind the verse.

So in my view,

this all depends upon the level of the consciousness

and the degree of thirst to know the ultimate truth

that a seeker of the truth possesses.

The more we know of the scriptures entirely throughout the bible the more evident it is as to what is symbolic and what is literal.

Like for instance when Jesus said to disown your family, it wasn't meant to be taken literal. It was emphasizing the importance of being one of his followers. If we are distracted with family and care for them more than we do spiritual matters, then that can stumble us and cause us to stop serving God. We need to look deeper into the messages. But thanks for your question, and I like your answers too. Zebra ;)

Literal translations are often a dangerous torch to carry without wisdom entering into the equation...much of the Bible is symbolism when it comes to life lessons.

Michael said it.

Reading some commentaries one can find the most amazing structures of symbolism and allusion being put together. Unless this approach is handled with the greatest care and caution it is likely to result in nothing much more than "reading-in".

"And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother,

Behold, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man:"

Genesis 27:11.

most people search only as far as there preconceived ideals and search no further as they think they know it all an example the Jehovah witness's look at 144,000 virgins who are in heaven with Jesus and say that only 144,000 will ever be allowed in heaven this is not so as it says and i saw the nations gathered around the throne Revelation 21;22-27 read this and see for yourself all nations will be in the new city of God there will be many there not just 144,000 this is just one of many examples of people reading too much or too less into a thing another example so say we are saved for believing in Jesus only no works need to be done but that is not so Jesus said if you love me keep my commandments here are some of them hear believe repent confess and be baptized but some say baptism is a work but all of these are even believing is a work and i will prove it right here John 6:29 Jesus answered and said to them this is the work of God, that you believe on him whom he has sent. there are many who only study so far as to get the answer they want to believe and study no further we will all be held accountable for what we do and don't believe that is why we are told to study to show our self approved of God a workman that needs not to be ashamed 2 Timothy 2:15

It depends upon the matter in which the verse is talking about.

While Jesus spoke in parables, he was straight forward in many of the things he was teaching his disciples.

A great example of the differences is the Woman at the well (parables) and the life giving water.

Compared to that of the woman adulteress who was about to be stoned to death. (Casting the first stone).

Persecute; To harass with cruel or oppressive treatment, to maltreat or oppress because of race, religion or beliefs, to annoy or harass persistently.

Per se; By itself; intrinsically.

There is much more to the words than meets the eyes.

Pride is a killer.

I witness the mass persecuting by such.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

The hireling flees, the wolf scatters the sheep.

AND OTHER SHEEP I HAVE, WHICH ARE NOT OF THIS FOLD: THEM ALSO I MUST BRING, AND THEY SHALL HEAR MY VOICE; AND THERE SHALL BE ONE FOLD AND ONE SHEPHERD.

He who calls the herd with comfort, not by force nor might, but, by Spirit.

The words of the word wield no sword.

Wield; To handle as a weapon or "instrument", especially with full command and effect. To exercise authority, power, influence, to exercise over, to rule, conquer, seize< to rape against the will.

you can pretend that there's important symbolism in the bible, I do the same thing when I watch Sesame Street, but it's really deep, you might not be ready for Sesame Street..