Encyclopedia of Christianity Online

Get access
Search Results: Prev | 1 of 1 | Next

Symbol
(2,971 words)

1. Term

“Symbol” (Gk. symbolon, Lat. symbolum) is a broad term with various senses and applications. Symbols are like signs in that they represent, or refer to, something that is other, or more, than themselves. The category of symbols is usually said to overlap that of signs. Some interpreters use the two terms almost interchangeably; others treat symbols as special kinds of signs with characteristics of their own. Still others seek to distinguish clearly between the two (Sign 1).

Symbols and signs point be…

Cite this page
Bucher, Anton A., Brown, Robert F., Rudolph, Enno and Bürki, Bruno, “Symbol”, in: Encyclopedia of Christianity Online. Consulted online on 28 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/2211-2685_eco_SI.111>
First published online: 2011
First print edition: ISBN: 9789004169678, 20080512



▲   Back to top   ▲