The senses of Scripture are the different ways in which the biblical text is interpreted to ensure its richness when read within the Church (CCC 115-117). These are categorized into four distinct senses: the literal, the allegorical, the moral, and the anagogical (CCC 115-117). To properly interpret these senses, the process must take place within the living Tradition of the whole Church and be guided by the Holy Spirit (CCC 113).

The theological framework for this interpretation relies on the analogy of faith, which is necessary to maintain the coherence of the truths of faith among themselves and within the overall plan of Revelation (CCC 113). Furthermore, moving from the literal meaning to the spiritual meaning of a text is not an automatic process; rather, it requires a conscious effort to transcend the literal meaning (CCC 119).