The Word finds its fullest expression and power in its literal
meaning. There are three meanings in the Word answering
to the three levels—a heavenly meaning, a spiritual
meaning, and an earthly meaning. Since the Word contains
these three meanings by the three vertical levels and
their union is through correspondence, the final meaning,
the earthly one that we call the literal meaning, is not
only the composite, vessel, and foundation of the deeper,
corresponding meanings, it is also the Word in its fullest
expression and its full power.
—Divine Love and Wisdom 221
