When Bible words are not literal then the non literal words are representing something that is literal such as in the use of symbolism or some other figure of speech.
Incidentally, the reason that certain people cannot understand that Bible figures of speech refer to literal truth, thus all the Bible is in a sense literal, is found here:
1 Corinthians 2;14 “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” -King James Version