Basics of Bible Study: Understanding Figurative Language, Cont. Introduction By Mark Mayberry 12/19/2010 Continuing our series on the basics of Bible study, in this lesson, we consider various figures of speech: namely hyperbole, metonymy and synecdoche. Hyperbole The Concise Oxford English Dictionary defines hyperbole as a deliberate exaggeration, not meant to be taken literally. The Merriam-Webster s Collegiate Dictionary defines hyperbole as an extravagant exaggeration (as mile-high ice-cream cones ). The English word derives from ancient Greek. Thomas defines huperbolē as derived from huperballō [to throw over or beyond, to run beyond], meaning a throwing beyond, excess, superiority [5236]. BDAG say it refers to a state of exceeding to an extraordinary degree a point on a scale of extent (the context indicating whether in a good or a bad sense), excess, extraordinary quality/character. Romans 7:13... 13 Therefore did that which is good become a cause of death for me? May it never be! Rather it was sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin by effecting my death through that which is good, so that through the commandment sin would become *utterly sinful. 1 Corinthians 12:31... 31 But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still *more *excellent way. 2 Corinthians 1:8... 8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened *excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; 2 Corinthians 4:7... 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the *surpassing *greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; 2 Corinthians 4:17... 17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory *far *beyond *all *comparison, 1
2 Corinthians 12:7... 7 Because of the *surpassing *greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me to keep me from exalting myself! Galatians 1:13... 13 For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God *beyond *measure and tried to destroy it; God employed hyperbolic language to describe the number of Abraham s descendants (Gen. 22:15-18; Heb. 11:11-12). Genesis 22:15-18... 15 Then the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven, 16 and said, By Myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies. 18 In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice. Hebrews 11:11-12... 11 By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants as the stars of heaven in number, and innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. The prophets employed such language in affirming that proud nations will be brought low (Jer. 51:53; Obad. 3-4). Jeremiah 51:53... 53 Though Babylon should ascend to the heavens, And though she should fortify her lofty stronghold, From Me destroyers will come to her, declares the Lord. Obadiah 3-4... 3 The arrogance of your heart has deceived you, You who live in the clefts of the rock, In the loftiness of your dwelling place, Who say in your heart, Who will bring me down to earth? 4 Though you build high like the eagle, Though you set your nest among the stars, From there I will bring you down, declares the Lord. Jesus used hyperbole to describe the difficulties of a rich man entering the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 19:23-26). Matthew 19:23-26... 23 And Jesus said to His disciples, Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. 25 When the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, Then who can be saved? 26 And looking at them Jesus said to them, With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. 2
John employed it to describe the additional deeds of Christ which he himself did not chronicle (John 21:25). John 21:25... 25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written. Luke employed it to describe the assembly on Pentecost (Acts 2:5-12). Acts 2:5-12... 5 Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together, and were bewildered because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 They were amazed and astonished, saying, Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God. 12 And they all continued in amazement and great perplexity, saying to one another, What does this mean? Metonymy The Concise Oxford English Dictionary defines metonym as a word or expression used as a substitute for something with which it is closely associated, e.g. Washington for the US government. Merriam-Webster s Collegiate Dictionary defines metonymy as a figure of speech consisting of the use of the name of one thing for that of another of which it is an attribute or with which it is associated (as crown in lands belonging to the crown ). Biblical examples of metonymy also abound: Idols may refer to the graven image and its associated worship rituals (Ezek. 20:7). Ezekiel 20:7... 7 I said to them, Cast away, each of you, the detestable things of his eyes, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt; I am the Lord your God. The sword is often used to symbolize conflict or warfare (Ezek. 21:9; Eph. 6:17). Ezekiel 21:9... 9 Son of man, prophesy and say, Thus says the Lord. Say, A sword, a sword sharpened And also polished! Ephesians 6:17... 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 3
A table often refers to the food that is placed upon it, and the association that occurs around it (Psa. 23:5; Luke 22:21). Psalm 23:5... 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Luke 22:21... 21 But behold, the hand of the one betraying Me is with Mine on the table. In like manner, the cup often refers by metonymy to its contents (Luke 22:20; 1 Cor. 10:21; 11:25, 27). Luke 22:20... 20 And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood. 1 Corinthians 10:21... 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 1 Corinthians 11:25... 25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me. 1 Corinthians 11:27... 27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. Synecdoche The Concise Oxford English Dictionary defines synecdoche as a figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa, as in England lost by six wickets (meaning the English cricket team ). The I.S.B.E. Revised says synecdoche is an indirect mode of expression, often used in rhetoric, whereby the whole is put for the part, or the part for the whole. The heart refers to one s whole body or being (Deut. 11:16; 11:18). Deuteronomy 11:16... 16 Beware that your hearts are not deceived, and that you do not turn away and serve other gods and worship them. Deuteronomy 11:18... 18 You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. So also for the foot (Prov. 25:17; Rom. 10:14-15), Proverbs 25:17... 17 Let your foot rarely be in your neighbor s house, Or he will become weary of you and hate you. 4
Romans 10:14-15... 14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? 15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things! The hands (Eccl. 9:10; Isa. 1:15), Ecclesiastes 9:10... 10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going. Isaiah 1:15... 15 So when you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; Yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. And the eyes (Prov. 4:25; 20:13). Proverbs 4:25... 25 Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Proverbs 20:13... 13 Do not love sleep, or you will become poor; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with food. Conclusion Let us strive to understand and appreciate the figurative language of Scripture, including hyperbole, metonymy, and synecdoche. May God bless us in making proper application to our individual lives. 5