Of the Figures of Speech
Their Categories Listed
Introduction
Within the Word of God special literary expressions are used. One of them is classified as Figures of Speech.. They are very common and we use them all the time in our daily conversations. We are so use to them that we immediately interpret them without realizing that we are doing it or even that they are there. However, Figures of Speech can be difficult to properly apply if they are not understood. There are multitudes of these figures and each has a different rule of usage. But once understood and recognized they can prevent serious mis-interpretation of the Scriptures. So the study of this subject is vital for the student of the Word of God.
What is a figure of speech? The simplest definition is that it is a word, or a combination of words and sentences which stand in place of another. To be figurative is not to be literal, but that one thing is represented in terms of another. Simply put one word is used in place of another. So that the word used is not to be applied literally but figuratively. A figure represents something else. It should not be thought that because figures of speech are not literal that they do not convey the truth. What they are illustrating is true. Think of them as pointers, something being used to point to something else which is true.
The most comprehensive book on this subject has been written by E. W. Bullinger. In his book he has literally hundreds of figures listed. But many are so close together in their nature that the list can be condensed to under 50 for the most common ones. The figures are classified in several different ways. Here are the most common classifications of the figures:
- Involving Comparison.
- Involving Substitution.
- Involving Omission.
- Involving Overstatement or Understatement.
- Involving Inconsistency
- Involving Addition.
- Involving Change.
- Opaque Figures: Riddles, Fables and Enigmatic Sayings.
- Extended Figures: Similitude and Parables, and Allegories.
In this study only the most common or important figures will be studied. While this topic may be new to some, it is not to be feared. Once a figure type is defined, explained and illustrated by Biblical examples it should be a relatively easy task to recognize and interpret it. And when we are able to develop our skills in interpreting the figures we become more skillful in interpreting the Bible.
Why has God chosen to use figures of speech in His word? Many reasons may be suggested. God may be emphasizing a point; figures attract attention and hence make a truth more memorable and aid in retention, they encourage reflection, they add life to the subject, they can help in understanding difficult ideas, and finally they can be used purposely to conceal the truth from those who will not accept the truth and thus leave the believers with the task to (2 Tim 2:15 KJV) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
List of Figures in this Study.
Figures of Speech
Involving Overstatement or Understatement
- Hyperbole
- Litotes
- Irony
- Pleonasm
Involving Inconsistency
- Oxymoron
- Paradox
Involving Omissions/Suppression
- Ellipsis
- Zeugma
- Aposiopesis
- Rhetorical Question
Involving Comparison
- The Simile
- The Metaphor
- The Hypocatastasis
Involving Substitution
- Metonymy
- Synecdoche
Major Extended figures of Speech
- The Allegory.
- The Fable
- The Parable
Next Figures Defined and Classified
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