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Balancing Metaphors and Examples with Biblical Accuracy in Preaching

Preaching often employs metaphors and examples to illuminate biblical truths, a practice rooted in the Bible itself. The term "parable" (Greek parabole) signifies a comparison, similitude, or illustration, essentially "placing beside" one subject to explain another [1, 2]. This concept is not limited to the New Testament; the Hebrew mashal carries a similar meaning, denoting a proverb, prophetic utterance, or enigmatic saying [2]. Hosea 12:10 states, "I have also spoken to the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry of the prophets I have used parables" [5]. This verse indicates God's own use of illustrative language through his prophets [16].

Biblical metaphors often draw from familiar imagery to convey profound theological concepts. For instance, the metaphor of a shepherd is frequently used to describe God's care for his people, appearing in passages like Psalm 23:1, Isaiah 40:11, Jeremiah 3:15, Ezekiel 34:11-17, and John 10:1-18 [11, 14]. This imagery resonates with pastoral life, a common experience in ancient Israel, making God's protective and guiding nature relatable [14]. Similarly, the prophet Zechariah uses the metaphor of shepherds to represent Hebrew leaders, dramatizing their wickedness through allegorical actions [12]. The refreshing quality of dew in a hot climate serves as a metaphor for God's blessings upon Israel's conversion in Hosea 14:5 [8]. Even abstract concepts like God's power can be conveyed metaphorically, as when Isaiah speaks of God lifting up an "ensign" to the nations, which can signify either terrifying adversaries or guiding exiles [15].

Examples, distinct from metaphors, provide concrete instances of behavior or consequences. The New Testament frequently presents Christ as the ultimate example for believers, particularly in his meekness (Matthew 11:29; 1 Peter 2:21-23) and diligence (Mark 1:35; Luke 2:49) [3, 4, 7]. Pastors are also called to be examples to their flocks (Philippians 3:17; 1 Peter 5:3) [3]. The experiences of the Jews serve as a warning (Hebrews 4:11), and the prophets are presented as examples of enduring affliction (James 5:10) [3]. These examples offer tangible models for Christian conduct and spiritual understanding.

When employing metaphors and examples in preaching, accuracy to the biblical text is paramount. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 2:1, emphasizes that his preaching was not with "excellency of speech" or "arts of rhetoric," but focused on the "testimony of God" [13]. While rhetorical devices can be helpful, the message itself, concerning Christ and salvation, is supremely excellent and should not be overshadowed by human eloquence [13]. The "prophecy" mentioned in Romans 12:6, often understood as the gift of exhorting, preaching, or expounding the Scriptures, should be exercised "in proportion to the faith" [9, 10]. This suggests that the communication of God's message should be guided by the measure of faith given by God, implying a responsibility to convey truth faithfully [9].

The Book of Proverbs, a collection of moral and philosophical maxims, exemplifies the biblical use of concise, illustrative language to convey practical wisdom [6]. It demonstrates how "homely truths" can be impressed upon people with the "sacred authority of the book" [6]. Therefore, while creative language can enhance understanding, it must always serve the accurate communication of biblical truth, rather than distorting or replacing it.

Sources

  1. Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (The word parable is in Greek parable (parabole) which signifies placing beside or together, a comparison, a parable is therefore literally a placing beside, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another.--McClintock and Strong. As used in the New Testament it had a very wide application, being applied sometimes to the shortest proverbs, (1 Samuel 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chronicles 7:20) sometimes to dark prophetic utterances, (Numbers 23:7,18; 24:3; Ezekiel 20:49) sometimes to enigmatic maxims, (Psalms 78:2; Proverbs 1:6) or metaphors expand”
  2. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (Gr. parabole), a placing beside; a comparison; equivalent to the Heb. mashal, a similitude. In the Old Testament this is used to denote (1) a proverb (1 Sam. 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chr. 7:20), (2) a prophetic utterance (Num. 23:7; Ezek. 20:49), (3) an enigmatic saying (Ps. 78:2; Prov. 1:6). In the New Testament, (1) a proverb (Mark 7:17; Luke 4:23), (2) a typical emblem (Heb. 9:9; 11:19), (3) a similitude or allegory (Matt. 15:15; 24:32; Mark 3:23; Luke 5:36; 14:7); (4) ordinarily, in a more restricted sense, a comparison of earthly with heavenly things, "an eart”
  3. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Example — Of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Meekness — Christ set an example of -- Ps 45:4; Isa 53:7; Mt 11:29; 21:5; 2Co 10:1; 1Pe 2:21-23. His teaching -- Mt 5:38-45. A fruit of the Spirit -- Ga 5:22,23. Saints should Seek. -- Zep 2:3. Put on. -- Col 3:12-13. Receive the word of God with. -- Jas 1:21. Exhibit, in conduct, &c. -- Jas 3:13. Answer for their hope with. -- 1Pe 3:15. Show to all men. -- Tit 3:2. Restore the erring with. -- Ga 6:1. Precious in the sight of God -- 1Pe 3:4. Ministers should Follow after. -- 1Ti 6:11. Instruct opposers with. -- 2Ti 2:24,25. Urge, on their people. -- Tit 3:1,2. A char”
  5. Hosea “I have also spoken to the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry of the prophets I have used parables. -- Hosea 12:10”
  6. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Proverbs, Book of — A collection of moral and philosophical maxims of a wide range of subjects presented in a poetic form. This book sets forth the "philosophy of practical life. It is the sign to us that the Bible does not despise common sense and discretion. It impresses upon us in the most forcible manner the value of intelligence and prudence and of a good education. The whole strength of the Hebrew language and of the sacred authority of the book is thrown upon these homely truths. It deals, too, in that refined, discriminating, careful view of the finer shades ”
  7. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
  8. Hosea (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hosea 14:5: I will be as the dew unto Israel - On these metaphors I gladly avail myself of the elegant and just observations of Bp. Lowth. "These verses (Hos 14:5-7) contain gracious promises of God's favor and blessings upon Israel's conversion. In the fifth verse, it is described by that refreshment which copious dews give to the grass in summer. If we consider the nature of the climate, and the necessity of dews in so hot a country, not only to refresh, but likewise to preserve life; if we consider also the beauty of the oriental lilies, the fragrance of the cedars which grow”
  9. Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 12:6: 12:6 The ability to prophesy was one of the most important of the New Testament gifts (see also 1 Cor 12:28; Eph 4:11). Although prophets are mentioned in several passages in Acts as predicting the future (see Acts 11:28; 21:10-12), the prophet’s most fundamental responsibility is to communicate God’s message to the community of believers (1 Cor 12:3, 24-25, 29-30; see also 1 Cor 14:1-40). • as much faith as God has given you (literally in proportion to the faith): Proportion (Greek analogia) is a word drawn from mathematics and logic, where it refers to the corre”
  10. Romans (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Romans 12:6: Having then gifts differing, etc. - As the goodness of God, with this view of our mutual subserviency and usefulness, has endowed us with different gifts and qualifications, let each apply himself to the diligent improvement of his particular office and talent, and modestly keep within the bounds of it, not exalting himself or despising others. Whether prophecy - That prophecy, in the New Testament, often means the gift of exhorting, preaching, or of expounding the Scriptures, is evident from many places in the Gospels, Acts, and St. Paul's Epistles, see Co1 11:4, C”
  11. Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 40:11: 40:11 Isaiah used the familiar biblical metaphor of a shepherd to speak of God’s care for his people (see also 49:10; Ps 23:1; Jer 3:15; 23:4; Ezek 34:11-17; Matt 2:6; John 10:1-18).”
  12. Zechariah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Zechariah 11:4: 11:4-17 The metaphor of the Hebrew leaders as shepherds binds together the last three messages (9:9–11:17) of Zechariah’s first oracle (chs 9–11). This message combines allegory with symbolic action on Zechariah’s part to dramatize the wickedness of Israel’s shepherds. The prophet acts out a parable of a “good shepherd” called by God to lead and unite his people, but the people reject this shepherd along with the promise of protection from the nations (11:10) and unity between Judah and Israel (11:14). Zechariah’s symbolic actions foreshadow the ministry of Jes”
  13. 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 2:1: When I came to you - Acting suitably to my mission, which was to preach the Gospel, but not with human eloquence, Co1 1:17. I declared to you the testimony, the Gospel, of God, not with excellency of speech, not with arts of rhetoric, used by your own philosophers, where the excellence of the speech recommends the matter, and compensates for the want of solidity and truth: on the contrary, the testimony concerning Christ and his salvation is so supremely excellent, as to dignify any kind of language by which it may be conveyed. See the Introduction, Section 2.”
  14. Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 23 (introduction): Under a metaphor borrowed from scenes of pastoral life, with which David was familiar, he describes God's providential care in providing refreshment, guidance, protection, and abundance, and so affording grounds of confidence in His perpetual favor. (Psa 23:1-6) Christ's relation to His people is often represented by the figure of a shepherd (Joh 10:14; Heb 13:20; Pe1 2:25; Pe1 5:4), and therefore the opinion that He is the Lord here so described, and in Gen 48:15; Psa 80:1; Isa 40:11, is not without some good reason.”
  15. CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 1, section 17.23: God abound, we have true and abundant ground of confidence. 12. And he will lift up an ensign to the nations . This verse contains nothing more than the explanation of the former verse. The language is metaphorical, and admits of two meanings; either that, by giving an ensign , he will terrify adversaries, so that they will not dare to prevent his people from returning, or that he will give an ensign to the wretched exiles not to hesitate to make preparations for their return. But even at the present day this doctrine is highly useful among ”
  16. Hosea (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hosea 12:10: I have also spoken to the prophets,.... Or, "I will speak" (b); for this respects not the Lord's speaking by the prophets of the Old Testament who spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost; though all they said were for the use of, and profitable unto, Christian churches; but his speaking by the apostles, prophets, and teachers, under the Gospel dispensation; by whom the doctrines of grace have been more clearly dispensed, and which are no other than the voice of Christ speaking in them; and which it is both a privilege to hear, and a duty to attend unto; see Eph 4:1”
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