Literal and Figurative Language in Scripture: Examples and Analysis
The Bible employs a range of literary devices, including literal and figurative language, to convey its message. Figurative language is used extensively throughout Scripture, often to describe God's actions, emotions, and characteristics in ways that humans can understand [3].
One common form of figurative language is metaphor, where one thing is compared to another without using "like" or "as." For example, Jesus is described as the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29), symbolizing his sacrificial role. Similarly, the Psalms use metaphors to describe God's actions, such as "the cup of salvation" (Psalm 116:13), which represents God's blessings [5].
Another form of figurative language is anthropomorphism, where human characteristics are attributed to God. The Bible frequently describes God as having eyes, arms, hands, and feet, despite being invisible and bodiless. These descriptions are not meant to be taken literally but rather to convey God's activity and involvement in human affairs [3].
Parables are also a key feature of biblical literature, particularly in the teachings of Jesus. A parable is a comparison or similitude that illustrates a moral or spiritual truth. Jesus used parables to convey complex ideas in a relatable way, such as the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) [1].
The use of figurative language in Scripture is not limited to metaphors, anthropomorphisms, and parables. Other examples include allegories, such as Ezekiel's description of God's judgment (Ezekiel 23:1-49), and symbolism, like the "pictures of silver" mentioned in Proverbs 25:11, which represent well-crafted words [2].
Understanding the literal and figurative language in Scripture is crucial for interpreting the Bible accurately. According to Calvin, the biblical authors often used figurative language to accommodate their message to the understanding of their audience [4]. Recognizing the different literary devices used in the Bible can help readers uncover the richness and depth of its meaning.
The early Church Fathers, such as John Chrysostom, also recognized the importance of understanding figurative language in Scripture. They emphasized the need to consider the context and the author's intention when interpreting biblical texts [6].
Sources
- 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”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Picture — In two of the three passages in which "picture" is used in the Authorized Version it denotes idolatrous representations, either independent images or more usually stones "portrayed," i.e. sculptured in low relief, or engraved and colored. (Ezekiel 23:14) Layard, Nin. and Rob. ii. 306, 308. Moveable pictures, in the modern sense, were doubtless unknown to the Jews. The "pictures of silver" of (Proverbs 25:11) were probably well surfaces or cornices with carvings.”
- Deuteronomy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Deuteronomy 32:36: 32:36 will change his mind about: When speaking of God, the Old Testament frequently uses figurative language (see study note on 8:2). Human beings cannot understand God’s mind (Isa 55:8), so God uses human language and gives himself human physical characteristics and feelings. Although the Bible frequently speaks of God’s eyes, arms, hands, and feet, he is invisible and has no body; these metaphors describe his activity. Similarly, when the Bible says that God fears (Deut 32:27) or changes his mind, it expresses how God’s actions appear to humans.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 28.1: Index of Scripture References Genesis 1:1-6 1:1-31 1:2 1:28 1:29-30 2:1 2:1-25 2:15 2:19 3:1 3:1-24 3:7 3:16 4:1 4:1-26 4:7 5:1 5:1-32 6:1 6:1-22 6:11-16 7:1-24 7:11 8:1-22 9:1 9:1 9:1-29 9:2 9:24 10 10:1 10:1 10:1-32 10:21 11:1 11:1 11:1-32 11:28 12:1 12:1 12:1 12:1-20 12:4 12:4 12:6 13:1 13:1-20 14:1-24 15:1-21 15:7 16:1-16 16:2 16:8 17:1 17:1 17:1 17:1 17:1-27 18:1 18:1 18:1-33 18:19 19:1-38 20:1 20:1 20:1-18 21:1-34 21:15 22:1-24 22:18 23:1-20 24:31 25:1 25:13-16 35:7 48:1 Exodus 6:3 12:40 Leviticus 7:18 17:4 18:25 Numbers 6:2”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 11:6: Their punishment is described by vivid figures denoting abundant, sudden, furious, and utter destruction (compare Gen 19:24; Job 18:15; Psa 7:15; Psa 9:15). cup--is a frequent figure for God's favor or wrath (Psa 16:5; Psa 23:5; Mat 20:22-23).”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on John & Hebrews: Index of Scripture References Genesis 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:20 1:26 1:26 2:7 2:17 2:18 3:5 3:9 3:9 3:10 3:16 3:18 3:19 4:4 4:7 4:7 4:9 4:10 6:2 6:5 6:9 7:1 11:4 12:1 12:7 12:7 13:15 13:15 15:5 15:6 17:14 18 18 18:15 18:17 18:21 18:21 21:12 22:1 22:1-2 22:12 23:4 25:27 26:18-22 27:41 28:20 37:7 37:9 37:10 47:9 47:9 47:31 49:9 Exodus 2:14 2:14 2:14-15 3:6 3:14 6:9 12:3 12:46 14:21 17:12 17:12 19 19:16 19:16 19:18 19:19 19:19 19:19 19:20 19:20 20:9 20:13 20:19 20:21 23:3 32:10 33:13 33:20 35:23 Leviticus 15:18 Numbers 5 6:3 9:12 11:12 14:3 14:29 16:5 17:12 Deu”