As language builds on grammatical foundations, it uses a wide variety of expressions. Most often, speech and writing use words plainly, in the normal or literal sense. But much of language is creative, drawing pictures for the mind. Here are some common forms of speech:
Similes use like, as, and so to compare one thing with another. Similes make descriptions vivid and memorable: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter” (Acts 8:32 cf. Isaiah 53:7). “The righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1). Similes may use something familiar to introduce something new: “Number the stars, if you are able… So shall your offspring be” (Genesis 15:5). “The taste of [manna] was like wafers made with honey” (Exodus 16:31).
Metaphors and figures work like similes, but without saying like, as, and so. Jesus is “the Lamb” and “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David” (Revelation 5:5; 7:17). Taken literally, those words would make Jesus an animal or a part of a plant—and would be completely wrong! Rather, He was like a lamb in the way He died. In victory, He was like a majestic lion. Though a descendant of David, Jesus gave life to David like a root gives life to a plant. (Later, we will explore the Bible’s unique use of symbols and prophetic figures.)
Metonymy replaces one thing with a related thing. Jesus told His followers, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood” (Luke 22:20). The “cup” itself, being solid, was not poured. Jesus used a etonymy whereby “cup” meant the liquid in the cup.
Similarly, synecdoche replaces a part for the whole or the whole for a part. Acts 20:7 used one part—“break bread”—to refer to the entire Lord’s Supper.
Hyperbole exaggerates to get attention and to emphasize. It is not a lie because it is so obviously overstated that people understand the truth to which it points. For example, Psalm 58:3 pictures evil people as speaking lies from birth. John 21:25 pictures the world as too small to contain all that could be written about Jesus.
Personification treats non-living things as though they are alive. Wisdom is personified as God’s companion calling out in the public square (Proverbs 1:20). Things such as oceans, fish, hills and trees are personified as joining human praise (Psalm 148:3-10; Isaiah 55:12).
Humanizing describes God (or things) in ways that correctly apply to humans. God is spirit (John 4:24), which is not physical (Luke 24:39). However, to help us picture God’s action, the Bible uses terms like God’s arm, finger and hand (Exodus 3:20; 6:6; 8:19; Isaiah 53:1; Luke 11:20). (Humanizing is our simplified term. “Anthropomorphism” is the technical term, but understanding the concept is what matters.)
Irony shows how foolish something is by stating the opposite. Like sarcasm, the statement’s sheer absurdity lets us know not to take it in the normal way. Job used irony to mock his critics, saying, “Wisdom will die with you” (Job 12:2).
Idioms are sayings that native speakers are used to and understand, but that make little sense to outsiders. They need an explanation from local or native speakers. “He is speaking tongue in cheek” is an English idiom, meaning he is using irony or humor.
This list could continue, but you get the idea: We all use many different forms of speech. Pause at times to listen to yourself and others. You are likely to find many, perhaps all, of these forms of speech in common use. If you read poetry, notice the flowery, dramatic, extravagant expressions. Though they are exaggerated and unrealistic, they still convey meaning. “We touched the stars” means we had a great experience. “You are my sunshine” means you brighten my life, you make me happy. Now, here are questions to consider: Can you, as a human, use many and varied ways to get your point across? Can you use illustrations, symbols and hyperboles, knowing they can be understood without being taken too literally? Then, will you allow God to do the same? Can the Bible use the full range of speech and writing forms—though some forms make us study harder? Look at the created world, the amazing variety of plants and animals. Can God be creative with language too?