Deciphering Figurative Language (Part 1)
The Scriptures are filled with figures of speech and figurative language. It is foolish and a hindrance to proper understanding to take passages of the Bible literally that were intended to be taken figuratively. Thus, as you study, ask yourself the following questions to decipher figurative from literal language.
Does the author of the text indicate he is speaking figuratively?
In John’s Revelation he indicates the figurative nature of his writing when he says “The Revelation of Jesus Christ…” has been “signified...by His angel…” (1:1). The term “signified” means “to give a sign” (Thayer). Signs are used to picturesquely illustrate the literal—they are not the literal! Thus, Revelation is using heightened, symbolic language to illustrate literal events and principles.
Another example may be found in the gospel of John. Jesus refers to destroying “the temple” in that passage. Yet, John clarifies the figurative nature of His statement saying, “But He was speaking of the temple of His body” (John 2:19-22). If the author says it is figurative, then it should be accepted as such.
Was the statement said in jest?
In common language, an individual might use the
phrase “tongue-in-cheek” to describe their figurative use of language.
Comedy and sarcasm commonly use an exaggerated form of language and it
is also found in the Bible. Notice Elijah’s comments on Mt. Carmel (1
Kings 18:27), or those gathered on Pentecost (Acts 2:13). The Bible does
contain glimpses of comical, figurative language.
January 2007