Biblical Genres and Figures of Speech The Bible was written over a very long period of time, by people from varying backgrounds and to and for people of equally varied backgrounds. Writers differ, audiences differ, and, therefore, writing styles must differ in order for the writer to effectively convey his message. Many genres are found within the pages of the Bible, and many figures of speech are used within each of those genres. This paper will address the prophetic, narrative, epistle and gospel genres, as well as the use of metaphors, similes, hyperbole and parables.
Genre Definitions
Consulting Westminster for definitions, discloses the following:
Prophecy – speaking on behalf of God to communicate God’s will for a situation. In the New Testament, this is a gift of the Spirit. Also used for prediction or declaration of …show more content…
Figures of speech refer to literal truth in a figurative way. (Travers, 2007). The simplest of these is the simile, where the comparison is noted by use of the words “as” or “like.” One figure of speech can also lead to another, as the implied comparison becomes a metaphor. A parable is an extended simile and the allegory is an extended metaphor. The use of deliberate exaggeration is hyperbole. (Pfeiffer, 1959).
Similes and metaphors are both comparisons between two things, but the metaphor compares more bluntly. Both add power to language, affecting the reader/listener’s emotions, and bring new light to his understanding. They can occur in a series or in an extended form. The exegete must be careful not to “over-interpret” similes and metaphors, i.e. not to put a modern day spin on them which could never have been intended by the original author. Again, all interpretation must consider context, not only in the immediate discourse but also in the canon of Scripture. (Klein, Blomberg, 2004; Travers,
Genre Definitions
Consulting Westminster for definitions, discloses the following:
Prophecy – speaking on behalf of God to communicate God’s will for a situation. In the New Testament, this is a gift of the Spirit. Also used for prediction or declaration of …show more content…
Figures of speech refer to literal truth in a figurative way. (Travers, 2007). The simplest of these is the simile, where the comparison is noted by use of the words “as” or “like.” One figure of speech can also lead to another, as the implied comparison becomes a metaphor. A parable is an extended simile and the allegory is an extended metaphor. The use of deliberate exaggeration is hyperbole. (Pfeiffer, 1959).
Similes and metaphors are both comparisons between two things, but the metaphor compares more bluntly. Both add power to language, affecting the reader/listener’s emotions, and bring new light to his understanding. They can occur in a series or in an extended form. The exegete must be careful not to “over-interpret” similes and metaphors, i.e. not to put a modern day spin on them which could never have been intended by the original author. Again, all interpretation must consider context, not only in the immediate discourse but also in the canon of Scripture. (Klein, Blomberg, 2004; Travers,