Figures of Speech

How does the Bible student discern the difference between passages that contain figurative language, and those that strictly are literal? There is much confusion in the religious world regarding this issue. Read this article and learn some of the interpretative principles that are involved in correct Bible study on this matter.

Human beings frequently express their thoughts by means of figures of speech. This procedure is likewise a part of biblical revelation. The person who does not understand the use of figurative language will not fathom many elements of Bible truth. This article explores the necessity of understanding some of the figures of speech employed in sacred scripture.

Did Christ bear the “guilt” of human sin when he died on the cross? Or did he merely bear the “punishment” that was due us, as a consequence of our guilt?

Words can take on different senses depending upon the context in which they are found.

Genesis 6:6 indicates that “it repented Jehovah that he had made man.” Does this mean that God regretted his creation?

Did Jesus literally say we should pluck out our eye if it offends us?

There are several biblical passages which appear to indicate that the gospel was preached to the whole creation in the first century. How are these to be viewed? It is a problem that confuses many people. But there is a reasonable answer.

A sincere reader believes that Psalm 58:3-6 teaches that infants are “born in sin.” But this is a mistaken view of the figurative nature of the poetic language. Study this issue with us.

Some claim there is a mistake in Luke’s record of Christ’s initial post-resurrection appearance to his apostles. The historian mentions “the eleven,” when there were only ten. Judas was dead, and Thomas was not present. How is this problem to be resolved?

Is there a reasonable explanation for John’s statement that the deeds of Christ could not fit into all of the world’s books (Jn. 21:25)?

Matthew 10:23 is a difficult text that has generated much controversy among Bible students. Just what is the meaning of the Lord’s statement, that the apostles will not have evangelized all the cities of Israel, “till the Son of man comes”? Wayne Jackson discusses this problem in this week’s Question segment.

To begin with, it is important to refresh our minds with those principles that identify an actual discrepancy.

The law of contradiction briefly stated is this.

“A thing cannot both be and not be ...

Critics often criticize figurative language in the Bible as being scientifically inaccurate. But even “scientists” use figurative language from time to time. In spite of poetic language, Psalm 19 does contain some descriptions of the sun that are scientifically precise.

What is the difference between the doctrines of “transubstantiation” and “consubstantiation”?

Critics claim that the Gospel records contradict due to the fact that some passages speak of Jesus being in the tomb three days and three nights, while other texts mention only three days. What is the solution to this alleged discrepancy?

A Roman Catholic gentleman suggests that Ezekiel 36:25 contains a prophecy of sprinkling as an acceptable mode of baptism. What is the biblical response to this assertion?

How does one account for some of those “hard sayings” in the Scriptures?

One of the most difficult tasks for the Bible student is attempting to discuss the attributes of God with great precision. The divine qualities are so infinite, and our minds so finite, that we sca...

The solution to this problem lies in the sense in which Israel’s great king uses the language.

There is no question that David’s transgression caused widespread damage. He sinned against the woman...

Zechariah 14 has no reference whatever to a millennial reign of Christ upon the earth.