Womens Ministries Leadership Certification Program

FIGURES OF SPEECH IN THE BIBLE

INTRODUCTION

As the deer pants for streams of water,

So my soul pants for you, O God (Ps. 42:1).

The Lord God is a sun and shield (Ps. 84:11).

These familiar comparisons are examples of figurative language in the Bible. We

all use figures of speech to express ourselves in speaking and in writing.
Sometimes we use them for emphasis, or we may use them to make an idea
clear and fresh, to describe by comparison, or to notice similarities between
things that are dissimilar.

When we stop to think about figures of speech, we may find we use them much
more often than we realize. When we studied literature in school, we probably
learned about several figures of speech, but we may never have looked at the
figurative language in the Bible. As we do, we will see the word pictures more
vividly, and our understanding of familiar texts may be greatly enriched.

(PP 1)
Lets first talk about what a figure of speech is. The two figures we will look at
todaymetaphors and similesare both comparisons. Metaphors and similes
are comparisons between two things that are basically unlike, except in one
way. We use them to make an idea clearer. The reader must think through the
figure of speech to understand the comparison. Lets look at ordinary examples:
when a mother describes her child as having a sunny disposition, she doesn't
mean that he can burn her skin or that he disappears every evening. She
means that he is cheerful and pleasant to have around. Likewise, when a
teacher calls a student a walking encyclopedia, she doesnt mean that he is
divided into volumes, too heavy to carry, or containing short entries about every
topic. She means that he seems to know a great deal about many subjects.

Jesus understood that by the use of vivid illustrations and figures of speech, His
lessons would be clear and vivid, easily recalled by His hearers and by students
of the Bible. The teachings of Jesus contain many instances of His use of figures
of speech to illustrate a topic. Often the figure of speech provides a tangible
object, helping make an abstract idea concrete. This makes it easier to
remember the lessons Jesus taught. His figures of speech are vivid, helping

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imprint upon our minds the lessons He taught. The Master Teacher knew the
impact of concrete examples and used these illustrations as a powerful
teaching tool.

(PP 2)
Figures of speech help clarify important concepts and reveal an intimate
relationship between God and His people. Jesus uses figurative language to
help us comprehend deep lessons.

By presenting the lessons He taught in this manner, He gave His listeners a clearer
picture of who God is and what He does for us. Understanding figurative
language helps us understand the Bible better.

Similes and Metaphors (PP - 3)

Lets look at specific definitions for two figures of speech.

A simile is a comparison of two things, which are essentially unlike, but alike in
one aspect, directly stated using the words "like" or "as." For example,

"All flesh is like grass." 1 Pet. 1:24

"He shall be like a tree planted by rivers of waters. Ps. 1:3
"The wicked are. . .like chaff." Ps. 1:4

A metaphor is also a comparison of two unlike things, but it does not use the
words "like" or "as." For example,

"The Lord is my Shepherd." Ps. 23:1

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet." Ps. 119:105
"God makes the clouds His chariot." Ps. 104:3

Group activity #1: Group Activity #1 is in the Appendix to this seminar.

(PP - 4)
The Bible is full of figures of speech. Understanding its figurative language will
help us understand Biblical principles more clearly and enhance our
appreciation of the book as literature.

People have long been intrigued by the way Jesus uses vivid illustrations. Let us
look at a few examples that are familiar.

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Yeast (PP 5)
Anyone who has ever baked a loaf of bread is acquainted with the illustration of
the kingdom of heaven's being like yeast. Let us read it from Matt. 13:33.
"Another parable spake he unto them; the kingdom of heaven is like unto
leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole
was leavened."

This refers to a task that was common in those days, mixing yeast into a large
amount of flour to create dough for bread. The yeast represents the kingdom of
heaven. Just as the yeast permeates every part of the dough and causes it to
rise, so the introduction of the kingdom of heaven into our lives will enhance our
spiritual growth. We will be transformed into people who walk as Jesus would
have us walk, treating others as we would be treated.

Good Seeds/Bad Seeds (PP - 6)

Perhaps no other illustration has been used as frequently as seeds. Jesus
teaches the importance of sowing good seed in order to have a bountiful
harvest. We find this metaphor frequently.

In Matthew 13: 37-38 we read: ". . .He that soweth the good seed is the Son of
man; the field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but
the tares are the children of the wicked one."

In these verses Jesus refers to Himself as the One who sows the good seed, and
we who allow that seed to grow within us are the children of the kingdom.
There is another one who goes about sowing seed also. However, his seeds
produce tares, the weeds that drain the soil of water and hide the good plants
from the sunshine.

Jesus draws His illustrations from scenes familiar to His listeners. Many of his
hearers were, no doubt, farmers and knew well about good harvests and also
weeds. As they sowed their crops, they would remember this lesson.

Bread of Life (PP - 7)

In another metaphor, Jesus speaks of Himself as the Bread of Life. In John 6: 35,
48 and 51, He calls Himself the Bread of Life and the Living Bread. Knowing how
important a staple bread is, He again chose an object that would be easy for
everyone to understand.

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Point to ponder #1: Allow seminar attendees a few minutes to think about why
Jesus might refer to himself as bread. What are a few ways He is like bread? Ask
2 or 3 to share their thoughts.

Sheep/Wolves (PP - 8)
Jesus often refers to good and evil by using a familiar metaphor of sheep and
wolves. Just as the sheep are precious to the shepherd and wolves are a threat
to the flock, the sheep represent those who make good choices, and the
wolves are those who choose to do evil. In one place Jesus warns: "Beware of
false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are
ravening wolves." Matt. 7:15.

Group Activity #2: Take a few moments to ask the seminar attendees to locate
other places in the Bible that refer to sheep and/or wolves. You may want to
ask for some of the texts and list the text references on a blackboard or flip chart
if available.

Kingdom of Heaven (PP - 9)

Jesus often compared the kingdom of heaven to familiar objects and scenes. In
one place He says, "The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed,
which a man took, and sowed in his field." Matt. 13:31.

The mustard seed was smaller than any other seed sown by the farmers of
Palestine; yet when grown, it became a tree so large that birds could nest in its
branches. Jesus wanted people to understand that God could use the smallest
amount of faith to bring about incredible results.

This is a lesson we can remember as we attempt to overcome life's obstacles.

We need not be incredibly strong; we need only as much faith as could fit in the
tiny mustard seed. It is God's power that performs miracles in our lives.

Great Treasure (PP -10)

Everyone can relate to a story about finding an extremely valuable item. Jesus
uses the simile of this familiar situation in Matt. 13:44: "Again, the kingdom of
heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he
hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that
field." He continues the theme of value in verses 45-46: ". . .the kingdom of
heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had
found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it."

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Here one can see that the kingdom of heaven is worth more than one's bundle
of earthly possessions.

Point to ponder #2: Think of some things you might have a hard time giving up in
order to obtain the greatest treasure of all. (For personal meditation only)

Gardeners, Vines, Branches (PP- 11)

Things of nature often appear in the parables and lessons of Jesus. Gardeners
will appreciate the illustration of Jesus as the Vine and each one of us as a
branch off that vine. In John 15:1 and 2, Jesus tells us that He is the true vine and
His Father is the gardener. This metaphor would bring a common scene to the
minds of His hearers. Many of them would have tended grapevines. He says
His Father cares for the vines, and those vines that do not bear fruit are trimmed
and discarded. Those vines which bear fruit are pruned so that they will bear
more fruit. In verse 5 Jesus refers to us as the branches of the vine, and if we
abide in Him, we will bear much fruit.

Jesus also uses the close connection between the vine and its branches to
illustrate how closely we are connected to Him. We receive our strength by
staying connected to the vine. Without a connection to Jesus, the vine, we will
wither and become dried twigs that are not able to bear fruit.

Life isn't easy for anyone. Everyone endures heartache and tremendous
challenges. Those who rely on their own judgment and emotional strength will
find themselves in situations they cannot resolve alone. Only a connection to
the Source of all good can assure us the resources necessary to handle life's
problems.

James 1:2-4 tells us that trials are occasions for joy because they will test our faith
and help us develop perseverance. Perseverance helps us mature and
become complete. We may learn to take joy in being the branches of the
perfect Vine.

Parables (PP - 12)

Children love stories, and adults never outgrow the child inside. Jesus' stories
illustrate deep truths about God and His kingdom. The parable of the wedding
catches everyone's attention. Everyone loves a wedding, and when one
receives an invitation to attend the wedding of a friend or family member, she
plans what she'll wear and selects a special gift for the happy couple. In the
parable, ten virgins were waiting for the bridegroom, who symbolizes Jesus.

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However, the bridegroom tarried, and the virgins fell asleep. We can read the
story in Matt. 25:1-13.

Group activity #3: Group Activity #3 is in the Appendix to this seminar.

This parable, like many of Jesus' stories, is an allegory. The story itself is interesting,
but there is an underlying meaning that carries the message. As people went
about their liveswhether making bread, farming, or celebrating the start of a
new home at a weddingthey could see the life lessons contained in every
simple act.

Stumbling Block/Stumbling Stone (PP -13)

Some Biblical figures of speech are not a part of a parable, yet remain fixed in
our memories.

For example, the last sentence in Romans 9:32: "For they stumbled at that
stumbling stone." In his letter to the Romans, Paul indicates that Jews believed
they could obtain righteousness by doing good works. However, righteousness is
available only through faith. Because this was the message Jesus was preaching,
the Jews took offense. Their erroneous concept led them to believe Jesus was
wrong, and they stumbled over their own ignorance.

We still use the phrase a stumbling block in a figurative way to mean

something that prevents us from moving forward with a plan or idea. Our
stumbling block/stone may be just a small matter that throws us off balance. It
may be an incorrect belief, or at times, our actions may cause us to be
stumbling blocks to others as we get in the way of their spiritual progress.

Little things may prevent us from looking to Jesus. Instead we look to other
people and allow their mistakes and opinions to cause us to stumble in our
Christian walk.

When we act in an un-Christlike way, we may become stumbling blocks to

others as they struggle to live a Christian life. "Let us not therefore judge one
another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or
an occasion to fall in his brothers way." Romans 14:13.

Solomon's Writings: (PP 14)

Solomon's writings are filled with a variety of figures of speech. In the book of
Proverbs, Solomon is a master, illustrating the lessons with figurative language.

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1. Apples of Gold:
We've all been told that we should keep our words sweet because we may
have to eat them. In Proverbs 25:11, Solomon speaks of apt words that are "like
apples of gold in settings of silver." Some think that words are not as significant
as acts, but words can have a powerful impact on lives. We need to choose
carefully the words we speak.

Point to Ponder #3: Spend a few moments reviewing the words you have
spoken recently. Were you tired and short with someone you care about?
Were you kind to the co-worker who didn't do the job right or who said
something you didn't like? How did you respond when the waitress did not get
your order right? These are the types of questions we can ask ourselves as we
think before we speak. Our words should be like beautiful perfect apples not
tainted with blemishes and rotten spots. (PP-15)

2. Coals of Fire:
In Proverbs 25:21 &22 we read: "If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat;
and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire
upon his head and the Lord shall reward thee." This metaphor sounds as if we
are being encouraged to retaliate, but we're not.

Coals of fire do not sound like something anyone would want heaped on his
head. Yet Solomon uses this vivid phrase to tell us to return good for evil.
Thinking of ways to show kindness to those who have done us ill crowds out
thoughts of anger and retaliation. Whether or not our kind acts have any real
effect on those who have done us wrong, they help us release the frustration
and anger that create poison in our bodies and in our souls.

One way to heap coals of fire upon the enemy is to pray for him. We will find it is
impossible to pray for someone and still hold hard feelings. Prayer does change
people's heartsstarting with our own.

3. The "I am" Metaphors (PP - 16)

A. Jesus compares Himself to a number of things, both abstract and concrete,

all of which tell us something about the character of God.
In John 8:12, He says, "I am the light of the world." Light represents many things
to us. A bright person is one who perceives what others might not. When one
"sees the light," he has gotten through whatever blocked his understanding.
Someone who lights the way may advise another of the best decision to make.

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All shades of meaning represent "seeing" what was not visible until the "light"
showed the way. Jesus came in the flesh so that humans could "see" God's plan
for their lives. He points the way.

B. Jesus calls Himself a shepherd in John 10:11: "I am the good shepherd." He
even explains the metaphor. A good shepherd is willing to lay down his life for
his sheep. Shepherds, however, are trained to protect themselves as well as the
sheep and do everything possible to avoid death. Jesus came to earth for the
express purpose of giving His life for us, His flock. (PP-17)

C. I am the door," Jesus says in John 10:9. Man's sinful nature keeps him from the
presence of God, and justice requires that he die. Since Jesus died, He created
a way for us to reach the Father. Through Him, we have the assurance that we
have a future in heaven.

D. In John 6:35, Jesus calls Himself the bread of life. " He that cometh to me," He
says, "shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." Just as
"our daily bread" represents what we need to sustain physical life, Jesus has
provided what we need to sustain us in our spiritual lives.

Figures of Speech as They Relate to Jesus (PP-18)

1. Jesus the Good Shepherd (PP 19)

Perhaps the most soothing and comforting figure of speech is the one quoted
earlier in which Jesus refers to Himself as the good shepherd. And in another
use of this comparison, in the 23rd Psalm we find a beautiful illustration of David's
feelings about his relationship with God.

Just as Jesus used scenes that were familiar in daily life, David wrote about what
he knew. He had been a shepherd. He knew a good shepherd would lead the
sheep in pleasant pastures where they could feed or rest.

Later in this psalm, David changes the scene. He imagines being invited to a
meal spread out for him. I envision the centerpiece would be an arrangement
of lovely flowers, perhaps with Lilies of the Valley, another figure of speech used
to describe Jesus.

This Psalm is filled with precious promises and gives us a glimpse of Jesus leading
us through the trials and troubles that assault us on this earth, closing with the

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promise that gives us hope of a life in heaven with our Lord and Savior.

2. Rock
In the Bible, God is often referred to as a rock. In Psalm 18: 2, we read, "The Lord
is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will
trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Studying
this verse, we see many metaphors that refer to God. Let us list them. (Presenter
may want to list them on a blackboard or flip chart if projector is not available.)
(PP 20)

A. Rock
B. Fortress
C. My buckler
D. The horn of my salvation
E. My high tower

In this Psalm, David is singing a song of thanksgiving to the Lord. He has once
again been triumphant in battle and now is telling the ways in which his Lord
served as his protector.

Group Activity #4: Allow the group to offer their thoughts about the comparison
in each of the above figures of speech, considering what we know of warfare at
the time this psalm was composed. (Possible answers are found in the Appendix
to this seminar.)

The Bright and Morning Star (PP - 21)

Looking up at the sky on a clear night we see the stars that shine with all their
glory. As the new day dawns, we are able to view the morning star. It is very
bright and brings hope for a new day when it appears. This comparison is used
to refer to Christ in various texts.

In Rev. 22:16 we read, "I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright
and morning star."

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In 2 Peter 1:19 Peter refers to Jesus as the day star who will arise in our hearts.

House of the Lord (PP 22)

"I was glad when they said unto me; Let us go into the house of the Lord" Ps
122:1. The phrase "the house of the Lord" is used frequently in the Bible. This
phrase instills in us a sense of reverence and awe. The phrase house of the
Lord reminds us that we are going to a very sacred appointment. We are in
God's presence. Even more, we are God's children coming to worship Him. We
are welcomed with open arms and invited to bow down and worship our
Creator.

Group Activity #5: Allow time for attendees will to find other texts that use the
figure of speech "the house of the Lord." A few of these texts are:
1 Kings 14 26, 28
2 Kings 12:12
1 Chronicles 28:20.

Eagles' Wings (PP 23)

There are many expressions in the Bible that are clearly figurative. For example,
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up
with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and
not faint." Isaiah 40:31.

Christians sometimes feel very weak and wonder how they can endure life's
troubles. This text underscores the promise of strength by mentioning the power
of the mighty eagle, one of the most powerful of birds. God's strength will
sustain us in the face of trials.

The reference to eagles' wings is used again in Exodus 19:4. God reminded
Moses of His deliverance with these words: "Ye have seen what I did unto the
Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles wings, and brought you unto myself."
This is a beautiful picture of God's care.

Crossroads and Ancient Paths (PP 24)

In Jeremiah 16:6 we read, "Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see,
and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall
find rest for you souls. . . ."

This picture is that of a traveler who is looking for the best road. Having lost his
way, the traveler stands at the junction of several roads, wondering which way

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to travel. Jeremiah is speaking to Israel at a time when they had lost their way.
His message is expressed in a familiar metaphor of travel and pathways. The
Lord counsels the traveler to look to the old pathways and to walk in the paths
of his forefathers. We would use a similar figure, saying Israel had lost their way,
trying new ideas rather than God's rules for a happy life. To stay true to the
enduing truths of God will bring spiritual blessings as we travel lifes path. (Note
that this is such a familiar expression we dont even think of it as figurative.)

Potter/Clay (PP 25)

Another vivid comparison used in the Bible is that of a potter working with clay.
Again, this would have been a scene familiar to those hearing it. No doubt, the
potter's shop would be a part of most towns. Watching a potter work with the
clay, forming useful vessels of beauty, we are in awe as the potter knows just
how much pressure to apply to the clay.

The potter's skillful hands know just how much clay to put on the wheel, the right
speed at which to turn the wheel, and when the vessel is complete. But some
pots are flawed or just refuse to cooperate with the potter. These vessels must
be broken and reshaped, or they will be of no use.

In Jeremiah 18:6, the prophet uses this comparison: "O house of Israel, cannot I
do with you as this potter?" saith the Lord. "Behold, as the clay is in the potter's
hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel."

In this comparison, we are like clay, useless and quite ugly, waiting to be formed
into something useful. Imperfect though we may be, the Master Potter can take
our lives and transform them into objects of beauty. Then we can be useful in
the Master's service.

(Seminar presenters: You may wish to have examples of perfect pots and
contrast these with flawed pots as an illustration for this segment.)

Harvest/Laborers (PP 26)

Harvest is an exciting time. From the harvest of fruit, grain, nuts, and vegetables
come the products that nourish our bodies. Another harvest that will be even
more thrilling will be the harvest of souls when our Lord returns to take us home
with Him. The time of the final harvest is nearing, and we all have a work to do to
be ready for the coming of the reaper.

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(PP 27) We read in Matthew 9:37 & 38, "Then saith he unto his disciples, The
harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of
the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."

(PP 28) Christ uses this comparison of the literal harvest with the work of
reaching souls for His kingdom. We speak of "reaping" so often that we forget it
is figurative, not literal. The reference to harvest time would be very familiar to
Jesus' disciples; perhaps they were walking past fields that were being harvested
as He spoke to them of the tremendous task ahead.

The challenge of the job ahead of us is immense. Many laborers will be needed
to finish the preparation for the harvest. The seeds of truth need to be planted
and watered. Notice how much the terminology of planting and harvesting is
used to describe the work of evangelism.

You and I are His chosen laborers to work in the fields to prepare souls for
redemption. Careful teaching, encouragement when needed, and deep study
into the Scriptures with the souls with whom we are working will enrich their
Christian experience. The wonderful result of our labor is that we, too, will be
getting ourselves ready to meet our Savior, ready for that wonderful harvest.

CONCLUSION (PP 29)

Jesus did not use figures of speech to impress His listeners. He told stories and
used figurative language to make clear His message of love and God's plan for
our salvation. Even small children loved to hear Him speak.

(PP 30) As we learn to recognize figures of speech, this will make Bible study
more interesting. Just as the people of Jesus' day recognized scenes from their
own livesbaking bread, tilling the soil, herding sheepwe can find lessons in
the duties and pleasures of our daily lives.

Studying the figurative language of the Bible can deepen our understanding of
God's plan for our lives.

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