TIP OF THE DAY 107: Speaking with style - common figures of comparison

MJ. Smith

I am adding these posts to the previous tip list L/V 10 Tip of the Day

QUESTION: Give examples of common figures of comparison.

SOFTWARE: These figures are all identifiable by datatypes or labels – think Bible search, Bible browser, and Context menu. Note that hypocatastasis was discussed above. The others you would have encountered in school.

Simile: Explicit comparison using "like" or "as"

Example Matthew 7:24, 25, 26, 27

figurativeLanguageCategory:"Simile, Broad Scope" (this classification system has not been discussed)

figurativeLanguage:(category:figurativeLanguageCategory:"Simile, Broad Scope" AND source:figurativeLanguageTerm:"Wise Person Building a House on a Rock" AND target:figurativeLanguageTerm:"Person Obeying Jesus’ Words" AND type:figurativeLanguageType:"Wise Person Building a House on a Rock as Person Obeying Jesus’ Words") (this classification system has not been discussed)

figureofSpeech:(description:Resemblance AND name:Simile)

proverb:(form:Simile AND type:Characterization)

Metaphor: Implied comparison without "like" or "as"

Example Matthew 5:13, 13:19

figurativeLanguageCategory:"Metaphor, Ontological, Entity" (this classification system has not been discussed)

figureofSpeech:(description:"Continued Metaphor and Hypocatastasis" AND name:Allegory)

figureofSpeech:(description:Representation AND name:Metaphor)

Analogy: Comparison of similar attributes or circumstances. Note that Bullinger does not use this term.

Example: John 15:5-8

figureofSpeech:(description:"Continued Metaphor and Hypocatastasis" AND name:Allegory)

LSTO:"Jesus’ Metaphorical Names"

figureofSpeech:(description:Representation AND name:Metaphor)

Hypocatastasis: Implied comparison with one element unstated

example Matthew 3:10

figureofSpeech:(description:"Continued Metaphor and Hypocatastasis" AND name:Allegory)

In each case, an analysis of the traits that are shared and the traits that are held by only one of the elements compared identify the emphasis of the comparison. Remember that omitting an attribute in a label search is the equivalent of saying any value is acceptable.

QUESTION: What important studies of metaphor and other comparison are available in Logos?

ANSWER: from my library. I would have sworn Barbara Green’s Like a Tree Planted: An Exploration of Psalms and Parables Through Metaphor was available in Logos/Verbum but I cannot find it. Other books of interest include:

Biwul, Joel K. T. A Theological Examination of Symbolism in Ezekiel with Emphasis on the Shepherd Metaphor. Cumbria, UK: Langham Monographs, 2013.

Bourke, Myles M. A Study of the Metaphor of the Olive Tree in Romans XI. 3rd ed. The Catholic University of America Studies in Sacred Theology: Second Series. Washington, D. C.: The Catholic University of America Press, 1947.

Brettler, Marc Zvi. God Is King: Understanding an Israelite Metaphor. Vol. 76. Journal for the Study of the Old Testament Supplement Series. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1989.

Burke, Trevor J. Adopted into God’s Family: Exploring a Pauline Metaphor. Edited by D. A. Carson. Vol. 22. New Studies in Biblical Theology. England; Downers Grove, IL: Apollos; InterVarsity Press, 2006.

Camp, Claudia, and Carole Fontaine, eds. Semeia 61 (1993).

Dille, Sarah J. Mixing Metaphors: God as Mother and Father in Deutero-Isaiah. London; New York: T&T Clark, 2004.

Donahue, John R. The Gospel in Parable: Metaphor, Narrative, and Theology in the Synoptic Gospels. Fortress Press, 1990.

Harris, Murray J. Slave of Christ: A New Testament Metaphor for Total Devotion to Christ. Edited by D. A. Carson. Vol. 8. New Studies in Biblical Theology. Downers Grove, IL; England: InterVarsity Press; Apollos, 1999.

Howson, John S. The Metaphors of St. Paul. London: Strahan & Co., Publishers, 1868.

Kalas, J. Ellsworth. The Parables of Paul: The Master of the Metaphor. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2015.

Kim, Yung Suk. Christ’s Body in Corinth: The Politics of a Metaphor. Paul in Critical Contexts. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2008.

Kunene, Musa Victor Mdabuleni. Communal Holiness in the Gospel of John: The Vine Metaphor as a Test Case with Lessons from African Hospitality and Trinitarian Theology. Cumbria: Langham Monographs, 2012.

Nielsen, Kirsten. There Is Hope for a Tree: The Tree as Metaphor in Isaiah. Translated by Christine Crowley and Frederick Crowley. Vol. 65. Journal for the Study of the Old Testament Supplement Series. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1989.

Perdue, Leo G. Wisdom in Revolt: Metaphorical Theology in the Book of Job. Decatur, GA: The Almond Press, 1991.

Sabou, Sorin. Between Horror and Hope: Paul’s Metaphorical Language of Death in Romans 6:1–11. Milton Keynes;Waynesboro, GA: Paternoster, 2005.

Shields, Mary E. Circumscribing the Prostitute: The Rhetorics of Intertexuality, Metaphor, and Gender in Jeremiah 3:1-4:4. London; New York: T&T Clark, 2004.

Wiersbe, Warren W. Index of Biblical Images: Similes, Metaphors, and Symbols in Scripture. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000.

Williams, David J. Paul’s Metaphors: Their Context and Character. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1999.

As a take away, please understand that metaphor and simile are fundamental to understanding Scripture.