The Use Of Figurative Language In Scripture
Categories: Bible Study LessonsIn the Bible, God often expresses a truth in its usual sense (literal). He frequently, however, uses a symbol, a story, or other more figurative language. For example, it is literally true that God cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). And yet, how this truth is beautifully expressed with so much more impact in Psalms 23 with all its lovely figures of speech.
God’s Purpose In Using Figurative Language
The Bible student might ask, “Why use the figurative, when the literal is so plain?” Because figurative language can add beauty and real adornment to plain truth; and it can illustrate and explain a truth more vividly thus making a more lasting impression on the mind and heart. The Bible says God loves us and longs to forgive us (1 John 4:8-10; cf. 1 Peter 3:20). But how much more abounding in meaning is this truth when Jesus tells us the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-24).
The real purpose of figurative language is not to teach new truth, but to illustrate and graphically portray truth taught elsewhere in scripture. Figurative language must always be in harmony with any “literal” facts. It will then help to make the truth vitally interesting and more easily remembered. Let us ask ourselves, “How do we determine whether a passage is figurative?”
1) When It Involves An Impossibility Or An Absurdity
Using Luke 9:60 as an example, the absurdity of a physically dead man going out and burying another dead man indicates that we must understand it as “figurative language” in order for this verse to make sense.
2) When It Involves A Contradiction Or Inconsistency
Again, Jesus said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die” (John 11:25-26). If this is all “literal”, Jesus is contradicting himself.
3) When It Involves An Immoral Conclusion
A good example is Jesus’ command to “cut off” one’s hand or foot, or pluck out one’s eyes if such causes one to stumble (Matthew 18:8-9). God’s Word teaches that it is a sin to mutilate the body (Deuteronomy 14:1; Leviticus 19:28; Leviticus 21:5; Jeremiah 16:6; cf. Jeremiah 41:5; Jeremiah 47:5). It would therefore not only be morally wrong, but physically impossible to carry out this command “literally”. Would not a person look “strange” if he were to amputate each member of his body the first time it caused him to sin? The Lord is simply using a figure of speech teaching a basic principle in regard to temptation.
4) When It Is Otherwise Implied By The Context Of The Passage
After carefully reading the entire section of thought wherein such a passage is found, one can often asscertain from the general sense whether it is to be taken as “literal” or “figurative”.
5) When It Is Otherwise Stated
The writer may come right out and “say” it is a figure of speech. Jesus boldly stood in Jerusalem and declared if they destroyed this temple He would raise it up in three days. Now “this temple” was not Herod’s temple where the people worshipped, but He was using figurative language, foretelling the resurrection of His body — the writer says so (John 2:18-21).
6) When It Is More Apt To be Figurative For The Reason Of Sheer Common Sense
When Jesus promised to give the woman of Samaria “living water” (John 4:10-15), He was using highly figurative language to dramatically show this woman of sin and frustration what He really could do for her life.
Conclusion
Understanding the use of figurative language in God’s Word will help the Bible student from getting confused and coming to an improper interpretation concerning a passage (or passages) of scripture.
Source: W. Robert Palmer, “How To Understand The Bible” (Joplin, MO: College Press Publishing Company, 1980), 89-90.