The writers of the Bible chose their words and arranged them to fit their purposes. You’ll be better able to see the main idea in a passage of scripture and better understand the writer’s purpose when you can identify the style or manner of expression.
Literal Language
The writers wrote about reality,
and most often, they used language that is literal or factual.
When we read, “Jesus went out
to a mountainside to pray” (Luke 6: 12), we know that this is literally
or actually what He did. When He ordered the fever to leave someone and it lift
(Luke 4: 39), this is the literal truth.
Figurative Language
Figurative language is made up of
figures of speech. These are words or phrases that help us understand something
hard to explain by relating it to something we know about. John gave us a
mental picture of Christ as a lamb being offered on an alter for our sins. This
helps us understand Christ’s purpose in coming to the world.
Jesus compared himself to
life-giving water. He also compared himself to bread, light and a shepherd.
These figures of speech help us to remember particular truths.
Christ often used figurative
language when He talked to His followers. He told them simple stories to help
them understand important spiritual truths. Christ tells the story of the lost
sheep (Matthew 18: 10-14). In comparison He teaches that He is as
concerned about each one of us as a shepherd is about a lost sheep.
Symbols
Some figures of speech are called
symbols. They represent truth about something. The words light, salt and sheep
are symbols of Christians. In the Lord’s supper, the bread and cup are symbols
of Christ’s body and blood. They remind us of Christ’s death and suffering for
our salvation.
May The Lord help you to find
literal and figurative language while you study the word, and let it open doors
for you to explore more about the real meaning and truth in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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