Understanding Figurative Language

This is the time of year when, quite often, someone with children of a certain age is expecting things to happen soon, and they might describe that child as someone who is, oh, wound up tighter than a drum. Most everybody knows what that expression means; it doesn't literally mean that they're wound up with string. The language is figurative. The Bible is filled with expressions just like that; it includes figurative language and stories that use it. Understanding these figurative expressions is not just a scholarly pursuit; it's a key to unlocking the more profound truths of the Bible. We have to recognize those when we read the Bible, or we might misunderstand what God is trying to tell us.

In our first lesson on Rightly Dividing the Word, we saw how important it is, as 2 Timothy 2:15 mentions, to divide the word of truth rightly and handle it accurately because we don't want to handle it inaccurately. We're going to look at several expressions in the Bible—these figurative types of words and phrases—so we can come to understand them better.

In Acts chapter 2, we encounter the first recorded Gospel sermon delivered by Peter, who stands alongside the other eleven apostles and references the prophet Joel. Verse 20 of Acts chapter 1 states: "The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord." Peter emphasizes to the crowd, "What I'm quoting to you is happening right now." But did the moon actually turn into literal blood that day? Clearly not; it will never turn into actual blood. So, why did God use such expressions in Joel's prophecy, and why did Peter choose to echo them? What is the purpose of using figurative language like "the moon turning into blood"?

We will briefly explore at least three key points before delving into some examples. The first is that engaging with these figures of speech and figurative language compels us, as Bible students, to study the Word of God more deeply. To truly grasp these concepts, I must invest effort into understanding them. As we often find in educational settings, certain types of literature and writing present greater challenges than others. When we examine the Old Testament, we find that the first five books are relatively easy to read, as they are essentially historical narratives written for our clear understanding. These texts present a narrative format that facilitates comprehension.

We now turn to books such as Ezekiel and Daniel, which are rich in figurative language, symbols, and vivid expressions—like a wheel within a wheel or creatures with four heads. To fully grasp these texts, we'll need to dedicate considerable time to studying them. One reason God inspired His people to write in this way is to encourage us to delve deeper into His words, allowing us to uncover the meaning behind these expressions.

Jesus also employed parables for this purpose. He even noted that many of His listeners would not comprehend them. Why? Because they would close their ears and refuse to hear His message. However, He assured us that those willing to invest the effort would discover profound spiritual truths.

The Bible employs figures of speech, figurative language, and symbolism as remarkable means to convey complex ideas. Take, for instance, the description of heaven in Revelation chapter 1. The imagery of gates made of pearls, precious jewels, streets of gold, and a sea resembling crystal evokes vivid mental pictures. These descriptions linger in our minds, don't they? They serve as a brilliant way to illustrate concepts that are otherwise challenging to express. Since we cannot fully comprehend the essence of heaven, God uses these exquisite expressions and phrases to convey the grandeur of such places and ideas. Ordinary language simply falls short.

Another reason the Bible employs such expressions is that they serve to remind us of profound biblical truths. For instance, when James describes the tongue as a fire, this imagery resonates deeply with us. We are aware of the destructive capacity of fire, and this metaphor underscores the potential harm our words can inflict. Similarly, John's depiction of Jesus as the "Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" leaves a lasting impression on our minds. Throughout the Bible, we encounter these figurative expressions, which enrich our understanding and retention of important concepts.

For these reasons, you and I must put in additional effort to understand what God means through His teachings, as He employs various forms of expression. One notable example is the use of parables. When we examine the four accounts of Jesus' life—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—we find that over a third of His teachings are conveyed through parables. This highlights the importance of understanding their meaning. Since Jesus chose this method of communication to express His will, it is essential for us to grasp what a parable is. One effective definition describes a parable as a narrative that is true to the facts and experiences of human life, serving as a comparison through the placing alongside of different ideas.

Jesus often used everyday activities or objects to illustrate deeper truths about the Kingdom of Heaven. He would say, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like..." and then choose something that seemed quite ordinary at first glance. As we delve into the parable, however, we come to understand the profound meaning behind his words. The Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a pearl, a hidden treasure, or a net—symbols that resonate deeply with us.

In his parables, Jesus typically drew upon familiar concepts related to business, farming, agriculture, and home life, making them accessible for his audience. His aim was usually to convey a single profound truth, although there were times when multiple insights might emerge. When examining a parable, we recognize that Jesus was teaching not only those who listened at the time but also us today through relatable examples like sowing seeds or fishing.

These stories depict events that could genuinely occur—seeds growing or fish being caught—rather than fantasy concepts. By using ordinary occurrences from daily life, Jesus communicated significant spiritual truths that remain relevant and impactful.

The story of the prodigal son is one we've heard many times. In this account, the son takes his inheritance, squanders it, and ultimately decides to return home. What does the father do? He welcomes him back with open arms, placing a ring on his finger and a robe around his shoulders. Some might wonder about the spiritual significance of the ring and the robe. However, there isn't any profound symbolic meaning behind them. These details are simply used by Jesus to illustrate the depth of the father's love for his son and his joy at his return. The emphasis is not on the ring or the robe representing some mysterious spiritual truth; rather, it's about the unconditional love and forgiveness of the father.

Why did the prodigal son end up in a pigpen? What is the spiritual significance of eating the pods from the tree? There's no profound hidden meaning behind it; it simply illustrates the depths to which he had sunk. However, the story of the prodigal son serves as a powerful lesson about repentance and forgiveness, reflecting what Jesus aimed to teach us about our attitudes toward these themes.

Jesus frequently used parables as a teaching tool to convey deeper meanings. To truly grasp these parables, we must recognize the context in which he shared them. Each time Jesus delivered a parable, he was often addressing individuals, groups, or his disciples who might not have fully comprehended his earlier message. In response to their confusion, he would tell a story or account—a lesson designed to be memorable. For his audience to understand it, they would need to reflect on it, spending time mulling it over in their minds. It might not be immediately clear; instead, they might have a revelation the following day or even a week later, realizing, "Ah, that's what he meant." Because they invested effort into understanding the message, it would resonate with them more deeply. This technique of teaching, proven to enhance comprehension and retention of principles and truths, is one that Jesus employed quite often.

Another literary device used in the Bible, though less frequently than parables, is the allegory. Both parables and allegories compare different elements, but the key distinction lies in their nature. Parables typically draw from common, everyday experiences that people can relate to, while allegories often involve elements that are impossible or fantastical.

A classic example from the Old Testament illustrates this: the story where trees speak to one another, featuring a bramble tree conversing with a cedar tree and a cypress tree. While trees cannot talk in reality, this allegory imparts a profound lesson.

In contrast, parables reflect ordinary experiences. For instance, in John 15:1-8, when Jesus says, "I am the vine, and you are the branches," He is not speaking literally; He is using this imagery to convey a spiritual lesson. Jesus often employed familiar physical concepts to help His audience understand deeper spiritual truths.

One of the most well-known allegories in the New Testament is found in Galatians 4. In this passage, Paul describes the distinction between the old law—the Law of Moses—and the new covenant. He uses the figures of Hagar and Mount Sinai to represent the old covenant and physical Jerusalem. Conversely, he presents Sarah and the Jerusalem above as symbols of the new covenant. Paul illustrates how the new covenant, much like Sarah did with Hagar, displaces the old covenant, akin to how spiritual Jerusalem surpasses physical Jerusalem. This lesson would have been memorable for the audience of his time.

In parables and allegories, two types of figures of speech are frequently employed: similes and metaphors. These are concepts we may have learned back in grade school and high school. Typically, similes appear in parables, while metaphors are found in allegories, though there are some exceptions to this rule.

So, what is the difference? A simile is a figure of speech that compares one thing to another, using terms such as "like" or "as." For example, we find expressions like "The Kingdom of Heaven is like," or "The Kingdom of Heaven is as." We see this in phrases such as "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a hidden treasure," "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a fishing net," and "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed." These comparisons, often introduced with "like" or "as," are commonly used in parables and reflect how we still incorporate these terms in our language today.

I mentioned how some people can be wound up as tight as a drum, while others may cry like a baby. We often use similes in our everyday language, and it's interesting to note that God understood our reliance on them as well. That's why we find similes in the Bible—they help us grasp concepts more vividly. For instance, instead of simply stating that something is very sharp, we say it's as sharp as a razor, which enhances the description. Similarly, by saying that someone is crying like a baby rather than just saying they are crying a lot, we emphasize their emotion more effectively.

The Bible frequently employs expressions that serve as metaphors to convey deeper meanings. An example is when Jesus states, "I am the vine, and you are the branches." This is a metaphor rather than a literal statement, yet it emphasizes a crucial point. Notice the distinction between saying, "you are like branches," compared to directly stating, "you are branches." Throughout the Scripture, Jesus and the biblical writers utilize these kinds of expressions to underline significant truths.

When Jesus declares, "I am the vine, and you, my disciples, are the branches," he communicates an essential truth about the necessity for disciples to remain connected to Him. Consider what happens to a branch once it becomes detached—it falls to the ground and withers. Jesus emphasizes that to live a vibrant and powerful life, one must be like the branch and stay connected to the vine. He could have said, "If you want to be my disciple, you need to follow me and adhere to my teachings." Instead, he chose the more impactful phrase, "I am the vine, and you are the branches," because this imagery resonates deeply and illustrates the vital relationship between Him and His followers.

God, in His infinite wisdom, understood that He is the greatest teacher. He knew how to convey important principles and truths to people in a way that they could grasp and remember. This often requires more effort on our part, but it can enhance our understanding of life. For instance, saying, "You sure are a bear this morning," might not strike the same chord as simply saying, "You sure are grumpy." The former is far more engaging and emphasizes the sentiment more vividly.

This technique is prevalent throughout the Bible; it's filled with compelling imagery. For example, Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." What parallels can we draw between Jesus and bread? Just as we need food daily to sustain our physical bodies, we must nurture our spiritual lives. By saying He is the bread of life, Jesus made it clear that we must rely on Him every day for our spiritual nourishment—much more memorable than simply stating that He is our source of spiritual life that we need to engage with regularly. This imagery stuck with His audience because they understood the daily necessity of bread for survival. Jesus's words left a lasting impact: "I am the bread of life," ensuring they would remember the importance of their relationship with Him.

Bible study can sometimes present challenges, but God intended for it to be a journey of growth. When we wrestle with scripture, whether from the Old Testament or the New, and invest our mental energy into understanding difficult passages, we emerge stronger. The struggle we encounter not only builds our resilience but also shapes us into better individuals, better equipped to face life's uncertainties. God designed the Bible this way to foster our growth and strength.

This quest for understanding is a lifelong endeavor; we never reach a point where effort is no longer required. As Second Timothy 2:15 reminds us, we must be diligent in presenting ourselves approved before God, working faithfully to handle the word of truth accurately.

Indeed, Jesus is the bread of life. If we seek sustenance and the promise of eternal life, we must turn to Him. He is the vine, and we are the branches—our source of nourishment and life. Just as a branch detached from the vine cannot thrive, we too cannot flourish on our own.

Just as it is with us, this attachment is rooted in a life grounded in faith. The Bible teaches us that Jesus is not only the Son of God but the reason for our faith. This understanding inspires and motivates us to put our faith into action by repenting, turning our lives over to God, and distancing ourselves from worldly distractions. We publicly affirm our belief when we take to heart Peter's call to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins, which we interpret as a directive to follow. By obeying this command, we become children of God, committed to following His will and His word, thus maintaining our connection to this vital bond.