Chapter 11: Simile and Metaphor

Similes and metaphors are figures of thought found in the Bible. A simile occurs when two different things are compared. In Isaiah 55:10-11, rain and snow and their effect upon the earth in bearing fruit and bringing a blessing to mankind is compared to the Word of God. This vivid simile leaves a beautiful and lasting impression that is not easily forgotten. The Bible sometimes groups several similes together likely because of Hebrew parallelism. There is little difficulty in interpreting biblical similes. The main thought being conveyed is only enhanced by the imagery. The Bible also uses figures of speech related to similes, but contains elements of metaphor or parable. In 2 Timothy 2:3 the Apostle Paul exhorts Timothy to endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. The exact simile is not drawn but expanded upon. It is assumed that both Timothy and the reader will make application to their own lives. Such figures of speech contain elements of both simile and metaphor.

Metaphors are common to all languages. A simile makes a comparison with regard to what something is like while a metaphor turns a word from its literal use and meaning to a new use. In Genesis 49:9 we read that Judah is a lion’s whelp. This is clearly a metaphor. The metaphors of the Old Testament are largely drawn from the natural landscape of Israel, their manners and customs, and practices related to the worship and rituals of the Hebrews. This is also carried into the New Testament Scriptures such as is found in 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 where the Passover is used metaphorically until they make an allegory. Metaphors that are extended in this manner become allegories. Some metaphors may seem uncertain. In Psalm 45:1 the Hebrew literally reads, “My heart boils up with a goodly word” and is difficult to determine what the allusion is referring to. Nevertheless, the meaning is clear: the heart was overflowing with a pleasing theme, and the imagery is that of some liquid boiling or bubbling over. Even when the exact metaphorical object may be obscure, the meaning is not.