Thursday, April 17, 2008

IDEA: A general rule for figurative language is that a phrase should be taken literally unless there are reasons for taking it otherwise (it is either irrational or absurd if taken literally).

PURPOSE: To help people think about figurative language when they read the Bible.

What is the difference between literal and figurative language?

Why do we use figurative language if we really want to be understood? It evokes or creates feelings.

Take the proverb, "A lie will take you far, but it will not take you home." This is figurative.

"My life is in the yellow leaf." Both of these evoke feelings, though they also convey information.

Figurative language appeals to one of the five senses. For example: if you talk about the weight of a grudge, a touch of friendship, the odor of death, the sounds of youth, the taste of remorse, the color of joy—all of them are figurative and appeal to one of the senses.

But sometimes we can get figurative language mixed up with literal language when we study the Bible. What is a rule to follow?

I. The general rule is: A thing will be taken literally unless there are reasons for taking it otherwise (it is irrational or absurd if taken literally).

Colossians 1:23: That the Gospel has been preached to every creature under heaven. Paul's statement is figurative if compared to a statistic.

II. Often figurative and literal language are used side by side. John 10:1-18. You have to work your way through it.