SPECIFIC FIGURES

God has declared that “all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, which is instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped  for every good work” (II Timothy 3:16,17). Since we are dealing with the inspired Word of God, we should be very careful to apply logically and  accurately the rules of grammar and language.  One major area that is so often overlooked or misunderstood is the  field of figures of speech. Many sincere believers, when confronted with a statement in the Bible that is obviously not true to fact, declare, “Oh, that's only figurative”, as if it were of little importance.  The reverse is true -- it is not “only  figurative” but that part of the Word that the Father wishes to emphasize.  Figures of speech are legitimate departures from accepted grammatical forms in order to give emphasis to what has been written or spoken. 

Search out the list of specific figures to see the emphasis of each particular one.  Once you as a student begin to explore this field, you will want to say with Paul, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!”