Articles
Jesus' Figures of Speech - 1
“These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father.” (Jn 16:25)
Speaking in figures – using special imagery and comparisons – is a common feature of human language. We use figures to enhance, embellish and emphasize our words because words are not mere data; rather, they convey thoughts that both enlighten the mind and inspire to action. We can say, “He ran out,” or we can say, “he flew out of that house like he was shot from a cannon.” Both indicate departure, but one draws a vivid mental picture.
Figures of speech aren’t always easy to recognize; even the disciples had difficulty with it. For example, when Jesus warned them of the “leaven” of the Jewish leaders, they thought He was needling them about the lunch they forgot to bring. He gently reproves them: “How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?” (Mt 16:11). In coming articles we will explore some of these figures.
