Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical literature, the term "figures" often refers to symbolic representations, metaphors, or types that convey deeper spiritual truths. These figures are used throughout Scripture to illustrate and illuminate the divine message, providing insight into God's nature, human experience, and the unfolding of redemptive history.
Figures of SpeechThe Bible employs various figures of speech to communicate its messages effectively. These include metaphors, similes, allegories, and parables. For instance, Jesus frequently used parables—simple accounts with profound spiritual meanings—to teach His followers. In
Matthew 13:34, it is noted, "Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds in parables. He did not tell them anything without using a parable."
TypologyTypology is a significant aspect of biblical figures, where an event, person, or institution in the Old Testament prefigures a greater reality in the New Testament. For example, the Passover lamb in
Exodus 12 is a type of Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (
John 1:29). The Apostle Paul refers to Adam as a "type" of Christ in
Romans 5:14, illustrating how Adam's actions prefigure the redemptive work of Jesus.
SymbolismSymbols are prevalent throughout the Bible, serving as figures that convey spiritual truths. The use of light and darkness, for example, symbolizes good and evil, knowledge and ignorance. In
John 8:12, Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life." Here, light symbolizes the truth and guidance found in Christ.
Prophetic FiguresProphetic literature is rich with figures that convey God's messages to His people. Prophets often used symbolic actions and visions to communicate divine truths. Ezekiel, for instance, performed symbolic acts to illustrate the coming judgment on Israel (
Ezekiel 4:1-3). The book of Revelation is replete with vivid imagery and figures, such as the seven seals, trumpets, and bowls, which depict the unfolding of God's final plan for humanity.
Christological FiguresThe Old Testament contains numerous figures that foreshadow the coming of Christ. Melchizedek, the priest-king of Salem, is a figure of Christ's eternal priesthood, as explained in
Hebrews 7. The bronze serpent lifted by Moses in the wilderness (
Numbers 21:8-9) is a figure of Christ's crucifixion, as Jesus Himself explains in
John 3:14-15: "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life."
ConclusionFigures in the Bible serve as powerful tools for conveying spiritual truths, enriching the reader's understanding of God's word. Through figures of speech, typology, symbolism, prophetic imagery, and Christological foreshadowing, the Scriptures reveal the depth and complexity of God's redemptive plan for humanity.
Strong's Hebrew
1823. demuth -- likeness, similitude... Word Origin from damah Definition likeness, similitude NASB Word Usage figure (1),
figures like (1),
figures resembling (1), form (4), like (4), likeness (8
...224. Urim -- part of the high priest's breastplate
... Urim. Plur of 'uwr; lights; Urim, the oracular brilliancy of thefigures in the
high-priest's breastplate -- Urim. see HEBREW 'uwr. 223b, 224. Urim. 225 ....
Library
Of theFigures and Limbs of Animals.
... Chap. V."Of theFigures and Limbs of Animals. In the beginning, when God
was forming the animals, He did not wish to conglobate...
There are VariousFigures in the Old Testament of the Wood of the...
... Chapter LXXXVI."There are variousfigures in the Old Testament of the
wood of the cross by which Christ reigned. And when I had...
Table ofFigures
... TABLE OFFIGURES. Figure 1. Pattern of a sacred Essene scapular which Moses had
once worn. 19 Figure 2. Patterns of an Essene sacred silk vestment and cloak....
Divine Things Wrapped up inFigures Both in the Sacred and in...
... The Stromata, or Miscellanies. Book IV. Chapter IV."Divine Things Wrapped
Up inFigures Both in the Sacred and in Heathen Writers....
Argument. --But There was a Limit to the Use of These Shadows or...
... Chapter V. Argument."But There Was a Limit to the Use of These Shadows orFigures;
For Afterwards, When the End of the Law, Christ, Came, All Things Were...
Of the Four Living Creatures in the Apocalypse, which have Been...
... Chapter VI."Of the Four Living Creatures in the Apocalypse, Which Have Been Taken
by Some in One Application, and by Others in Another, as AptFigures of the...
The Two Advents were Signified by the Two Goats OtherFigures of...
... Chapter CXI."The two advents were signified by the two goats Otherfigures of the
first advent, in which the Gentiles are freed by the blood of Christ....
He Returns to the Mosaic Laws, and Proves that they wereFigures...
... Chapter XL."He returns to the Mosaic laws, and proves that they werefigures
of the things which pertain to Christ. "The mystery...
That the Ark which Noah was Ordered to MakeFigures in Every...
... Book XV. Chapter 26."That the Ark Which Noah Was Ordered to MakeFigures
In Every Respect Christ and the Church. Moreover, inasmuch...
The Early Life of St. Joseph
... I saw him making all kinds offigures on the ground with sticks, and the boys had
to walk on thesefigures; then I saw the boys walking on otherfigures and...
Thesaurus
Figures (11 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Figures (11 Occurrences). John 16:25 I have spoken
these things to you in
figures of speech. But the time
...Flourish (26 Occurrences)
... or production. 3. (vi) To use florid language; to indulge in rhetorical
figures and lofty expressions; to be flowery. 4. (vi) To...
Figure (19 Occurrences)
... to shape. 17. (n.) To embellish with design; to adorn withfigures. 18.
(n.) To indicate by numerals; also, to compute. 19. (n.) To...
Figured (4 Occurrences)
... 1. (imp. & pp) of Figure. 2. (a.) Adorned withfigures; marked withfigures; as,
figured muslin.... See Figurate, 3. 5. (a.) Indicated or noted byfigures....
Figurative (20 Occurrences)
... and expressions. 3. (a.) Abounding infigures of speech; flowery; florid;
as, a highly figurative description. 4. (a.) Relating...
Potter (14 Occurrences)
... (See Perrot and Chipiez, History of Art in Chaldea and Assyria, I,figures 159,
160, II,figures 163, 168.) Examples of pottery of this early period are shown...
Plainly (25 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). John 16:25 I have spoken these things
to you infigures of speech. But the time is coming...
Pottery (11 Occurrences)
... (See Perrot and Chipiez, History of Art in Chaldea and Assyria, I,figures 159,
160, II,figures 163, 168.) Examples of pottery of this early period are shown...
Speech (107 Occurrences)
... John 16:25 I have spoken these things to you infigures of speech. But the
time is coming when I will no more speak to you infigures...
Holies (23 Occurrences)
... It was divided from the holy Ceiled by curtains which bore cherubicfigures embroidered
in blue and purple and scarlet (Exodus 26:1), it contained no furniture...
Resources
What is Progressive Dispensationalism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is dynamic equivalence in Bible translation? | GotQuestions.orgModern Christianity ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgFigures: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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