Iword picture
For instance, the apostle Paul used the same word picture Jesus used, writing: “You yourselves know quite well that Jehovah’s day is coming exactly as a thief in the night.” ( 1 Thessalonians 5:2) The context of Paul’s words is not explicit in spelling out the point of similarity. Sometimes, though, a word picture that appears in one part of the Bible may help you to understand a similar word picture in another part. Rather, the point of comparison involves the unexpected, unannounced aspect of his arrival. He was not implying that he would come to steal anything. Jesus went on to say: “You will not know at all at what hour I shall come upon you.” ( Revelation 3:3) So the comparison does not point to the purpose of his coming. But what was the point of similarity? The context helps us. *įor example, Jesus said to the congregation in Sardis: “Certainly unless you wake up, I shall come as a thief.” Jesus was here likening his coming (the topic) to the coming of a thief (the image).
What will help you to identify accurately the similarity? Often the answer is found in the context, or the surrounding material. But there may be several possibilities with regard to the point of similarity. The key, therefore, to appreciating the true meaning of a word picture lies in your identifying and understanding each of these three elements.Īt times, it may be relatively easy to identify the topic and the image. The comparison between the two concepts is the point of similarity. The concept being compared is called the topic, and the concept it is compared with, the image. In fact, failing to identify a word picture in the Bible may not only result in confusion but also lead to wrong conclusions.Ī word picture compares one concept with another. Additionally, if you correctly identify word pictures, you will better understand the Bible’s message. Why should you be interested in these word pictures? For one thing, understanding them will add color and warmth to your Bible reading, enhancing your appreciation for God’s Word. * For example, by one count, Jesus used over 50 different word pictures in just one sermon that he delivered-the Sermon on the Mount. Word pictures, or expressions that paint a picture in the mind of the reader, are generously scattered throughout the pages of the Bible. Word Pictures in the Bible-Do You Understand Them?Ī PICTURE may be worth a thousand words, but sometimes just one or two words can paint a picture.