Figures of Rhetoric. -- These are figures that use words with an

unusual application.

This threefold division is based upon the nature of the subject, and

seems the most useful.

Dr. E.W. Bullinger arranged his treatise under the three following

Figures which depend for their peculiarity on Omission.

Figures which depend upon Addition by Repetition.

Figures which depend upon Change, or alteration in the usage or

application of words.

The reader who, 'in all his getting', desires to 'get understanding'

will probably appreciate the following remarks from Dr. Bullinger's

introductory Note to the subject:

'"How are we to know, then, when words are to be taken in their simple,

original form (i.e., literally), and when they are to be taken in some

other and peculiar form (i.e., as a Figure)?"  The answer is, that

whenever and wherever it is possible, the words of Scripture are to be

understood literally, but when a statement appears to be contrary to

our experience, or to known fact, or revealed truth; or seems to be a

variance with the general teaching of the Scriptures, then we may

reasonably expect that some figure is employed'.

We shall, therefore, watch carefully for any departure from the usual

in Scripture, believing that all such departures are intentional and for a

specific purpose.  On the other hand, we shall be careful to keep to the

literal truth of the Scriptures.  God has spoken concerning Jew, Gentile and

Church, concerning heaven, earth, and the sphere that is 'far above all

heavens' (Eph. 4:10).  We are not at liberty to interpret Zion as meaning the

Church, or the 144,000 of the twelve tribes of Israel as meaning saved

Gentiles.  The specific promises made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob concerning

a land and a seed cannot be spiritualized and made to refer to a Church

consisting of saved Gentiles, who have no hope in Palestine, but a hope in

heaven.  With a true understanding of the significance of figures of speech,

we shall not fall into the Romish error concerning the words of Christ, 'This

is My body'; neither shall we confuse symbolic titles such as the 'Bride' and

the 'Body'.  It is, however, too formidable a task, in this Analysis to do

anything more than introduce the subject, indicate its usefulness, and direct

the reader to the work of Dr. Bullinger, either in the exhaustive treatise

entitled, Figures of Speech Used in the Bible, or to the most useful Appendix

in The Companion Bible.

Flesh.  Cremer, in his Biblico -Theological Lexicon, subdivides the meaning

of sarx, 'flesh', into six different phases.  Omitting the great mass of

quotation and detail with which he illustrates and proves his points, the

reader may find the following digest of service:

Flesh (Jas. 5:3).

Flesh and bone, the substance of the body

(Luke 24:39; Eph. 5:30).