The first examination in scriptural subjects taken by the writer after his conversion

was in the subject of the "figurative language of the Bible", following a course of lectures

given by the Rev. Jas. Neil, M.A. His little book, entitled "Strange Figures", consisting

of only 96 pages, is a treasure, and every reader is urged to secure a copy whenever the

opportunity occurs. The larger and more complete work on the subject is, of course,

"Figures of speech used in the Bible" by Dr. E. W. Bullinger, which has become a

classic.  In that work two hundred and seventeen figures of speech are tabulated,

explained and illustrated by Scripture,  these illustrations amounting to nearly

8,000 references.

The Companion Bible, in Appendix 6, gives a list of 181 figures of speech, arranged

in alphabetical order with their classical and English names, a short explanation, and

several scriptural references.  A patient examination of this Appendix alone would

provide a very useful acquaintance with the figures of speech used in the Bible. The

alphabetical order, however, although suitable for easy reference, does not provide the

best way of learning the subject. The first figure given in this Appendix is Accismus or

Apparent Refusal (Matt. 15: 22-26). Now this is starting the subject in the middle. We

have to learn that Accismus is a figure of speech involving change; and further, that

change affects the meaning, the arrangement, and the application of words. We discover,

further, that Accismus involves change of application. In general, application may affect

sense, person, subject-matter, feeling, and argumentation; and in the particular case of

Accismus, it is a change in the application of its argumentation. Now this cannot be

appreciated merely by reading lists of words. We must approach the subject, as we must

approach all other lines of study, by seeing it first as a whole, then in its primary

subdivisions, and then gradually descending until we arrive at the individual figures.

Figures of speech are a part of the subject "Language", and "Language" includes

Grammar and Rhetoric.  Grammar has to do with words in their constructive

arrangements; Rhetoric is concerned with the art of speaking with persuasion. Another

branch of the science of Language is Etymology, or a study of the derivation and

pedigree of words. These three branches of the science of language cover the range of

figures of speech. These may be grouped as follows:--