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#29. Figures of Speech.
Figures involving Change: "Subject-Matter" and "Time".
pp. 92 - 95
We have already considered the five figures that affect the application of words with
regard to persons, and must now turn our attention to the six figures that affect the
application of words with regard to subject-matter. They are as follows:--
(1)
Apostrophe.--A turning aside to address others.
(2)
Parecbasis.--A turning aside from one subject to another.
(3)
Metabasis.--A passing from one subject to another.
(4)
Epanorthosis.--A recalling of what has been said.
(5)
Amphidiorthosis.--A setting right of both hearer and speaker.
(6)
Anachoresis.--A return to the original subject.
Those of our readers who possess Dr. Bullinger's Figures of Speech (1898 Edition)
should correct a mistake that occurs in the analytical index. On page 41: Apostrophe is
included in the list of figures that deal with persons; while in the body of the book it is
assigned to its right place, with reference to subject-matter.
Apostrophe.--This word is derived from the Greek apo "away from", and strephein
"to turn". The speaker turns away from the real auditory to address an imaginary one.
Neh. 4: 4 is an example of the use of the figure in relation to God; and Psalm 27: 14,
of its use in relation to men. I Kings 13: 2, and Jer. 22: 29 are examples of
Apostrophe in relation to inanimate things.
Parecbasis or "Digression", is derived from the Greek para "beside", ek "out of", and
basis "a stepping". As an example, we may take Gen. 38: On either side of this
chapter, we have the story of Joseph, the end of chapter 37: coinciding with the
opening of chapter 39:
"And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and
captain of the guard" (Gen. 37: 36).
Then comes chapter 38:, as a digression. And chapter 39: opens:--
"And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain
of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought
him down thither" (Gen. 39: 1).
There can be no doubt, however, as to the purpose of this digression. Joseph was
submitted to a great temptation and triumphed. Judah, in rather similar circumstances,
and with less temptation, failed. Both Joseph and Judah leave behind them articles of
apparel or personal possessions that are used as a means of identification. In Joseph's
case, his garment is used as a means of convicting him falsely; in Judah's, his pledges