Word Pictures in the Bible -Do You Understand Them? - Understanding Word Pictures

 A word picture compares one concept with another.  The concept being compared is called the topic, and the concept it is compared with, the image.  The comparison between the two concepts is 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.

At times, it may be relatively easy to identify the topic and the image. But there may be several possibilities with regard to the point of similarity. What will help you to identify accurately the similarity?  Often the answer is found in the context, or the surrounding material.

For 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). But what was the point of similarity?  The context helps us.  Jesus went on to say: "You will not 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. He was not implying that he would come to steal anything. Rather, the point of comparison involves the unexpected,unannounced aspect of his arrival.

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.  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 contrast of Paul's words is not explicit in spelling out the point of similarity.  However, comparing this word picture with the one used by Jesus at Revelation 3:3  can help you to understand the point of similarity. What a powerful reminder this word picture is that all true Christians must remain spiritually awake! 

Next time: Word Pictures in the Bible- Do You Understand Them? - Word Pictures That Teach Us About God

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