Figures of Speech:
What is the different between a ‘metaphor’ and an ‘allegory’?
METAPHOR – A ‘metaphor’ is the comparisons of two unlike things without using a connecting word of ‘like’ or ‘as’. It is a comparison without making a connection between two things. Ex ‘Ye are the light of the world’
ALLEGORY – An ‘allegory’ is an extended ‘metaphor’ often with the intent of bring out a moral meaning or lesson.
What is the different between a ‘simile’, ‘parable’ and a ‘hyperbole’?
SIMILE – A ‘simile’ is a brief sentence that compares two unlike things with the use of a connecting word, ‘like’ or ‘as’. That would be the English view of a ‘simile’. Because the Bible is Jewish, one needs to know how a Jew looks at a ‘simile’. To a Jew, a ‘simile’ is a brief sentence that contrast two unlike things with the use of a connecting word, ‘like’ or ‘as’.
PARABLE – a ‘parable’ is an extended ‘simile’. The word ‘parable’ is made up of two words, number 1, ‘to cast’ and number 2, ‘down alongside of’. Therefore, a ‘parable’ is an earthly story cast down alongside of a spiritual truth.
HYPERBOLE – a ‘hyperbole’ is an extended ‘simile’ as well. The word ‘hyperbole’ is made up of two words, number 1, ‘to cast’ and number 2, ‘up or over’. Therefore, a ‘hyperbole’ is an earthly story that is thrown up for effect. Keep in mind that it is not a lie but exaggeration for affect. Ex ‘A pipe broke and there is water all over the house.’
What is the different between a ‘paradox’ and a ‘riddle’?
PARADOX – a ‘paradox’ is when a truth seems to contradict at first glance. A paradox is not a riddle.
RIDDLE – a ‘riddle’ is when a statement is designed to hide or puzzle the truth. Ex ‘A man had 20 sick sheep and 19 died, how many does he have left? (The key is in the expression ’20 sick sheep’ not ’26’.