17 - Step 4 - Interpretation - Part 3

In studying the words of the Bible, the preacher must be aware of how those words are being used. Sometimes, the Bible uses  “figures of speech”. These are different expressions that bring life and vitality to language. However, the Bible should always be taken literally unless the Bible itself makes it clear the passage in question is to be taken figuratively.

Among the figures of speech used in the Bible are the following.

• Simile - A simile is an imaginative comparison. It is usually signaled using words such as like, as or so.  “Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:”, Matt. 13:24.
• Metaphor - A metaphor is like a simile, but it is an implied likeness. In other words, the comparison is made, but words such as like, as and so are not used. “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”, Matt. 5:13-14.
• Paradox - A paradox is defined as a “statement which appears contradictory, or is opposed to common sense, and yet, it is still true.” Jesus used many paradoxical statements in His teachings. He made statements so shocking to His hearers the truth was driven home in a unique way.  “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.”, Matt. 16:25.
• Hyperbole - This is the use of an exaggeration to emphasize a truth. This is seen in the words of Jesus also, when He said, “And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”, Matt. 19:24.

We must also be aware of grammar. How do the words of any given passage relate one to another? Learn how to study verb tenses and know the difference between a conjunction and a pronoun. 

The preacher must also study the context of the passage. No Bible passage is isolated from any other. When studying any passage of Scripture, the preacher must see how it fits int