The Psalms are filled with rich and vivid language that brings their messages to life.
Through the 8 figures of speech in the Psalms, the writers express deep emotions, powerful images, and important truths about God and human experience.
Understanding these poetic tools helps readers connect with the Psalms on a deeper level, making the text more meaningful and impactful.
8 Figures of Speech in Psalms
Hebrew poetry uses special language called figures of speech. These expressions make biblical poetry feel more alive and meaningful. They add warmth, color, and energy to the text.
Ryken explains that poetry is a more intense form of speech. It is shorter and more packed with meaning than regular writing. While essays use sentences and paragraphs, and stories use scenes, poetry relies on images and figures of speech.
For example, in the New Testament letters, godliness might be explained in a paragraph. In stories, a character might show godliness through actions. However, poetry shows godliness through pictures, like in Psalm 1:3: “He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season.”
Because of this, it is important to understand the images and figures of speech in Psalms. Let’s explore the most common ones.
1. Simile
A simile compares two things using the words “like” or “as.” Psalm 1:3 says the godly man is like a tree planted by streams of water. Psalm 1:5 says the ungodly man is like chaff.
This means the godly will grow and succeed, but the ungodly will fall apart and disappear.
2. Metaphor
A metaphor is like a simile but does not use “like” or “as.” It directly says one thing is another.
Psalm 1:3 could say the godly man is a tree by streams of water, and Psalm 1:5 could say the ungodly man is chaff.
Psalm 23:1 says, “The Lord is my shepherd.” It doesn’t say the Lord is like a shepherd; it says He is one.
3. Allegory
An allegory is a longer metaphor that tells a story with a deeper meaning.
Psalm 80:8-16 is an example. Israel is compared to a vine that God planted. It grew and spread but was later destroyed. This story shows how Israel’s condition changed over time.
4. Metonymy
Metonymy replaces one word with another related word. In Psalm 73:9, “tongue” stands in for “mouth.” “Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of earth.”
In Psalm 51:10, a “steadfast spirit” stands for a “pure heart.”
5. Synecdoche
Synecdoche uses a part to represent the whole. Psalm 24:4 says, “He who has clean hands and a pure heart.” Hands and heart represent a person’s entire life and actions.
6. Hyperbole
Hyperbole is an exaggeration used for effect. It is not meant to be taken literally but shows strong emotions.
Psalm 18:7-8 says, “The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook… Smoke rose from his nostrils.” This dramatic picture shows God’s anger.
7. Apostrophe
An apostrophe speaks to objects or absent people as if they were present.
Psalm 24:7 says, “Lift up your heads, O gates.” Psalm 103:1 says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul.”
8. Anthropomorphism
Anthropomorphism describes God using human traits to help us understand Him.
Psalm 10:12 says, “Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God.” Psalm 31:2 says, “Turn your ear to me; come quickly to my rescue.”
By recognizing these figures of speech, we can better understand and appreciate the beauty and meaning of the Psalms.
Conclusion
Figures of speech in the Psalms bring depth, emotion, and vivid imagery to the text.
They help readers understand God’s nature and human experiences in powerful ways.
Identifying these poetic devices allows us to engage more deeply with the Psalms and grasp their timeless messages.
Two Sermon Outlines From the Psalms
In these two sermon outlines, we see some of the 8 figures of speech in the Psalms and how the writer expresses deep emotions, powerful images, and important truths about God and human experiences.
True Happiness is Found in the Lord (Psalm 1:1-6)
- The Person God Blesses (1:1-3)
- We see his passion (1:1a)
- We see his path (1:1b)
- We see his pleasure (1:2)
- We see his prosperity (1:3)
- The Person God Judges (1:4-5)
- We see his path (1:4)
- We see his punishment (1:5)
- The Person God Approves (1:6)
- We see the righteous prosper (1:6a)
- We see the wicked perish (1:6b)
Two Pictures of God’s Goodness and Care (Psalm 23:1-6)
- The Picture of the Shepherd (23:1-4)
- He meets our needs (23:1b)
- He gives us rest (23:2)
- He gives us life (23:3a)
- He guides us in life (23:3b)
- He keeps us safe (23:4)
- The Picture of the Generous Host (23:5-6)
- He provides for the present (23:5)
- He provides for the future (23:6)
The sermon outlines from Psalm 1 and Psalm 23 were provided by Rev. D. Blackburn BA GDM
Resource Material – Amazon Books
Words of Delight: A Literary Introduction to the Bible by Leland Ryken
Holman Old Testament Commentary of the Psalms (Volume 1 & Volume 2) by Steven J. Lawson
An Expositional Commentary of the Psalms (Volume 1, Volume 2 and Volume 3) by James Montgomery Boice
A Commentary of the Psalms (Volume 1, Volume 2 and Volume 3) by Allen P. Ross
The NIV Application Commentary of the Psalms (Volume 1) by Gerald H. Wilson
The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery by Leland Ryken
The Ideal of Biblical Poetry: Parallelism and Its History by James Kugel
The Dynamics of Biblical Parallelism by Adele Berlin
Figures of Speech in the Bible: Explained and Illustrated by E.W. Bullinger