Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 95:377 (Jan 1938)
Article: A Syllabus of Studies in Hermeneutics Part 8
Author: Rollin Thomas Chafer

BSac 95:377 (Jan 38) p. 91

A Syllabus of Studies in Hermeneutics
Part 8

Rollin Thomas Chafer

(Concluded from the October-December, 1937, Number)

{Editor’s note: Footnotes in the original printed edition were numbered 34–44, but in this electronic edition are numbered 1–11 respectively.}

VII. Figurative Language

The literature of all lands and tongues abounds in figurative language. The Scriptures are no exception to this universal fact. In this connection Cellérier says: “It should be remembered, however, that this is no concession to those who deny the inspiration of the Word, since a figure or parable may be just as much inspired as a rigid syllogism.”1 Our Lord’s speech was replete with all kinds of figures, including under tropical words and phrases, metaphorical (Ex. “I am the true vine.”), synecdochical (Ex. “Ye shall drink indeed of my cup.”), metonymical (Ex. “If I wash thee not,” etc.) expressions; as well as the various forms of allegories, as parables, types and symbols. The various tropes are easily recognizable as figures, and the meaning is generally clear from the context. In determining whether a word is tropical or literal Lockhart says: “It is usually sufficient to inquire in any case of doubt, Does the literal make good sense? If the literal proves to be absurd, or in any way inconsistent, either with other parts of the sentence or with the nature of the things discussed, we may conclude with tolerable certainty that the language is figurative.” On the other hand, he points out that it is important to look for a literal meaning before accepting one that is figurative. “Many interpreters have understood Zion to be a figure, and the

BSac 95:377 (Jan 38) p. 92

Christian church to be really meant. This is purely a surmise, as the Psalm makes no allusion to a future development, nor to any characteristics of the church that would not better apply to the literal city of Jerusalem. This Psalm is a fine hymn of praise to the sacred capital of the Jewish nation; and a figurative view robs the piece of its beautiful patriotism.”2 These reasons for not taking the word as figurative are valid, but they are buttressed with other teachings of the Scriptures which make it very clear that Zion is always connected with Jerusalem in meaning. As Dr. Scofield says: “Zion and Jerusalem mean Zion and Jerusalem, not the church. The church is not in prophecy at all.... His (Christ’s) purpose to form a church during His rejection by Israel is never disclosed until announced by Jesus Himself” (Matt 16:18; You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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