Figures of Speech in the Bible

Aposiopesis in the Bible

Aposiopesis breaks off a statement before it is completed, leaving the reader to feel the weight of what is unsaid.

Simple Definition Technical Definition Scripture Examples JSON Data

Simple definition

Aposiopesis breaks off a statement before it is completed, leaving the reader to feel the weight of what is unsaid.

Technical nameAposiopesis / Sudden Silence
Alternate namesBreaking off; suspended sentence; abrupt stop
Reader categoryOmission / Emotion
Bullinger classFigures involving omission
Source hintBullinger seed classification; examples require careful final source verification because translation punctuation can affect classification.
Examples on page10

Technical definition

Aposiopesis is a rhetorical breaking-off of speech where emotion, reverence, threat, grief, or intensity causes the sentence to remain formally incomplete.

Publication note: Examples are curated from the final Wave 46 source state. Some examples carry review notes where final Bible-text stream verification may still be prudent before public release.

Scripture examples

These examples show how Aposiopesis functions in biblical language, rhetoric, poetry, prophecy, narrative, or theological imagery.

Gen. 3:22
probable

lest he reach out his hand...

The divine speech breaks off as judgment proceeds; the unfinished threat carries solemn force.

Source: AI Bible Commentary draft-normalized analysis; Bullinger seed taxonomy — Wave 9 grammar/discourse expansion; final Bullinger page verification pending
Draft-normalized; verify against final Bible text stream and source classification before live publication.
Ex. 32:32
possible

But if not, please blot me out of your book

Moses' intercession has the feel of a suspended alternative before the dreadful request is voiced.

Source: AI Bible Commentary draft-normalized analysis; Bullinger seed taxonomy — Wave 9 grammar/discourse expansion; final Bullinger page verification pending
Draft-normalized; verify against final Bible text stream and source classification before live publication.
Luke 13:9
certain

And if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not...

The unfinished consequence leaves judgment implied rather than fully stated.

Source: AI Bible Commentary draft-normalized analysis; Bullinger seed taxonomy — Wave 9 grammar/discourse expansion; final Bullinger page verification pending
Draft-normalized; verify against final Bible text stream and source classification before live publication.
Luke 19:42
probable

Would that you, even you, had known... But now they are hidden

Jesus' lament begins with an unrealized condition and breaks into judgment.

Source: AI Bible Commentary draft-normalized analysis; Bullinger seed taxonomy — Wave 9 grammar/discourse expansion; final Bullinger page verification pending
Draft-normalized; verify against final Bible text stream and source classification before live publication.
John 6:62
possible

Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending...

The question leaves the consequence to be felt by the hearers.

Source: AI Bible Commentary draft-normalized analysis; Bullinger seed taxonomy — Wave 9 grammar/discourse expansion; final Bullinger page verification pending
Draft-normalized; verify against final Bible text stream and source classification before live publication.
Rom. 9:22
possible

What if God, desiring to show his wrath...

Paul's long conditional argument leaves the implied conclusion to be drawn in context.

Source: AI Bible Commentary draft-normalized analysis; Bullinger seed taxonomy — Wave 9 grammar/discourse expansion; final Bullinger page verification pending
Draft-normalized; verify against final Bible text stream and source classification before live publication.
1 Sam. 12:14-15
possible

If you will fear the LORD... But if you will not obey

The conditional contrast presses the consequences with covenantal severity.

Source: AI Bible Commentary draft-normalized analysis; Bullinger seed taxonomy — Wave 9 grammar/discourse expansion; final Bullinger page verification pending
Draft-normalized; verify against final Bible text stream and source classification before live publication.
2 Sam. 5:8
possible

Whoever would strike the Jebusites...

The sentence has a compressed and possibly broken form in translation and transmission.

Source: AI Bible Commentary draft-normalized analysis; Bullinger seed taxonomy — Wave 9 grammar/discourse expansion; final Bullinger page verification pending
Draft-normalized; verify against final Bible text stream and source classification before live publication.
Ps. 27:13
possible

I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD

Many translations smooth a construction that may reflect a suspended 'unless' opening.

Source: AI Bible Commentary draft-normalized analysis; Bullinger seed taxonomy — Wave 9 grammar/discourse expansion; final Bullinger page verification pending
Draft-normalized; verify against final Bible text stream and source classification before live publication.
Gal. 5:12
possible

I wish those who unsettle you would...

Paul's sharp statement leaves the emotional force of the rebuke unusually stark.

Source: AI Bible Commentary draft-normalized analysis; Bullinger seed taxonomy — Wave 9 grammar/discourse expansion; final Bullinger page verification pending
Draft-normalized; verify against final Bible text stream and source classification before live publication.

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