Figures of Speech in the Bible

Chronographia / Description of Time in the Bible

Chronographia describes a time, season, hour, or temporal setting so that timing becomes meaningful.

Simple definition

Chronographia describes a time, season, hour, or temporal setting so that timing becomes meaningful.

Technical nameChronographia
Alternate namesTime description; seasonal portrayal
Reader categoryDescription / Time
Bullinger classFigures of description / time portrayal
Source hintDraft-normalized rhetorical category; verify examples against Bullinger/source taxonomy and final Bible text stream.
Examples on page10

Technical definition

Chronographia is descriptive reference to time, season, hour, day, night, appointed moment, or temporal cycle when the timing contributes to the argument, mood, or theological point.

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 Chronographia / Description of Time functions in biblical language, rhetoric, poetry, prophecy, narrative, or theological imagery.

Gen. 8:22
certain

seedtime and harvest, cold and heat

Time is described through ordered cycles that testify to God’s preservation of creation.

Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 15 vivid description, appeal, and dramatic speech forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording, source taxonomy, and final site Bible text stream before publication.
2 Sam. 11:1
certain

spring, when kings go out to battle

The season description frames David’s failure by showing where he should have been.

Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 15 vivid description, appeal, and dramatic speech forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording, source taxonomy, and final site Bible text stream before publication.
Song 2:11-13
certain

winter past, flowers appear, fig tree ripens

The season is described to evoke renewal and invitation.

Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 15 vivid description, appeal, and dramatic speech forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording, source taxonomy, and final site Bible text stream before publication.
Eccl. 3:1-8
certain

time to be born, time to die

Human life is described through ordered times under God’s providence.

Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 15 vivid description, appeal, and dramatic speech forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording, source taxonomy, and final site Bible text stream before publication.
Mark 1:35
probable

very early, while it was still dark

The time setting underscores Jesus’ withdrawal for prayer amid ministry pressure.

Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 15 vivid description, appeal, and dramatic speech forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording, source taxonomy, and final site Bible text stream before publication.
Luke 2:8
probable

shepherds keeping watch by night

The night setting frames the angelic announcement and shepherds’ watchfulness.

Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 15 vivid description, appeal, and dramatic speech forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording, source taxonomy, and final site Bible text stream before publication.
John 13:30
certain

and it was night

The time reference carries narrative and moral weight as Judas departs.

Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 15 vivid description, appeal, and dramatic speech forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording, source taxonomy, and final site Bible text stream before publication.
John 19:14
probable

day of Preparation, about sixth hour

The time marker frames Jesus’ trial in relation to Passover preparation.

Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 15 vivid description, appeal, and dramatic speech forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording, source taxonomy, and final site Bible text stream before publication.
Acts 20:7
probable

first day of the week, gathered to break bread

The time reference marks the gathered setting for worship and teaching.

Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 15 vivid description, appeal, and dramatic speech forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording, source taxonomy, and final site Bible text stream before publication.
Rev. 1:10
probable

on the Lord’s Day

The temporal setting introduces John’s visionary encounter.

Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 15 vivid description, appeal, and dramatic speech forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording, source taxonomy, and final site Bible text stream before publication.

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