Figures of Speech in the Bible

Fulfillment Formula and Scripture-Correspondence in the Bible

The fulfillment formula marks an event as corresponding to Scripture, promise, or prophetic pattern.

Simple Definition Technical Definition Scripture Examples JSON Data

Simple definition

The fulfillment formula marks an event as corresponding to Scripture, promise, or prophetic pattern.

Technical nameFulfillment formula / prophetic correspondence formula
Alternate namesthat it might be fulfilled; Scripture fulfillment; prophetic correspondence; fulfillment citation
Reader categoryProphecy, typology, promise, messianic correspondence, and canonical interpretation / Fulfillment formula
Bullinger classSupplemental biblical formula
Source hintWave 45 final gap-sweep draft; distinguish explicit fulfillment formula from broader typology, allusion, and ordinary quotation.
Examples on page10

Technical definition

A citation or formulaic statement that presents an event, especially in the life of Christ, as the divinely intended filling-up of earlier Scripture or prophetic pattern.

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 Fulfillment Formula and Scripture-Correspondence functions in biblical language, rhetoric, poetry, prophecy, narrative, or theological imagery.

Matt. 1:22-23
certain

this took place to fulfill

Matthew marks the virgin conception as fulfillment of prophetic Scripture.

Source: draft_normalized_scripture_example — Wave 45 final gap sweep rare forms/idioms/missing motif categories expansion
Review status: draft_normalized | Source/context check before final publication.
Matt. 2:15
certain

this was to fulfill

The exodus-pattern return from Egypt is framed as fulfilled Scripture.

Source: draft_normalized_scripture_example — Wave 45 final gap sweep rare forms/idioms/missing motif categories expansion
Review status: draft_normalized | Source/context check before final publication.
Matt. 2:17-18
certain

then was fulfilled

Rachel's lament is applied to the slaughter connected with Messiah's infancy.

Source: draft_normalized_scripture_example — Wave 45 final gap sweep rare forms/idioms/missing motif categories expansion
Review status: draft_normalized | Source/context check before final publication.
Matt. 2:23
certain

so that what was spoken ... might be fulfilled

Nazareth language is placed under prophetic correspondence.

Source: draft_normalized_scripture_example — Wave 45 final gap sweep rare forms/idioms/missing motif categories expansion
Review status: draft_normalized | Source/context check before final publication.
Matt. 4:14-16
certain

so that what was spoken ... might be fulfilled

Jesus' Galilean ministry is read as Isaiah's light dawning.

Source: draft_normalized_scripture_example — Wave 45 final gap sweep rare forms/idioms/missing motif categories expansion
Review status: draft_normalized | Source/context check before final publication.
Matt. 8:17
certain

this was to fulfill

Jesus' healings are connected with the servant's burden-bearing.

Source: draft_normalized_scripture_example — Wave 45 final gap sweep rare forms/idioms/missing motif categories expansion
Review status: draft_normalized | Source/context check before final publication.
Matt. 12:17-21
certain

this was to fulfill

Jesus' quiet servant ministry is interpreted through Isaiah.

Source: draft_normalized_scripture_example — Wave 45 final gap sweep rare forms/idioms/missing motif categories expansion
Review status: draft_normalized | Source/context check before final publication.
Matt. 21:4-5
certain

this took place to fulfill

The triumphal entry is linked to the king coming on a donkey.

Source: draft_normalized_scripture_example — Wave 45 final gap sweep rare forms/idioms/missing motif categories expansion
Review status: draft_normalized | Source/context check before final publication.
Matt. 26:56
certain

the Scriptures ... might be fulfilled

Jesus frames the arrest as occurring under scriptural fulfillment.

Source: draft_normalized_scripture_example — Wave 45 final gap sweep rare forms/idioms/missing motif categories expansion
Review status: draft_normalized | Source/context check before final publication.
John 19:24
certain

this was to fulfill the Scripture

The division of garments is explicitly connected with Scripture.

Source: draft_normalized_scripture_example — Wave 45 final gap sweep rare forms/idioms/missing motif categories expansion
Review status: draft_normalized | Source/context check before final publication.

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