Figures of Speech in the Bible

Hypophora and Question-Answer Reasoning in the Bible

Hypophora asks a question and then answers it, guiding the reader through the intended conclusion.

Simple Definition Technical Definition Scripture Examples JSON Data

Simple definition

Hypophora asks a question and then answers it, guiding the reader through the intended conclusion.

Technical nameHypophora / Anthypophora / question raised and answered
Alternate namesquestion-and-answer reasoning; raised question answered; catechetical response; anticipated question
Reader categoryRhetorical question, instruction, catechesis, objection-handling, and doctrinal clarification / Hypophora
Bullinger classSupplemental rhetorical form
Source hintWave 45 final gap-sweep draft; distinguish hypophora from unanswered rhetorical question and from full diatribe objection-response.
Examples on page10

Technical definition

A discourse form in which the speaker raises an explicit or implied question and supplies the answer, often to teach, correct, or advance an argument.

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 Hypophora and Question-Answer Reasoning functions in biblical language, rhetoric, poetry, prophecy, narrative, or theological imagery.

Ps. 15:1-2
certain

who may dwell ... he who walks

The psalm asks who may dwell with God and immediately supplies the moral answer.

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.
Ps. 24:3-4
certain

who may ascend ... he who has clean hands

The entrance question is answered by covenantal purity and truthfulness.

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.
Ps. 24:8
certain

who is this King of glory?

The question is answered with the LORD's warrior identity.

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.
Mic. 6:6-8
certain

with what shall I come ... he has told you

A worship question is answered by justice, mercy, and humble walking with God.

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.
Rom. 3:1-2
certain

what advantage has the Jew? Much in every way

Paul raises a theological question and answers it before continuing the argument.

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.
Rom. 6:1-2
certain

shall we continue in sin? By no means

The anticipated question is answered with decisive gospel logic.

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.
Rom. 8:31
certain

what then shall we say?

Paul raises and answers the assurance question from God's action for believers.

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.
1 Cor. 15:35-36
certain

how are the dead raised?

Paul raises the resurrection objection and answers it through the seed analogy.

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.
James 4:1
certain

what causes quarrels?

James asks the source of conflict and answers by exposing disordered desires.

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.
Isa. 40:12-14
likely

who has measured ... who has directed

A chain of questions teaches God's incomparable wisdom and needs no human counselor.

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.

Machine-readable data

This page has a paired JSON sidecar for indexing, reuse, and structured-data workflows.

View JSON Data

← A Fortiori, How-Much-More, and Lesser-to-Greater Argument All figures Far Be It, By No Means, and Strong Repudiation Formula →

↑ Top