These examples show how Metaphor functions in biblical language, rhetoric, poetry, prophecy, narrative, or theological imagery.
The LORD is my shepherd
The LORD is represented as shepherd to teach His care, guidance, provision, and protection.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Metaphor section
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all flesh is grass
Human frailty is represented as grass: living, temporary, and soon withering.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Metaphor section
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rock, fortress, deliverer
David represents the LORD through multiple protection metaphors.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
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sun and shield
The LORD is represented as the source of light/blessing and protection.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
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lamp... light
God’s word is represented as light that guides the path.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
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strong tower
The name of the LORD is represented as a tower of refuge.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
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vineyard... house of Israel
The vineyard is identified as Israel/Judah, making the figure explicit in the text.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
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fountain... broken cisterns
The LORD is represented as living water, while idols are broken containers that cannot satisfy.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
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I am the bread of life
Jesus represents Himself as the life-giving bread that truly satisfies.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
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light of the world
Jesus represents Himself as the light that gives life and reveals the true way.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
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I am the door
Jesus represents Himself as the entrance to salvation and safety.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
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I am the good shepherd
Jesus represents Himself as the shepherd who gives His life for the sheep.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
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the way, the truth, and the life
Jesus represents Himself as the exclusive way to the Father and the embodiment/source of truth and life.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
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true vine
Jesus represents Himself as the vine from whom the branches receive life and fruitfulness.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
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God's field, God's building
The church is represented through agricultural and architectural metaphors.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
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body of Christ
The church is represented as Christ’s body to teach unity, diversity, and organic relation.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
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sword of the Spirit
The word of God is represented as the Spirit’s sword in spiritual conflict.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
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God is a consuming fire
God is represented as consuming fire to emphasize His holiness and judgment.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
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incense... prayers
The incense is interpreted as the prayers of the saints, making the representative meaning explicit.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Metaphor section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
heads are mountains
The text explicitly interprets visionary imagery by representation.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Metaphor section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Judah is a lion's cub
Judah is represented as a lion to express royal strength and dominance.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF pp. 728-729; web lines 21739-21752 and 21801-21802.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
The LORD is my light and my salvation
The LORD is represented as light and salvation to express revelation, deliverance, and security.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF pp. 728-729; web lines 21739-21752 and 21801-21802.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
shield and buckler
God's faithfulness is represented as defensive armor.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF pp. 728-729; web lines 21739-21752 and 21801-21802.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
the teaching of the wise is a fountain of life
Wise instruction is represented as a life-giving fountain.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF pp. 728-729; web lines 21739-21752 and 21801-21802.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
light has shined
Deliverance is represented as light breaking into darkness.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF pp. 728-729; web lines 21739-21752 and 21801-21802.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
you are the salt of the earth
Jesus represents His disciples as salt, emphasizing preserving and distinctive witness.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF pp. 728-729; web lines 21739-21752 and 21801-21802.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
you are the light of the world
Jesus represents His disciples as light that visibly bears witness.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF pp. 728-729; web lines 21739-21752 and 21801-21802.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
the field is the world
Jesus explicitly identifies the field representationally in the parable explanation.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF pp. 728-729; web lines 21739-21752 and 21801-21802.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
letter from Christ
Believers are represented as Christ's letter known and read by others.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF pp. 728-729; web lines 21739-21752 and 21801-21802.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
living stones
Believers are represented as stones being built into a spiritual house.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF pp. 728-729; web lines 21739-21752 and 21801-21802.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
