Gen. 6:11
certain
the earth was corrupt
The earth is named for the inhabitants living on it.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Metonymy section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Figures of Speech in the Bible
Metonymy in the Bible
Metonymy names one thing but means another thing closely related to it.
Simple definition
Metonymy names one thing but means another thing closely related to it.
Technical definition
A figure of substitution in which one noun is used for another because of a relation such as cause, effect, subject, adjunct, sign, instrument, possessor, place, or product.
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 Metonymy functions in biblical language, rhetoric, poetry, prophecy, narrative, or theological imagery.
Gen. 11:1
certain
the whole earth had one language
The earth is named for its human population.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Metonymy section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Ps. 105:38
certain
Egypt was glad
Egypt is named for the Egyptians.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Metonymy section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Matt. 3:5
certain
Jerusalem and Judea went out
The places are named for the inhabitants who came from them.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Metonymy section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Luke 15:18
certain
sinned against heaven
Heaven is used reverently for God.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Metonymy section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
John 3:27
certain
given him from heaven
Heaven is named for God, the giver.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Metonymy section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Luke 22:17,20
certain
cup
The container is named for its contents and covenantal significance in the meal context.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Metonymy section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
1 Cor. 10:16
certain
cup of blessing
The vessel is named for the contents and the communion signified through them.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Metonymy section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Rom. 13:4
certain
does not bear the sword in vain
Sword is named for governing authority to punish evildoing.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
1 Cor. 1:18
certain
word of the cross
The cross is named for Christ’s crucifixion and saving work proclaimed in the gospel.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Luke 16:29
certain
Moses and the Prophets
The authors or prophetic offices are named for their writings.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
2 Cor. 3:15
certain
when Moses is read
Moses is named for the Mosaic writings read in the synagogue.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Ps. 24:4
certain
clean hands and pure heart
Hands stand for deeds, and heart for inward character.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Metonymy section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
1 Pet. 3:4
certain
hidden man of the heart
Heart is named for the inner person or inward character.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Metonymy section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Prov. 10:31
certain
mouth of the righteous
Mouth is named for speech that proceeds from it.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Matt. 23:37
probable
Jerusalem
The city is addressed as the covenant people and leaders associated with it.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Acts 9:4
certain
why persecutest thou me
Christ speaks of the persecution of His people as persecution of Himself; the possessor/head is associated with those belonging to Him.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Metonymy section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
John 6:63
probable
words... spirit and life
The effect produced by Christ's words is named through Spirit and life language; classification should be handled carefully.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Metonymy section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Matt. 26:28
probable
my blood of the covenant
Blood is named for the sacrificial death by which the covenant is ratified; note overlap with synecdoche/metalepsis.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Jas. 3:6
possible
the tongue is a fire
The body part is named in relation to speech; the verse also uses metaphor, so classification should be cross-linked.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Gen. 49:10
certain
the sceptre shall not depart
The sceptre stands for royal rule or governing authority.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF pp. 543-544; web lines 16133-16149.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
2 Sam. 12:10
certain
the sword shall never depart
The sword stands for violence, warfare, and judgment upon David's house.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF pp. 543-544; web lines 16133-16149.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
Ps. 23:5
probable
you prepare a table
The table stands for provision, hospitality, and covenantal care.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF pp. 543-544; web lines 16133-16149.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
Prov. 10:20
certain
the tongue of the righteous
The tongue stands for righteous speech.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF pp. 543-544; web lines 16133-16149.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
Isa. 22:22
certain
the key of the house of David
The key stands for delegated authority to open and shut.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF pp. 543-544; web lines 16133-16149.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
Jer. 17:1
probable
written with a pen of iron
The instrument and inscription imagery stand for deeply fixed guilt.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF pp. 543-544; web lines 16133-16149.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
Matt. 23:2
certain
Moses' seat
The seat stands for teaching/judicial authority associated with Moses' law.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF pp. 543-544; web lines 16133-16149.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
1 Cor. 10:18
probable
partakers of the altar
The altar stands for sacrificial worship and its covenantal participation.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF pp. 543-544; web lines 16133-16149.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
Gal. 6:14
certain
the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ
The cross stands for Christ's crucifixion and saving work.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF pp. 543-544; web lines 16133-16149.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
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