Figures of Speech in the Bible

Periphrasis in the Bible

Periphrasis uses a descriptive phrase instead of a simpler name or word.

Simple definition

Periphrasis uses a descriptive phrase instead of a simpler name or word.

Technical namePeriphrasis / Descriptive Naming
Alternate namesDescriptive expression; circumlocutory title
Reader categorySubstitution / Description
Bullinger classFigures involving change / name or description
Source hintBullinger seed classification; final source-page verification still required for exhaustive extraction.
Examples on page10

Technical definition

Periphrasis is a rhetorical substitution in which a person, place, object, or idea is named indirectly by a descriptive phrase, title, relationship, or attribute.

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 Periphrasis functions in biblical language, rhetoric, poetry, prophecy, narrative, or theological imagery.

Dan. 7:9
certain

the Ancient of Days

God is described by a majestic title emphasizing eternality, authority, and judgment.

Source: AI Bible Commentary draft-normalized analysis; Bullinger seed taxonomy — Wave 9 grammar/discourse expansion; final Bullinger page verification pending
Draft-normalized; verify against final Bible text stream and source classification before live publication.
Isa. 1:4
certain

the Holy One of Israel

The title names the LORD by His covenant holiness in relation to Israel.

Source: AI Bible Commentary draft-normalized analysis; Bullinger seed taxonomy — Wave 9 grammar/discourse expansion; final Bullinger page verification pending
Draft-normalized; verify against final Bible text stream and source classification before live publication.
James 1:17
certain

the Father of lights

God is described by a title emphasizing His unchanging goodness as Creator and giver.

Source: AI Bible Commentary draft-normalized analysis; Bullinger seed taxonomy — Wave 9 grammar/discourse expansion; final Bullinger page verification pending
Draft-normalized; verify against final Bible text stream and source classification before live publication.
Matt. 9:15
probable

the wedding guests / sons of the bridechamber

A descriptive phrase names those associated with the bridegroom, supporting Jesus' fasting analogy.

Source: AI Bible Commentary draft-normalized analysis; Bullinger seed taxonomy — Wave 9 grammar/discourse expansion; final Bullinger page verification pending
Draft-normalized; verify against final Bible text stream and source classification before live publication.
John 17:12
certain

the son of destruction

Judas is described by a phrase that expresses his character and destiny.

Source: AI Bible Commentary draft-normalized analysis; Bullinger seed taxonomy — Wave 9 grammar/discourse expansion; final Bullinger page verification pending
Draft-normalized; verify against final Bible text stream and source classification before live publication.
Luke 2:4
certain

the city of David

Bethlehem is identified by its Davidic association.

Source: AI Bible Commentary draft-normalized analysis; Bullinger seed taxonomy — Wave 9 grammar/discourse expansion; final Bullinger page verification pending
Draft-normalized; verify against final Bible text stream and source classification before live publication.
Eph. 2:11
certain

the uncircumcision

Gentiles are described by covenantal-ethnic designation rather than simple ethnicity.

Source: AI Bible Commentary draft-normalized analysis; Bullinger seed taxonomy — Wave 9 grammar/discourse expansion; final Bullinger page verification pending
Draft-normalized; verify against final Bible text stream and source classification before live publication.
Gal. 2:12
certain

the circumcision party

A group is named by its boundary-marker emphasis.

Source: AI Bible Commentary draft-normalized analysis; Bullinger seed taxonomy — Wave 9 grammar/discourse expansion; final Bullinger page verification pending
Draft-normalized; verify against final Bible text stream and source classification before live publication.
Rev. 1:5
certain

the ruler of kings on earth

Christ is described by a title that announces His supremacy over earthly rulers.

Source: AI Bible Commentary draft-normalized analysis; Bullinger seed taxonomy — Wave 9 grammar/discourse expansion; final Bullinger page verification pending
Draft-normalized; verify against final Bible text stream and source classification before live publication.
1 Tim. 6:15
certain

King of kings and Lord of lords

God/Christ is named by an exalted title expressing supreme dominion.

Source: AI Bible Commentary draft-normalized analysis; Bullinger seed taxonomy — Wave 9 grammar/discourse expansion; final Bullinger page verification pending
Draft-normalized; verify against final Bible text stream and source classification before live publication.

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