Figures of Speech in the Bible

Personification in the Bible

Personification speaks of a non-person as though it were a person.

Simple Definition Technical Definition Scripture Examples JSON Data

Simple definition

Personification speaks of a non-person as though it were a person.

Technical nameProsopopoeia
Alternate namesProsopopoeia
Reader categoryPerson / Imagination
Bullinger classFigures involving change
Source hintBullinger PDF pp. 843-844; web lines 25388-25406 and 25408-25418.
Examples on page15

Technical definition

A figure in which inanimate objects, abstractions, places, body members, animals, or corporate entities are represented as persons or given personal action, speech, or intelligence.

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

Gen. 31:35
probable

let not my lord's eyes be angry

The eyes are spoken of as though they could possess or express anger.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 843-844; web lines 25388-25406 and 25408-25418.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
Gen. 48:14
probable

he guided his hands wittingly

The hands are described with intentional action in the blessing scene.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 843-844; web lines 25388-25406 and 25408-25418.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
Deut. 13:8
certain

your eye shall not pity

The eye is spoken of as though it could exercise pity.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 843-844; web lines 25388-25406 and 25408-25418.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
Job 29:11
certain

the ear heard and blessed me

The ear and eye are given personal response and witness.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 843-844; web lines 25388-25406 and 25408-25418.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
Job 31:7
certain

my heart has walked after my eyes

Heart and eyes are given personal movement and pursuit.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 843-844; web lines 25388-25406 and 25408-25418.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
Ps. 85:10-11
certain

mercy and truth are met together

Abstract qualities are represented as persons meeting and embracing.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 843-844; web lines 25388-25406 and 25408-25418.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
Ps. 96:11-12
certain

heavens rejoice... field exult

Creation is described with human praise and joy.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 843-844; web lines 25388-25406 and 25408-25418.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
Ps. 98:8
certain

rivers clap their hands

Rivers and hills are given human actions of praise.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 843-844; web lines 25388-25406 and 25408-25418.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
Prov. 8:1-4
certain

Wisdom cries aloud

Wisdom is represented as a woman calling publicly.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 843-844; web lines 25388-25406 and 25408-25418.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
Isa. 14:8
certain

cypress trees rejoice

Trees are represented as rejoicing over the fall of the oppressor.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 843-844; web lines 25388-25406 and 25408-25418.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
Isa. 55:12
certain

mountains and hills sing

Creation is personified as joining in joyful praise.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 843-844; web lines 25388-25406 and 25408-25418.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
Hab. 2:11
certain

stone will cry out

The stones and beams are represented as witnesses against injustice.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 843-844; web lines 25388-25406 and 25408-25418.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
Luke 19:40
certain

the stones would cry out

Stones are represented as capable of praise or testimony if disciples were silent.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 843-844; web lines 25388-25406 and 25408-25418.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
Rom. 8:19-22
certain

creation waits and groans

Creation is represented as longing and groaning under bondage.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 843-844; web lines 25388-25406 and 25408-25418.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
1 Cor. 12:15-16
certain

the foot says... the ear says

Body parts are represented as speaking to illustrate church unity and diversity.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 843-844; web lines 25388-25406 and 25408-25418.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.

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