Ps. 1:3
certain
like a tree
The righteous person is explicitly compared to a well-watered, fruitful tree.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Simile section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Figures of Speech in the Bible
Simile in the Bible
A simile says that one thing is like another thing in a specific way.
Simple definition
A simile says that one thing is like another thing in a specific way.
Technical definition
An explicit comparison marked by comparative language; the comparison states resemblance while leaving the compared things distinct.
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 Simile functions in biblical language, rhetoric, poetry, prophecy, narrative, or theological imagery.
Ps. 1:4
certain
like the chaff
The ungodly are explicitly compared to wind-driven chaff, contrasting instability with the planted tree.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Simile section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Ps. 5:12
certain
as with a shield
God’s favor is compared to protective encirclement by a shield.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Simile section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Ps. 17:8
certain
as the apple of the eye
The prayer asks for careful protection using the image of guarding the eye.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Simile section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Ps. 42:1
certain
as the deer pants
The psalmist’s longing for God is compared to a deer’s thirst for water.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Ps. 103:11
certain
as high as the heavens
The greatness of God’s mercy is compared to the immeasurable height of the heavens.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Ps. 103:12
certain
as far as east from west
The removal of sins is compared to an immeasurable separation.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Ps. 131:2
certain
as a weaned child
The quieted soul is compared to a weaned child resting with his mother.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Simile section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Isa. 1:18
certain
white as snow
Forgiveness/cleansing is compared to whiteness after scarlet/crimson guilt.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Simile section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Isa. 32:2
certain
as rivers... as shadow
A righteous ruler/man is compared to shelter, water, and shade in harsh conditions.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Simile section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Isa. 40:31
certain
wings like eagles
Renewed strength is compared to an eagle’s rising flight.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Isa. 53:6
certain
like sheep
Human straying is compared to sheep wandering from the shepherd’s way.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Isa. 55:10-11
certain
as rain and snow... so my word
God’s effective word is compared to rain and snow accomplishing their purpose.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Simile section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Isa. 66:12
certain
peace like a river
Promised peace is compared to the steady abundance of a river.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Simile section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Jer. 17:8
certain
like a tree planted by waters
The one who trusts the LORD is compared to a resilient tree with deep water supply.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Matt. 7:24-27
certain
like a wise/foolish builder
Jesus compares hearers and doers to builders whose houses reveal their foundations.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Simile section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Matt. 9:36
certain
as sheep without shepherd
The crowds are compared to vulnerable, scattered sheep lacking care and leadership.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Simile section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Matt. 10:16
certain
sheep among wolves
The disciples’ mission vulnerability is compared to sheep surrounded by wolves.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Matt. 10:16
certain
wise as serpents, innocent as doves
Jesus uses paired similes to teach prudence without corruption.
Source: Own analysis — Original analysis for pilot page
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
1 Pet. 2:25
certain
as sheep going astray
Peter compares the readers’ former condition to stray sheep now returned to the Shepherd.
Source: Bullinger PDF — Bullinger, Simile section
Verify against final site Bible text stream before publication.
Gen. 22:17
certain
as the stars... as the sand
The promised multiplication is compared to vast, innumerable objects.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF p. 720; web lines 21525-21537.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
Num. 14:9
probable
they are bread for us
The comparison-like image communicates that the enemies will be consumed/overcome; it borders metaphor and idiom.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF p. 720; web lines 21525-21537.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
Judg. 7:12
certain
like locusts... as the sand
The Midianite host is compared to overwhelming multitude.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF p. 720; web lines 21525-21537.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
Ps. 52:8
certain
like a green olive tree
The righteous speaker compares himself to a flourishing, enduring olive tree in God's house.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF p. 720; web lines 21525-21537.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
Prov. 25:11
certain
like apples of gold
A well-spoken word is compared to beautiful crafted imagery.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF p. 720; web lines 21525-21537.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
Song 2:2
certain
as a lily among thorns
The beloved is compared to a lily set in contrast with thorns.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF p. 720; web lines 21525-21537.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
Matt. 13:43
certain
shine forth as the sun
The righteous are compared to the sun's brightness in kingdom glory.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF p. 720; web lines 21525-21537.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
Luke 10:3
certain
as lambs among wolves
The disciples are compared to vulnerable lambs sent among hostile wolves.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF p. 720; web lines 21525-21537.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
Jas. 1:6
certain
like a wave of the sea
The doubter is compared to wind-driven instability.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF p. 720; web lines 21525-21537.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
1 Pet. 1:24
certain
all flesh is as grass
Human frailty is explicitly compared to grass and fading flowers.
Source: Curated Scripture review + Bullinger section/cross-reference where applicable — Bullinger PDF p. 720; web lines 21525-21537.
Wave 4 promoted/added example; final Bible text stream link check still required.
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