Ziolkowski - Similes in the Bible

Lexicons, Grammars, Reading Guides, History, Culture, and Background
Post Reply
Matthew Longhorn
Posts: 756
Joined: November 10th, 2017, 2:48 pm
Contact:

Ziolkowski - Similes in the Bible

Post by Matthew Longhorn »

A bit of an odd one, but if you want a list of the similies in the Bible showing the Greek (and Latin) text, then this is the book for you

https://www.peterlang.com/document/1162831

This book lists all the similes in the Bible in three different versions (Greek, Latin and English), noting especially the variation in the use of introductory words (protheses). There are over 1000 examples, not counting the predicate and genitive versions, a significant collection.
The Introduction discusses the parts and types of similes as well as other similar figures of speech (e.g., analogies, comparisons and metaphors); examples are provided of prothetic (prosthesis expressed: he runs like a panther) and non-prothetic types (prothesis implied: he is [like] a lion in savagery). The Conclusion points out various aspects of Biblical usage, some differing from those in classical Greek authors (Homer and Plato). The importance of similes in clarifying difficult concepts while adding grace to the narrative accounts for their popularity in philosophical and religious writers.
An random example from page 19
Samuel 17.10 And he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a
lion, shall utterly melt.
10 καί γε αὐτὸς υἱὸς δυνάμεως, οὗ ἡ καρδία καθὼς ἡ καρδία τοῦ λέοντος,
τηκομένη τακήσεται.
10 Et fortissimus quisque, cujus cor est quasileonis, pavore solvetur. [the
heart of a valiant man ≈ the heart of a lion]
Hushai to Absalom
Post Reply

Return to “Books”