Greater Mt. Zion
Bible Study/Enhancement Hour
Bible Study Methods – Lesson 5
Gaidi K. Burgess, Pastor/Teacher
1. Brief Figures of Speech
 Metaphor – like a simile, a metaphor compares two or more items without using the
word “like” or “as”
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 Allegory – the extended use of a metaphor (Song of Solomon)
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 Hyperbole – deliberate exaggeration or over-statement to make a point (Matthew
19:24)
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 Euphemism – an intentional understatement in order to soften the effect of an
otherwise harsh way of saying the same thing (Matthew 15:7) ; (Gen. 9:18-25)
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2. Long Figures of Speech
 Simile – figure of speech that compares two or more items using the word “like” or “as”
(Psalm 1:4); (Ezekiel 3:3); (Judges 16:12-14)
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 Riddle – a concise expression which intentionally seeks to challenge the ability of the
listener or reader to understand and explain it (Judges 16:12-14)
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 Parable – a story with two levels of meaning, where certain details in the represent
something else (Mark 4)
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3. Special Issues
 Proverb – a brief, wise saying intended to help people live responsible, fulfilled lives
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 Typology – a special kind of biblical interpretation based upon the belief that there is
some kind of prefiguring or foreshadowing between two persons, events, and things in
the Old Testament with later persons, events, and things in the New Testament.