Key Words, Chapter 9

Question 1

Allegory

Answer 1

series of related metaphors

Question 2

Hyperbole

Answer 2

a form of overstatement in which literal fulfillment or portrayal is impossible

Question 3

Parable

Answer 3

true-to-life or realistic story told in form of an extended simile, short story, or allegory to teach a spiritual lesson

Question 4

Paradox

Answer 4

a statement that appears to be contradictory

Question 5

Pun

Answer 5

a play on words in which one word may have more than one meaning, or two similar-sounding words may be intentionally used to suggest two or more different meanings (Matt. 23,23-24 - You strain out a gnat (Aram. galma) and swallow a camel (Aram. gamla). Matt. 16:18 - Peter = petros/petra = rock)

Question 6

Riddle

Answer 6

a simple statement with a hidden meaning which the hearer must uncover (Judges 14:14 - Out of the strong came forth sweetness.)

Question 7

Simile

Answer 7

a figure of speech that compares two things that are essentially like each other (faith like a mustard seed; as sheep among wolves; wise as serpents, harmless as doves)

Question 8

Similitude

Answer 8

extended simile (often in present tense: e.g. Matt. 13:33 - The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.)

Question 9

Sitz im Leben

Answer 9

the life setting of a given literary unit in history (e.g. of a parable)

Question 10

Sitz im Leben der Kirche

Answer 10

the life setting of the church at the time of composition

Question 11

Sitz im Leben Jesu

Answer 11

the life setting of a story or parable in Jesus’ day