Metonymy is a figure of speech commonly used in the Bible, as well as in literature in general. It involves the substitution of a word or phrase with another word or phrase that is closely associated with it, but not directly part of its literal meaning. This rhetorical device allows for a more vivid or expressive way of communicating ideas and concepts.
In the Bible, metonymy is frequently employed to convey spiritual or symbolic meanings. Here are a few examples:
“Bread” is used as a metonymy for food or sustenance. It represents the provision and nourishment necessary for survival. In Matthew 6:11, as part of the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus says, “Give us today our daily bread.” Here, “daily bread” symbolizes not only physical sustenance but also the trust in God’s provision for all our needs.
“The crown” is used as a metonymy for a king or ruler. It represents the authority and power associated with the position. For instance, in Psalm 89:39, it is written, “You have renounced the covenant with your servant; you have defiled his crown in the dust.” Here, the crown symbolizes the king’s position and authority, and its defilement represents the humiliation or downfall of the king.
“The sword” is used as a metonymy for warfare or conflict. It represents the power and violence associated with battles. In Matthew 26:52, Jesus says, “Put your sword back in its place. For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” Here, the phrase “draw the sword” refers to engaging in violent conflict, while “die by the sword” symbolizes the consequence or retribution resulting from such actions.
“The lamb” is used as a metonymy for Jesus Christ in the New Testament. It represents His sacrificial role and innocence. In John 1:29, John the Baptist refers to Jesus, saying, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” Here, the lamb symbolizes Jesus’ role as the ultimate sacrificial offering for the forgiveness of sins.
In Bullinger’s Figures of Speech in the Bible there are 15 types of metonymy. The distinctions are very difficult to assess. In the Semitic languages, there are common metonymies which are often used and completely understood by an Eastern person. However, because most of the Western Bible students do not have this same understanding from the culture, we have prepared a list of categories and the normal meaning associated with each word.
| Sample Verses | ||||||||
| ID | Figure | English Name | Category | Subcategory | Key Word | Meaning | Sample Verse | Notes |
| 43 | Metonymy | Change of Noun | Meaning | Objects | bread | provision | John 6:32 | not all uses are marked |
| 44 | Metonymy | Change of Noun | Meaning | Objects | door | opening, entrance | Acts 14:27 | |
| 45 | Metonymy | Change of Noun | Meaning | Objects | yoke | bondage | Acts 15:10 | |
| 41 | Metonymy | Change of Noun | Meaning | Objects | cup | what is in it, portion in life | Matthew 20:22 | often used of “wrath” |
| 42 | Metonymy | Change of Noun | Meaning | Objects | table | what is on it, provision | Romans 11:9 | |
| 26 | Metonymy | Change of Noun | Meaning | Parts of Body | arm | power | Luke 1:51 | |
| 32 | Metonymy | Change of Noun | Meaning | Parts of Body | bosom | care | John 1:18 | |
| 27 | Metonymy | Change of Noun | Meaning | Parts of Body | bowels | compassion | Philippians1:8 | |
| 31 | Metonymy | Change of Noun | Meaning | Parts of Body | ear | hearing, obedience | Luke 12:3 | |
| 30 | Metonymy | Change of Noun | Meaning | Parts of Body | eye | understanding, whole person | Matthew 6:22 | uses not all marked in translation |
| 33 | Metonymy | Change of Noun | Meaning | Parts of Body | face | person, front of, presence | Matthew 11:10 | uses not all marked, many included in Idiom chart |
| 35 | Metonymy | Change of Noun | Meaning | Parts of Body | feet | person’s actions | Luke 1:79 | uses not all marked in translation |
| 34 | Metonymy | Change of Noun | Meaning | Parts of Body | finger | control, authority | Luke 11:20 | |
| 24 | Metonymy | Change of Noun | Meaning | Parts of Body | flesh | person, physical body, physical life | Matthew 19:5 | |
| 25 | Metonymy | Change of Noun | Meaning | Parts of Body | hand | blessing, power, authority, instrument of something | Matthew 26:64 | uses not all marked in translation |
| 29 | Metonymy | Change of Noun | Meaning | Parts of Body | heart | will, thoughts | Matthew 5:8 | uses not marked in translation |
| 28 | Metonymy | Change of Noun | Meaning | Parts of Body | kidneys (reins) | emotions | Revelation 2:23 | |
| 36 | Metonymy | Change of Noun | Meaning | Parts of Body | loins | strength, center of person | Acts 2:30 | used in phrase “gird up your loins”, meaning “get ready for action,” “base your strength on” |
| 37 | Metonymy | Change of Noun | Meaning | Parts of Body | mouth | speaking, person speaking | Matthew 12:34 | uses not all marked in translation |
| 38 | Metonymy | Change of Noun | Meaning | Parts of Body | neck | person’s life | Romans 16:4 | |
| 39 | Metonymy | Change of Noun | Meaning | Parts of Body | tongue | language, person’s speech | Luke 1:64 | |