Figures of Speech in the Bible

Hendiadys in the Bible

Hendiadys expresses one idea by using two connected words, often joined by “and.”

Simple definition

Hendiadys expresses one idea by using two connected words, often joined by “and.”

Technical nameHendiadys
Alternate namesOne by means of two
Reader categoryArrangement / Emphasis
Bullinger classFigures involving change
Source hintBullinger cross-check required; curated pilot examples are draft-normalized for review.
Examples on page10

Technical definition

A figure in which a single complex idea is expressed through two coordinate terms rather than a single term with a modifier; the relation must be established by context, not assumed mechanically.

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 Hendiadys functions in biblical language, rhetoric, poetry, prophecy, narrative, or theological imagery.

Gen. 1:2
possible

formless and void

The two terms together may express one condition of uninhabitable emptiness rather than two unrelated states.

Source: yes — Wave 5 curated examples
Draft-normalized; verify against final site Bible text stream and Bullinger section before live publication.
Gen. 19:24
probable

brimstone and fire

The pair may function as one complex expression: fiery sulfur or sulfurous fire sent in judgment.

Source: yes — Wave 5 curated examples
Draft-normalized; verify against final site Bible text stream and Bullinger section before live publication.
Exod. 15:16
probable

terror and dread

The paired nouns intensify one idea of overwhelming fear before the LORD’s acts.

Source: no — Wave 5 curated examples
Draft-normalized; verify against final site Bible text stream and Bullinger section before live publication.
Deut. 16:18
possible

judges and officers

The two office terms may present the unified judicial-administrative apparatus of covenant governance.

Source: no — Wave 5 curated examples
Draft-normalized; verify against final site Bible text stream and Bullinger section before live publication.
Ps. 23:6
possible

goodness and mercy

The pair can express the covenant kindness of God in full benevolent pursuit, though they should not be collapsed carelessly.

Source: yes — Wave 5 curated examples
Draft-normalized; verify against final site Bible text stream and Bullinger section before live publication.
Ps. 45:4
possible

truth and meekness and righteousness

The grouped virtues may express the character of righteous royal rule in composite form.

Source: no — Wave 5 curated examples
Draft-normalized; verify against final site Bible text stream and Bullinger section before live publication.
Luke 21:15
probable

a mouth and wisdom

The expression may mean wise speech granted by God, not two unrelated gifts.

Source: yes — Wave 5 curated examples
Draft-normalized; verify against final site Bible text stream and Bullinger section before live publication.
Acts 14:13
possible

oxen and garlands

The two objects together describe the sacrificial apparatus prepared for pagan worship.

Source: no — Wave 5 curated examples
Draft-normalized; verify against final site Bible text stream and Bullinger section before live publication.
Rom. 1:5
probable

grace and apostleship

The phrase may express gracious apostleship or an apostolic commission received by grace.

Source: yes — Wave 5 curated examples
Draft-normalized; verify against final site Bible text stream and Bullinger section before live publication.
Eph. 6:18
possible

prayer and supplication

The paired terms form a comprehensive expression for dependent petition before God.

Source: no — Wave 5 curated examples
Draft-normalized; verify against final site Bible text stream and Bullinger section before live publication.

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