Figures of Speech in the Bible

Hyperbole in the Bible

Hyperbole says more than is literally meant in order to emphasize the truth strongly.

Simple Definition Technical Definition Scripture Examples JSON Data

Simple definition

Hyperbole says more than is literally meant in order to emphasize the truth strongly.

Technical nameHyperbole
Alternate namesExaggeration
Reader categoryEmphasis
Bullinger classFigures involving change
Source hintBullinger PDF pp. 447-453; web lines 13408-13417, 13428-13446, 13516-13532, and 13575-13580.
Examples on page16

Technical definition

A figure of emphasis in which the expression goes beyond the literal measure of the fact to intensify, enlarge, or diminish the sense.

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

Gen. 42:28
certain

their hearts failed them

A strong expression for intense fear and collapse of courage.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 447-453; web lines 13408-13417, 13428-13446, 13516-13532, and 13575-13580.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
Ex. 8:17
probable

all the dust of the land became lice

The universal wording intensifies the plague's comprehensiveness throughout Egypt.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 447-453; web lines 13408-13417, 13428-13446, 13516-13532, and 13575-13580.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
Deut. 1:28
certain

walled up to heaven

The height of the cities is exaggerated to express intimidating strength.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 447-453; web lines 13408-13417, 13428-13446, 13516-13532, and 13575-13580.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
Deut. 9:1
certain

cities great and fortified up to heaven

The expression heightens the perceived human impossibility of conquest.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 447-453; web lines 13408-13417, 13428-13446, 13516-13532, and 13575-13580.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
Judg. 20:16
certain

sling a stone at a hair and not miss

The statement intensifies the Benjamites' extraordinary skill.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 447-453; web lines 13408-13417, 13428-13446, 13516-13532, and 13575-13580.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
1 Sam. 5:12
certain

the cry of the city went up to heaven

The upward language intensifies the magnitude of distress.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 447-453; web lines 13408-13417, 13428-13446, 13516-13532, and 13575-13580.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
1 Sam. 25:37
certain

his heart died within him

The expression describes severe shock or collapse rather than literal immediate death.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 447-453; web lines 13408-13417, 13428-13446, 13516-13532, and 13575-13580.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
1 Kings 1:40
certain

the earth rent with the sound

The statement intensifies the loudness and force of public rejoicing.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 447-453; web lines 13408-13417, 13428-13446, 13516-13532, and 13575-13580.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
1 Kings 10:5
certain

there was no more spirit in her

The phrase expresses overwhelming astonishment.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 447-453; web lines 13408-13417, 13428-13446, 13516-13532, and 13575-13580.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
2 Chron. 28:9
certain

rage that reaches up to heaven

The vertical imagery intensifies the enormity of wrath.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 447-453; web lines 13408-13417, 13428-13446, 13516-13532, and 13575-13580.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
Ezra 9:6
certain

our guilt has mounted up to the heavens

The expression intensifies the greatness of sin.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 447-453; web lines 13408-13417, 13428-13446, 13516-13532, and 13575-13580.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
Job 29:6
probable

the rock poured out rivers of oil

The expression intensifies abundance and prosperity.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 447-453; web lines 13408-13417, 13428-13446, 13516-13532, and 13575-13580.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
Jer. 51:9
certain

judgment reaches unto heaven

The phrase intensifies the certainty and enormity of Babylon's judgment.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 447-453; web lines 13408-13417, 13428-13446, 13516-13532, and 13575-13580.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
John 3:26
probable

all are coming to him

The disciples use sweeping language to express Jesus' growing prominence.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 447-453; web lines 13408-13417, 13428-13446, 13516-13532, and 13575-13580.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
John 21:25
certain

the world itself could not contain the books

The statement magnifies the abundance and significance of Jesus' works.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 447-453; web lines 13408-13417, 13428-13446, 13516-13532, and 13575-13580.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.
Jas. 4:1
certain

wars and fightings among you

War-language is used intensively for destructive quarrels within the community.

Source: Bullinger PDF section seed + manual Scripture review — Bullinger PDF pp. 447-453; web lines 13408-13417, 13428-13446, 13516-13532, and 13575-13580.
New Wave 4 page example; final NET/KJV site-text link check still required.

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