Zeugma uses one word, often a verb, to govern two or more expressions, even though it fits them in different ways.
Zeugma uses one word, often a verb, to govern two or more expressions, even though it fits them in different ways.
Zeugma is a figure of compressed grammar in which one governing word is applied to multiple clauses, objects, or ideas, with one or more of the relationships needing to be supplied or adjusted from context.
These examples show how Zeugma functions in biblical language, rhetoric, poetry, prophecy, narrative, or theological imagery.
his mouth was opened, and his tongue
One governing idea of opening is applied to mouth and tongue; the second relation is understood as release of speech.
hunger and thirst for righteousness
Two bodily appetites are yoked to one spiritual object, intensifying desire for righteousness.
I fed you with milk, not solid food
The feeding language is applied to spiritual instruction with two food images under one governing verb.
you need milk, not solid food
One need is expressed through contrasting food images for elementary and mature teaching.
father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock
The title father governs two related descriptions of a social vocation.
forbidding marriage and requiring abstinence from foods
A governing error is expressed across two different practices, one social and one dietary.
put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness
One command governs multiple moral descriptions, forming compressed ethical speech.
all my bones shall say
The verb of speaking is yoked to bones as a bodily totality for the whole person’s praise.
I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame
One subject is yoked to two bodily images that require different kinds of help.
I turned to see the voice
The action of seeing is applied to a voice by a vivid sensory compression; the classification overlaps with catachresis.
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