(Excerpted from Figures of Speech Used in the Bible by E. W. Bullinger, ebook)

“JEHOVAH has been pleased to give us the revelation of His mind and will in words. It is therefore absolutely necessary that we should understand not merely the meanings of the words themselves, but also the laws which govern their usage and combinations.” (Loc 2, 5 of 15074)

“All language is governed by law; but, in order to increase the power of a word, or the force of an expression, these laws are designedly departed from, and words and sentences are thrown into, and used in, new forms, or figures.” (Loc 5 of 15074)

“‘Figurative language’ is ignorantly spoken of as though it made less of the meaning, and deprived the words of their power and force. A passage of God’s Word is quoted; and it is met with the cry,’ Oh, that is figurative’—implying that its meaning is weakened, or that it has quite a different meaning, or that it has no meaning at all. But the very opposite is the case. For an unusual form (figura) is never used except to add force to the truth conveyed, emphasis to the statement of it, and depth to the meaning of it. When we apply this science then to God’s words and to Divine truths, we see at once that no branch of Bible study can be more important, or offer greater promise of substantial reward. It lies at the very root of all translation; and it is the key to true interpretation…” (Loc 19, 23 of 15074)

“… the Figures, we have grouped them in this work under three great natural divisions:—I. Figures which depend for their peculiarity on any OMISSION : in which something is omitted in the words themselves or in the sense conveyed by them (Elliptical Figures). II. Figures which depend on any ADDITION , by REPETITION of words or sense (Pleonastic Figures): and III. Figures which depend on CHANGE , or Alteration in the usage, order, or application of words. (Loc 100, 104 of 15074)

“A figure is, as we have before said, a departure from the natural and fixed laws of Grammar or Syntax; but it is a departure not arising from ignorance or accident. Figures are not mere mistakes of Grammar; on the contrary, they are legitimate departures from law, for a special purpose. They are permitted variations with a particular object.” (Loc 104, 108 of 15074)