Professional Theologists must take care in teaching about hyperboles, because one step over that line and the suggestion that Scripture exaggerated to the point of error will be charged. Remember, the Word of God is inerrant. Every word, every tittle within the Canon is specifically included because God inspired it to be. So, students must be aware of hyperboles, which are exaggerations usually stressed in order to capture the emotion of the idea. It is not a lie; it is instead a literary device that requires more than literal understanding. God uses hyperboles through His authors to enhance the points He needs to make with the audience that He wills.
Some examples of the Lord using hyperbole in His teachings can be found in Matthew 23:24 when He speaks of “blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.” In an effort to show the Pharisees tendencies to focus upon trivial details while ignoring the bigger, more important spiritual matters, this hyperbole was used. And when Christ compared the rich man entering the kingdom of God as more difficult than “a camel to go through the eye of a needle” the hyperbole was used to warn the wealthy that they must have faith in him without reliance upon their own possessions, actions, and status as rich people.
There are two forms of hyperbole; the general hyperbole in Matthew 16:26 connects the “gain of the whole world” with a “quest for possessions.” A more radical form that only appears in the teachings of Jesus are sometimes shocking. “Before Abraham was born, I am” is a hyperbole that emphasizes the sayings of Christ rather than the content of His teaching.” Matthew (5:29, 30, 39; 6:2, 3, 6, 17; 7:3-5, 6; 17:20; 19:24; 23:24), Mark (verses parallel to Matthew and Luke, cf. 9:43-47 and 10:25), and Luke’s gospels (6:41, 42; 17:6; 18:25) contain radical hyperboles; the Book of John does not.
Dr. Heiser makes a claim that ancient Near Eastern historiographical material indicate that sometimes the Old Testament exaggerates numbers of people that seem impossible for certain geographic places or historical records. These claimed exaggerations are sometimes tagged “hyperbole” for the sense of making a point without focused details of factual information. Though there are many scholars investigating many, many different aspects of claims made in Scripture, and while sometimes limited knowledge of events can abnormally weigh heavily in proving exaggeration or error, this idea of exaggerated hyperboles leads to faulty ideas. Specifically, when exaggerations in Scripture are generalized under the hyperbole evaluation, it is a simple crossover to declare error within the Bible.
Professional Theologists cannot afford that idea to claim intentional exaggerations to trick historical records. While Dr. Heiser may have specific proofs of specific events, such as the general one where two to three million people cannot literally be in a geographic location, there might be other circumstances not clearly recorded in Scripture but able to confirm Truth when examined in full light. Thus, it seems prudent to avoid the generalization that the Old Testament contains exaggerated errors that can be proven with modern day scholarship. When error is accused against Scripture, the Professional Theologist should move away from generalization, and conduct analysis and study upon specific issues to clarify the matter as much as possible. Hyperbole is a literary device that is sometimes used in Scripture to capture a bigger idea; but, to attach error to hyperbole devices does a grave disservice to the Truth of God.
Hyperboles are not as easily found as similes the words “like” or “as” are always present. But, there are some key words that are present in some hyperboles that clue the interpreter to examine sharply worded expressions and overstatements to see if they qualify. Words such as “all” or “every” or “none” usually indicate an exaggeration, since most scholars know that these type of words are exaggerations that have no place in scholarly research. When the statements are universally applicable, a hyperbole may be present. But, even that is tricky, since the very nature of our omnipotent LORD God creates absolutes through His presence. For instance, Matthew 19:26 is a universal statement that is not hyperbole: “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” Though the word “all” is present in this universal statement, and would be soundly debated should it represent the things of mankind, when it is associated with the LORD God, “all” is reality.
Bibliography
Elwell, Walter A., Barry J. Beitzel. Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1988.
Heiser, Michael S. BI101 Lecture Introducing Biblical Interpretation: Contexts and Resources: LOGOS Bible Software.
Kooienga, William, Charles McIlhenny, and John Sittema. "Hyperbole, a Biblical Tool." The Journal of Pastoral Practice 4, no. 1989 9 (1989).
Footnotes
Michael S. Heiser, BI101 Lecture Introducing Biblical Interpretation: Contexts and Resources (LOGOS Bible Software).
Walter A. Elwell, Barry J. Beitzel, Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1988), 312.
Ibid.
William Kooienga, Charles McIlhenny, and John Sittema, "Hyperbole, a Biblical Tool," The Journal of Pastoral Practice 4, no. 1989 9 (1989): 27.
Ibid.
Ibid., 28.
Ibid.
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About the Author
Kathy L. McFarland is President and Founder of Becker Bible Ministries, Inc. and the Becker Professional Theology Academy. She is also a Becker Bible Studies Teacher and author of Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians. She has received her Bachelor of Science degree in Religious Studies from Liberty University, is on track for the Master of Divinity (Professional Ministries Track) degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary & Graduate School in 2016 and will be seeking a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Theology and Apologetics beginning in the fall of 2016. She is the originator of the newest theological movement to encourage Christian leaders to minister within the modern-day marketplace as Professional Theologists. She is also the Curriculum Developer for Becker Professional Theology Academy and a teaching faculty member. Kathy's favorite studies to teach include the connections between Old Testament exegesis, Christian Apologetics, and Bible typology and mysteries.
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