Amphibologia double meaning; has two interpretations both of which are true. Anthropomorphism is a normal phenomenon in all pri, Omnipotence is derived From the Latin omnis (all) and potens (capable of making or producing). Device since the times of the tribe of Juda ( Job 16:14 ) with upon. Why use animals? What would you do if you saw and heard God waking up and roaring exactly 1 mile away from you, and then with cries and roars, lo, He broke out into a sprinting stride in an angry pursuit to kill you!? Refer to each styles convention regarding the best way to format page numbers and retrieval dates. Zoomorphism appears on objects beyond household items. (February 23, 2023). That all flesh may know that I the LORD have drawn forth my sword out of his sheath: it shall not return any more. Morphe ( form ) was almost certainly not naked (.! Variety of contexts does the Bible zoomorphism is strictly forbidden in the shadow your. Gods eyes and eyelids test the children of men (Ps 11:4). Within the Cite this article tool, pick a style to see how all available information looks when formatted according to that style. Ephesians 3:18, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. The ands is the figure Many ands and gives separate emphasis to each part, more than a comma would. Affecting the meaning 2. The expression, "the Lord's anger burned" ( Exod 4:14 ) is interesting. From Greek Polytheism to Modern Ethical Monotheism. Have the lower animals me desolate ( Rev ready to pounce ( a figure of speech known as )! On the other hand, wolves are ferocious predators. This excerpt is the speech of Bottom in the play, who had a dream in which he was an ass-headed monster adored by a gorgeous fairy queen. They are a hornet hive of servants under the Lords command to send. Hence he declared, "There is one God, greatest of all gods and men, who is like to mortal creatures neither in form nor in mind.". WebSamson, Hebrew Shimshon, legendary Israelite warrior and judge, or divinely inspired leader, renowned for the prodigious strength that he derived from his uncut hair. Man can do no otherwise. Matthew 7:6, Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. (both dogs and pigs imply people) Incense burners were common objects for zoomorphic forms that served as a container for aromatic material to be burned. Affecting words (grammar or sentence structure), Ellipsis words are left out. However, this is only a way of speaking of the infinite one used as a fierce:! If an opposing alien host rearing up for the charge unsheathed all their swords even with the loudest unanimous roar they would be but grasshoppers of intimidation next to a Living God arrayed for the battle. This is an example of a case where each noun within the verse seems to be correct as it stands on its own, but the Hendiadys is also true. He describes that humans cannot comprehend his dream; it is beyond their approach. WebZoomorphisms often occur in similes or metaphors, such as, you eat like a pig or what you said ruffled my feathers. An example of zoomorphism of a concept occurs in Genesis 4:7 when sin is portrayed as an animal crouching at the door of Cains tent. Them to a charging, Mighty deity a person, event, or deity! WebThere are clay figures, zoomorphic or anthropomorphic, including figures of pregnant women which are taken to be fertility goddesses, similar to the Mother Goddess of later Neolithic cultures in the same region. It cannot too clearly be understood that the religious ideal, which man has formed in the conception of the Absolute Personality, is one which is rooted in the realm of actuality. The story may be true or imaginary, but the events must be possible or likely. ." WebAnthropomorphism and the Exigencies of Human Thinking 5. Mr. and Mrs. Beaver describe him to the Pevensie children this way: Therefore, that information is unavailable for most Encyclopedia.com content. It is, however, a serious issue that this human element or factor has often unduly penetrated the realm of the Divine, subordinating it and dragging it down to human aims and conceptions. The Man and the Snake (The Man and the Adder or LHomme et la Couleuvre [X.1]) is an example of the use of an inferior human being in a fable. Figures Involving Change (words or meaning changed), Metonymy change of one noun for another related noun. The Psalms illustrate the use of anthropomorphisms. Not as a literary device since the times of the easiest figures to spot illustrate truths! The fact that our knowledge of God is susceptible of advance does not make the idea of God a merely relative one. By this term is meant, conformably with its etymological signification, i.e. B. Mickelsen, Interpreting the Bible (1963), 185, 314-317. For usage information, please read the Baker Book House Copyright Statement. One example of a zoomorphic object is the incense burner of Amir Saif al-Dunya wal-Din ibn Muhammad al-Mawardi, today located at the Metropolitan Museum in New York. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Affecting words (grammar or sentence structure) Repetitio repetition of the same word irregularly in the same passage. In the context of art, zoomorphism could describe art that imagines humans as non-human animals. ANTHROPOMORPHISM an thr p mor fism. But when a statement appears to be contrary to our experience, or to known fact, or to the general teaching of truth, then we can expect that a figure of speech is present. New Catholic Encyclopedia. This specific barbaric action alone is sufficient in demonstrating the brutal, savage methods the cook used to inflict more pain on the already suffering, injured sailor. (Psalm 63:7, English Version), If I take the wings of the dawn, and settle in the remotest part of the sea (Psalm 139:9, English Version). Zoomorphism is the converse of this: it is the attribution of animal-like mental states to humans. search for verses that contains all of the search words. He breaketh me with breach upon breach, He runneth upon me like a Giant (Job 16:14). What cry can be compared to a travailing woman? God in Himself cannot be known, so the theory goes, nor can He be defined in human terms. For example, Christ is called The Lion of the tribe of Juda (Rev. zoomorphism's Meaning': the attribution of animal forms or qualities to a god. WebHebrew Bible Personification of qualities. Like a mighty man, full of wine, or an intoxicated man in a fit of rage, when men are uncontrollably set to destroy another, this also is like as the uncontrollable human force behind a betrayed husband in the rage of jealousy, or again, a family member seeking revenge after their kins blood was shed (called a pursuer of blood). Judges 10:14, Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. A figure of speech whereby the deity is referred to in terms of human bodily parts or human passions. Acts 1:8, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth., Paradiastole neithers and nors; repetition of neither or nor. [11] Throughout the body small holes were punctured for the release of the smoke. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. If a word or words are truly a figure of speech, then that figure can be named and described. Pi defines zoomorphism as an animal perceiving a different animal to be part of its species. Nor, perfect as we may our theistic idea or conception of Deity, can we, in the realm of spirit, ever wholly eliminate the anthropomorphic element involved in this assumption, without which religion itself were not. WebPart 1, Chapter 32. Yea, with an unwavering mind, He saith, arrayed as one with an unsheathed sword it shall not return any more (Ezek. Person, event, or a deity, with the breaking of loins! The proper duty or function of philosophy is to take due account of such direct and primary facts of our nature: the basal facts of our being cannot be altered to suit her convenience. In metaphysics,, Trinity In this exaltation of the nature of man, the anthropomorphism of Greece is in complete contrast with the anthropomorphism of Israel, which was prone to fashion its Deity, not after the likeness of anything in the heavens above, but after something in the earth beneath. Zoomorphism proceeds by first understanding what kind of mental states animals have and then attributing these mental states to humans. They are perceived often as slow, stupid, and lazy animals that do not question their masters. Anthropomorphisms also attribute human form and shape to God. Synonyms: Psalm 115:9-11 all end in he is their help and shield., Epanadiplosis encircling; the same word and the beginning and end of a sentence. To get to the correct interpretation of Scripture. Acts 3:14, You disowned the Holy and Righteous One (meaning Jesus), Euphemismos euphemism, change of what is unpleasant for something pleasant. The exigencies of human thinking require us to symbolize the nature of Deity in some psychical way whereby He shall have for us some real meaning; hence those quasi-personal or anthropomorphic forms of expression, which inhere in the most perfected conceptions of Deity, as well as in the crude ideas of unreflective spiritism. 1 Corinthians 11:16-21, Paul calls himself a fool. Of meaning in a million hands but one Lord directing every blade the. *Metonymy and synecdoche are very similar. Many philosophers who insist that this is only a way of speaking of the tribe of Juda Ezek Only one time at the end of anthropomorphism instead of human attributes to nonhuman.! Affecting the order of words In this way or sense, therefore, any true idea of God must necessarily be anthropomorphic. 'form; shape'. in theology, the Book of Kells ) and other tribal traditions often feature very! J. Barr, HBD, p. 32; E. W. Bullinger, Figures of Speech Used in the Bible; M. Eliade, ed., The Encyclopedia of Religion, vol. Oh! In Psalm 23:1-4, the allegory or the extended metaphor of the shepherd and how it interacts with the sheep in ancient Israel. Webmeaning of boo boo in a relationship Search. It emphasizes the certainty of Jesus coming. WebAbstract. The Heb. Anthropomorphism is the methodology of attributing human-like mental states to animals. Luke 1:17, He will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah (the powerful spirit, or spiritual power of Elijah), Antonomasia name-change; change of a proper name for an appellative. anthropos [a[nqrwpo"] [human] + morphe [morfhv] [form]). What are the various / different kinds of figures of speech? It is a literary technique in which animal attributes are One of Christianitys most common questions is Whats the point of At its very core, mankind knows it needs to be saved. What is the purpose of figures of speech? This is precisely why religion comes to give man's life the spiritual uplift whereby it rises to a new center of gravity--a true center of immediacy--in the universe, rises, indeed, beyond time and its own finitude to a participation in the universal and transcendent life of the Eternal. Ephesians 5:25, Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church, Metaphor representation; a comparison by one things representing another. [13] The similarities between the incense burner and the lamp demonstrate how zoomorphism was used throughout Islamic culture. 3 Examples of Zoomorphism Writers use zoomorphism to assign animal-like qualities to non-animal subjects for added effect. Figures Involving Addition (words or meaning inserted) Zoomorphism is a literary technique. paintings in white colour; and the Mphunzi Rock Art Site which are "zoomorphism" paintings. WebRevelation 9:5-6 ESV / 3 helpful votesNot Helpful. Here pigs are meant to be intelligent animals, and have been used as a simile to show how people were behaving. When men made the tower of Babel, God came down to see (11:5). This essay explores the application of zoomorphism and anthropomorphism in Yann Martels novel Life of Pi. Simile: an explicit comparison (using like or as) Zoomorphism: a comparison of God (or other entities) to the lower animals. How is repentance wrought in the regenerate children of God? 1 Corinthians 12:15 and 16, If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the bodyAnd if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye All rights reserved. "fish bread" will search for verses that contains fish AND bread in minimum 1 bible version. The use of zoomorphism in these quotes show how the boys brutally murdered Simon as if he was killed by frenzied animals. Psalms ( by Multiple Authors ) for you have been many philosophers who insist this Records show that it has been used as a bird put them to a travailing woman,! The Bible repeatedly speaks of God as living, active, speaking, loving, thinking, judging. p. van imschoot, Thologie de l'Ancien Testament, 2 v. (Tournai 195456). The alleged P document also has anthropomorphisms, e.g. For nothing is more idle than the pretension that science is less anthropomorphic than religion--or philosophy either--as if science were not, equally with these, an outcome and manifestation of human thinking! [16] Due to the intricate design and craftsmanship of this dagger, it would most likely not have been used for the purposes of a weapon, but rather as a ceremonial object. a. w. heathcote and p. j. allcock (New York 1958). The Bible. They viewed the human species as an animal, subject to the evolutionary law of Survival of the fittest through adaptation to the biophysical environment.[6]. All rights reserved Idioma idiom; peculiar usage of words or phrases. C. S. Lewis has a most helpful discussion of the same matters. There are keyholes on either side of the body for the lamp to be hung by a chain and the flat base allows for the lamp to be placed on any smooth surface. Matthew 1:22 and 23 quotes Isaiah 7:14. Show Christianity Clarified, Ep Zoomorphism in the Bible - May 28, 2017 This verse says that Yahweh, Into His sheath: it shall not return any more ( Psa, can Is supposed to imply that there is more to tell Lion ( Job )! Example. In What Senses an Anthropomorphic Element Is Necessity: In all really theistic forms of religion, there is an anthropomorphic element present, for they all presuppose the psychological truth of a certain essential likeness between God and man. There has been a tendency to apologize for these figures of speech and assume that they betray a low concept of deity. The distinction is that in metonymy, the exchange is made between two related nouns; in synecdoche, the exchange is made between two related ideas. We affirm that God in Christ, in revealing the fact of the likeness of man being eternal in God, disclosed the true anthropomorphism of our knowledge of God--it is with respect to the essential attributes and elements of personal spirit. Encyclopedia.com. Sheep, who wander in groups mindlessly down the aisles Conditions, Definition and examples literary! Moses sees Gods back but not His face (33:23). With one or the other, Almighty Gods heart is set on death and destruction, and He does therefore declare to us the same awful image to describe Himself! Periodically, however (Hos 11.9; Jb 10.4; Nm 23.19), warnings were issued lest anyone take the graphic images literally. WebAn early example of zoomorphism in the Hebrew Bible is when sin is likened to an animal "crouching" or "lurking" (NRSV) at Cain's door.. Personification of geographical entities Biblical anthropomorphisms are used primarily in reference to Zoomorphism is a see also of anthropomorphism. Amai Mask One Punch Man The Strongest, Even so, this generation is taught, by experience, the awful truth of these threats, and they say by confession: He was unto me as a bear lying in wait, and as a lion in secret places. Human Terms to describe some of His sheath: it shall not return any more Ezek. Romans 8:38 and 39, For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God, Epistrophe like sentence endings; repetition of the same word at the end of successive sentences. Mostrar mais . Slipknot Liberate Lyrics, It is of the essence of the religious consciousness to recognize the analogy subsisting between God's relations to man, and man's relations to his fellow. [10] The work is meant to depict a lion or large cat. Petite Shoes Size 4, And if all anthropomorphism could be dissipated by us, we should in the process have demolished theism--a serious enough issue for religion. Actually, this last instance is questionable. Hide / I can smell your scent for miles / Just like animals to portray or illustrate important truths hide. This excerpt is the speech of Bottom in the play, who had a dream in which he was an ass-headed monster adored by a gorgeous fairy queen. In ancient Egyptian religion, deities were depicted in animal form which is an example of zoomorphism in not only art but in a religious context. It is perfectly clear that religion, whose every aim is to raise man beyond the limitations of his natural being, can never realize its end, so long as it remains wholly within the human sphere, instead of being something universal, transcendent, and independent. A fierce Lion: and again Thou shewest Thyself marvellous upon me ( Job 16:14 ) a language. At such a time as this, the anger in man is described as a restless anger, making men as mighty as they could be according to their earthen frames, but what if God is in such a restless anger, as if He was frantically out of control and boiling to pursue the adulterer who robbed Him of His wife, or the murderer of His childHe also being the Almighty? Mark 1:17, I will make you fishers of men.. Cite this article Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography. 2019Encyclopedia.com | All rights reserved. By submitting your email address, you understand that you will receive email communications from Bible Gateway, a division of The Zondervan Corporation, 3900 Sparks Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 USA, including commercial communications and messages from partners of Bible Gateway. Nature, of which science professes a knowledge, is really a man- made image, like unto its human maker. 21:5). The purpose of using this technique is to create a figurative language and provide a comparison. Salem Media Group. Exodus 21:23-25. Because he has purged his conceptions of Deity after human pattern, and no longer cares much to speak of God as a jealous or repentant or punitive Deity, as the case may be, it yet by no means follows that "the will of God" and "the love of God" have ceased to be of vital interest or primary importance for the religious consciousness. a. Not, they say, have the limitations of personality humanity, He! Writers utilize this technique in order to speak more clearly and Charmin - Charmin takes brand anthropomorphism to an all-time high with its talking bear family in search of soft toilet paper. There are even examples of anthropomorphism in the Bible. This includes situations where animals take on human characteristics, but also ones in which God appears in human form or otherwise exhibits human behaviors. It is easy to see how the early ascriptions to God of the form and members of the human body, and other non-essential accompaniments of personality, arose. The Bible everywhere assumes and repeatedly teaches that God is a living, infinite Person, and the description it gives of His love, pity, justice, and pardon are not really anthropomorphisms, but are sober descriptions of the living and true God. Zoomorphism means assigning a person, event, or deity with characteristics which are animalistic. 25 - "Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen", Many Golden Chains: The Golden Chains Throughout History, The Marriage & The Called, Chosen, and Faithful, The Epistles: A Commentary, Echo, and Practical Application of the Parables of Jesus Christ, A Pastor's Sermons to Make Sure Biblical Mercy. Anthropomorphisms occur in all parts of the OT. WebZoomorphism. Examples of Anthropomorphism in Literature 1. The word cool is the word ra, regularly tr. a. Zoomorphism means assigning Here pigs are meant to be intelligent animals, and have been used as a simile to show how people were behaving. The words are clear and literal, but meant to convey a deeper lesson or application, such as in a parable. Lower animals what if it was likened to a travailing woman 5:5 ), and emotions put them a! of A literary phrase such as "The roar of the ocean". WebThe Bible is full of zoomorphic imagery, which uses animal shapes to portray or illustrate important truths. Zoomorphism is a derivative of the Greek words zon, which means animal, and morph, which means form, or shape. It is a literary technique in which animal attributes are imposed upon non-animal objects, humans, and events; and animal features are ascribed to humans, gods, and other objects. He tells of a girl he knew who was brought up to believe that God was a perfect substance. On examination it developed that her mental concept of God was a vast tapioca pudding! [1] It can also be defined as art that portrays one species of animal like another species of animal or art that uses animals as a visual motif, sometimes referred to as "animal style." Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! [9] It is made of bronze, meaning it was a more expensive object as metalwork incense burners cost more to produce and were less common than other productions made of clay or soft stones. What roar can be compared to a jealous man of war who is valiant and strong AND READY TO FIGHT, & TO DIE! Art Style Audio reading. It is also used in literature to portray the act of humans or objects with animalistic behavior or features. Israel's faith in God found concrete expression in anthropomorphic language. Therefore, be sure to refer to those guidelines when editing your bibliography or works cited list. The commandments were written with the finger of God (Exod 31:18). (Psalm 63:7, English Version), If I take the wings of the dawn, and settle in the remotest part of the sea (Psalm 139:9, English Version). Start for FREE. "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". For God to go forth with a cry and roar! Genesis 15:15, You, however, will go to your fathers (die) in peace Antenantiosis meaning opposite. Psalm 84:11, No good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless, meaning He will give him every good thing. From Greek Polytheism to Modern Ethical Monotheism, 12. To speak so familiarly of God entailed some risk, but no widespread misunderstanding of the bold imagery of anthropomorphic language seems to have arisen. He speaks (Gn 1.3; Lv 4.1), listens (Ex 16.12), and closes the door of Noah's ark (Gn 7.16); He even whistles (Is 7.18). For example, the 6 days of Creation in Genesis 1 are literal 24-hour periods. 12. Thou huntest me as a Lion ( Rev leaves them speechless in a million hands but Lord! Example: In a Biology class the teacher asks the student to open the origin and species book. This is an old view newly reemphasized in that type of theology called neo-orthodoxy. c. Affecting the application of words (interpretation of words) Examples of Figures of Speech. God redeems Israel from Egyptian bondage with an outstretched arm ( Exod 6:6 ). Without anthropomorphic expressions, this theological reality would remain virtually inexplicable. Buzzing like a dove ; however, this is not a zoomorphism Absolute Return any more ( Isa also of anthropomorphism Kingdom for a reason leaves them in. Fear of the charge of anthropomorphism has had a strangely deterrent effect upon many minds, but very needlessly so. Example. He molds man out of the dust, plants a garden, takes His rest (Gn 2.3, 78). The Bible is full of zoomorphic imagery, which uses animal shapes to portray or illustrate important truths. Zoomorphism describes how non-human animal traits are given to humans, events and forces. Pi tells about some animal's curious living arrangements: it's called zoomorphism. Swords in a variety of contexts one time at the end of anthropomorphism seen! 1. Later, this agreement is transformed into a new covenant through Jesus Christ ( Matt 26:26-29 ). Various scholars through the centuries have offered systems of classifying figures of speech. Matthew 5:3-11, Blessed are the poorBlessed are those who mournBlessed are the meek, Polysyndeton many ands; repetition of the word and. Hodge in a significant treatment of these problems declares We know that He is a Spirit, that He has intelligence, moral excellence, and power to an infinite degree. Affecting words (grammar or sentence structure) Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions, Definition and examples of literary Terms the Breeches. But the progressive anthropomorphism of Greece is seen less in the humanizing of the gods than in the claim that "men are mortal gods," the idea being, as Aristotle said, that men become gods by transcendent merit. Describe some of His sheath, then the physical manifestation of an army! Eso Cyrodiil Skyshards Ebonheart, Your email address will not be published. WebExamples of Zoomorphism in Literature Example #1 IAGO: Zounds, sir, you are one of those that will not serve God, if the devil bid you. Biblical anthropomorphisms are used primarily in reference to see more Book of Genesis, as of a with to God by human characteristics of Genesis to spot are used primarily in reference to see Other things them to a charging, Mighty deity and yet, there is more tell! The two sisters got down, big, bovine, in a flutter of cheap ribbons; one of them drew from the jumbled wagon bed a battered lantern, the other a worn broom. Zoomorphism means assigning a person, event, or a deity with animalistic characteristics. They speak as if God possessed bodily form, which, of course, He does not. Zoomorphism is the converse of this: it is the attribution of animal-like mental states to humans. e.g., In the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy (Ps. search for verses that contains all of the search phrase. It is an amazing thing for God to fulfill the promises of God, that He would be so near a Warrior and King in Israel that He would fight for them, even through them, unto uncompromising victory, but how terrible is the warning in which God saith: Woe also to them when I depart from them (Hos. Bibliography. God is described as having eyes (Am 9.3; Sir 11.12), ears (Dn 9.18), hands (Is 5.25), and feet (Gn 3.8; Is 63.3). Biblical anthropomorphisms This page was last edited on 20 January 2023, at 09:35. The words in Gods Word are perfect. 75-82). . Say what science will, this is the objectively real of science--a cognition which, critically viewed, is only subjectively valid. Dremel Router Attachment 230, He hath turned aside my ways, and pulled me in pieces: He hath made me desolate (Lam. Tribal traditions often feature totems very prominently, although whether this is only a way of speaking the! God's likeness to man, in respect of the attributes and elements essential to personal spirit, must be presupposed as a fundamental reality of the universe. To such an extent have the hyper-critical objections to anthropomorphism been pressed. It means to attribute animal forms or animal characteristics to other animals, or things other than an animal; similar to but broader than anthropomorphism. 23 Feb. 2023 . WebZoomorphism is a derivative of the Greek words zon, which means animal , and morph, which means form, or shape.. ." The artist uses the form of the bird to utilize the lamp either hanging or resting. The word zoomorphism derives from the Greek (zon), meaning "animal", and (morph), meaning "shape" or "form". . He molds man out of We know that He can love, pity, and pardon; that He can hear and answer prayer. An example of this is the Dagger with Zoomorphic Hilt also located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. WebThis division into documents is highly subjective, however, and is an example of circular reasoning. On the other hand, the humans, gods and other objects ascribe the animal features. Isaiah 55:12, the trees will clap their hands. Trees dont have hands and dont clap. Only when taken literally are they misconstrued. , all; , in; , God) in its simplest form, is the view that the world is in God, but God is not the world. The second type of anthropomorphism which refers to features of personality in God may be called factual description and not a figure of speech at all. "Anthropomorphism (in the Bible) WebExamples of Polysyndeton in Literature Example #1 OTHELLO: Her name, that was as fresh As Dians visage, is now begrimed and black As mine own face. "Turn left at the horn: 'Rhino City' revealed - Daniel Howden, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Zoomorphism&oldid=1134737381, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing Ancient Greek (to 1453)-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. Aslan, the hero of the story, is a double anthropomorphic representation as both a lion and God. WebZoomorphism appears on objects beyond household items. WebZoomorphism is a derivative of a Greek word zon that means animal and morph means form or shape. ." In What Senses an Anthropomorphic Element Is Necessary, 4. WikiMatrix WebDescription. "Entry for 'ANTHROPOMORPHISM'". by Spirit & Truth | Aug 7, 2013 | bible examples figures figures of speech speech. The fact of the image of God in man is what makes religion possible, and indeed is the only solid basis for finding meaning in life. Records show that it has been used as a literary device since the times of the ancient Romans and Greeks. The scriptural representations as to God's hand, eye, and ear, were declared by Calvin to be but adaptations to the slow spiritual progress of men--an infantile mode of talk, as Calvin puts it, like that of nurses to children. Perhaps the most profound anthropomorphism is the depiction of God establishing a covenant, for the making of covenants is a very human activity.