Ampliatio; or, Adjournment: i.e., an Old Name for a New Thing
Ampliatio; or, Adjournment: i.e., an Old Name for a New Thing
A retaining of an old Name after the reason for it is passed away
Am-pli-a-ti-o is a figure discovered and named by the Latins. It is from am-pli-o, to fill out, extend; hence, its more special and technical sense, to adjourn: i.e., to extend the time. So that Ampliatio means an adjournment: and the name is given to this figure, because a name or epithet is used of a subject either (1) before it has acquired the reason for giving the name, or (2) after the reason has ceased.
In the latter case the wolf is still spoken of as the wolf in Millennial days, when its wolfs nature has been changed (Isa 11:6): and in the former the Saviour is so called by the angels while still an infant (Luk 2:11). This use of the figure is of the nature of Prolepsis (q.v. [Note: Which see.] ).
Ampliatio thus differs from Amplificatio (q.v. [Note: Which see.] ), though the two words are from the same root. The former has reference to a change which has taken place; while in Amplificatio the sense of a word or expression is made wider and expanded by a repetition of the words in another form, in order to enlarge a narrative, and to heighten or intensify what has already been said.
Ampliatio is thus a form of Epitheton (q.v. [Note: Which see.] ). The original meaning of the figure is what is called permansive: i.e., the name lives through the change which has taken place, and is still used, though in a new sense.
There is a form of Prolepsis which is distinguished from Ampliatio, (as opposed to Occupatio), but only as to time. It is a statement of future things as though present, the real interpretation of them being adjourned.
See under Prolepsis 4 and 6 of the last subdivision of Figures involving Change.
Gen 2:23.-This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh.
Though the bone and flesh of Adam were changed and made into Eve, yet the name of the original source, bone, etc., is retained.
Exo 7:12.-The rod of Aaron, when changed into a serpent, is still called a rod by way of Ampliatio.
1Sa 30:5. 2Sa 3:3.-Abigail is still called, by way of Ampliatio, the wife of Nabal the Carmelite, though Nabal was dead, and she was the wife of David. Compare Mat 1:6.
Isa 11:6.-The term wolf is used, by Ampliatio, of the animal in Millennial days, though his nature will have then been so changed that he shall dwell with the lamb, which formerly he devoured, and be no more really a wolf.
Amo 6:8.-I abhor the excellency of Jacob: i.e., that which was once so called, but was no longer worthy of the name, if this were the Temple, it is so called by Ampliatio.
Mat 10:3.-Matthew the Publican is still so called, though he had ceased to be a publicanus, or tax-farmer: i.e., Matthew, Who had formerly been a publican.
See Epitheton.
Mat 11:5.-The blind are said to see, and the lame to walk after they are restored. Thus, by the figure Ampliatio, the Epithet still clings to them.
Mat 26:6.-Simon the leper is so called after he was healed. The Epithet still clings to him.
Luk 2:11.-Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour. He is so called proleptically, by way of Ampliatio. His saving work, which gives Him this title, had then yet to be accomplished.
Joh 9:17.-The Epithet blind man is still used of the man after his sight was restored. Compare verses 13 and 24.
Joh 10:16.-Other sheep I have. They are so called, though they were not yet in existence, except in the purpose of the Father.
Rom 4:5.-The ungodly is so called after he is justified. The Epithet is still used by way of Ampliatio.
1Co 15:5.-The twelve are so-called after Judass death, by way of Ampliatio, because they were formerly twelve: although there were only eleven after, until Matthias was appointed.
So Act 1:21-22.
2Co 4:3.-The perishing are those who shall hereafter be destroyed, and who were then or are now on their way to destruction.
Heb 11:31 and Jam 2:25.-Rahab is still called the harlot. The term remains as an Epithet. But see under Catachresis.