Anthropopatheia; or, Condescension
Anthropopatheia; or, Condescension
The Ascribing of Human Attributes, etc., to God.
An-thrp-o-path-ei-a. Greek, , from (anthropos), man, and (pathos), affections and feelings, etc. (from , paschein), to suffer).
This figure is used of the ascription of human passions, actions, or attributes to God.
The Hebrews had a name for this figure, and called it (Derech Benai Adam), the way of the sons of man.
The Greeks had another name for it: SYNCATABASIS (Syn-cat-ab-a-sis), from (syn), together with, (kata), down, and (bainein), to go: a going down together with: i.e., God, by using this figure, condescends to the ignorance and infirmity of man.
Hence, the Latin name for it was CONDESCENSIO, condescension.
The following are the divisions in which the various uses of this figure may be presented:-
I.Human and Rational Beings.
1.Parts and Members of Man.
2.The Feelings of Men.
3.The Actions of Men.
4.Circumstances:
a.Negative.
b.Positive.
c.Of Place.
d.Of Time.
e.Of Person.
II.Irrational Creatures.
1.Animals.
2.The Actions of certain Animals.
3.Parts or Members of certain Animals.
4.Plants:
a.Of Genus.
b.Of Species.
III.Inanimate Things.
1.Universals.
2.Particulars.
3.The Elements.
4.The Earth.
I. Human and Rational Beings
1. Parts and Members of Man; or, of the Human Body
A Soul is attributed to God
in condescension, so that we may understand His essence and will: i.e., God Himself.
Lev 26:11.-And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you: i.e., I myself (see under Idiom and Synecdoche).
So Psa 11:5. Isa 1:14; Isa 42:1. Jer 5:9; Jer 5:29; Jer 15:1 (rendered mind). Mat 12:18. Heb 10:38.
Hence the expression to swear by ones soul, Jer 51:14. (See A.V. [Note: The Authorized Version, or current Text of our English Bible, 1611.] marg. [Note: arg. Margin.] ) Amo 6:8, where it is rendered, by himself.
Lam 3:20.-And thy soul will condescend to me.
This was the primitive text, and we find here one of the eighteen emendations of the Sopherim, who altered it to, My soul is humbled in me. (See Appendix E).
Jerusalem, personified, speaks, and says (verses 19, 20) addressing God:
Remember my misery and my forlorn state,
The wormwood and the gall.
Yea, verily, Thou wilt remember,
And Thy soul will mourn over me.
This I recall to my heart,
Therefore I have hope.
A Body is used of Christ.
Col 2:17.-Which are a shadow of things to come: but the body of Christ is the substance: i.e., Christ Himself, either personally (verse 9) or mystically.* [Note: See The Mystery, by the same author and publisher.]
See under Ellipsis, and compare 1Ti 3:16. Eph 1:22-23; Eph 4:12; Eph 4:15-16.
The Head is spoken of Christ.
1Co 11:3.-The head of Christ is God. This is in respect to His human nature, and is spoken of Christ as man. Joh 14:28. Rom 8:29.
So Christ is said to be head of the Body: i.e., the Mystical Body. Eph 1:22; Eph 4:15. Col 1:18. See 1Co 12:1-31. Hence (anakephalaisasthai), to reduce to one head, or to head up in Eph 1:10.
The Face, to signify presence.
It is used of the Divine presence in happiness and of Divine favour. Psa 16:11 : In thy face (i.e., presence) is fulness of joy. So Psa 17:15.
Exo 33:20; Exo 33:23.-Compare 1Co 13:12. Jon 1:3. Psa 51:11 (13).
Psa 31:20 (21).-Thou wilt hide therein the secret of thy face: i.e., of thy presence, in Divine grace and favour.
Psa 17:2.-Let my sentence come forth from thy face: i.e., Thy presence or Thyself, in righteousness and truth.
Psa 89:15 (16).-They will walk, O Lord, in the light of thy face: i.e., in the light of Thy presence, enjoying Thy favour and blessing.
1Ch 29:12.-Riches and honour come from thy face: A.V. [Note: The Authorized Version, or current Text of our English Bible, 1611.] , of Thee: i.e., from Thy grace and favour.
So Num 6:25-26. Psa 4:6 (7); 31:16 (17); 80:3, 7, 19 (4, 8, 20). Dan 9:17.
Mat 18:10.-Their angels do always behold the face of my Father: i.e., enjoy or stand in His presence, which is explained by 2Ki 25:19. Est 1:14.
Hence the hiding of Gods face meant the withholding of His grace and favour.
Psa 13:1 (2): 27:9; 30:7 (8). Eze 39:24.
It is used of the Divine presence in anger and judgment.
Psa 9:3 (4).-They shall fall and perish from thy face (i.e., at Thy presence manifested in judgment).
Psa 21:9 (10).-Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of Thy face (i.e., Thy presence in judgment).
The A.V. [Note: The Authorized Version, or current Text of our English Bible, 1611.] actually renders this anger: but not in
Psa 34:16.-The face of the Lord is against them that do evil (i.e., the anger of the Lord, as in 21:9 and Lam 4:16. See A.V. [Note: The Authorized Version, or current Text of our English Bible, 1611.] marg. [Note: arg. Margin.] )
2Th 1:9.-The face of the Lord. Here, it is rendered presence. See under Ellipsis. So 1Pe 3:12.
It is used of Jehovah Himself, for emphasis.
Exo 33:14-15, as is explained in verse 16, and Isa 63:9. Exo 23:20, etc., where doubtless Christ is meant by the angel.
So Exo 23:15 : None shall appear before my face (i.e., Me) empty.
Lev 17:10.-I will set my face (i.e., myself) against that soul. So Jer 21:10.
Hence the shewbread was called the bread of the presence (lit., the bread of the faces), because it was in the holy place in the manifested presence of God.
Exo 25:30.-Thou shalt set upon the table the bread of the faces (, pahneem) before me (, lphahnai) alway. Observe the Paronomasia (q.v. [Note: Which see.] ).
Psa 27:8.-Seek ye my face: i.e., seek me.
Psa 100:2.-Come before his face (i.e., before Him) with singing.
Psa 105:4.-Seek his face (i.e., Himself) evermore. So 2Sa 21:1 : And David enquired of the Lord: lit., sought the face of the Lord. (See A.V. [Note: The Authorized Version, or current Text of our English Bible, 1611.] marg. [Note: arg. Margin.] )
Psa 139:7.-Whither shall I flee from thy face? (A.V. [Note: The Authorized Version, or current Text of our English Bible, 1611.] , presence): i.e., from Thee.
2Ch 7:14.
Hence Face to face means great intimacy. Deu 5:4; Deu 34:10. Num 12:6-7, etc., which is explained by Exo 20:18-21. In Num 12:8 we have mouth to mouth for the first time. See below.
Eyes are attributed to God.
2Sa 16:22.-The Lord will behold with his eye. This was the primitive text; and is one of the eighteen passages altered by the Sopherim (see Appendix E) to mine eye, which has been taken (by Metonymy) to stand for tears or affliction.
Zec 2:8 (12).-He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of my eye. So the primitive Hebrew text read, but was altered by the Sopherim to his eye. See Appendix E.
Eyes are used of Gods observation.
Psa 11:4.-His eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men: i.e., the Lord observeth and noteth and understandeth the acts and ways of men. See Job 34:21 : His eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings. So Isa 1:16. Heb 4:13.
Hos 13:14.-Repentance shall be hid from mine eyes: i.e., I will not repent. So Rom 11:29.
Hence the phrase to hide from ones eyes means not to look upon or regard. See Isa 65:16. Amo 9:3.
Eyes are used of Gods grace and favour.
Deu 11:12.-The eyes of the Jehovah thy God, are always upon it: i.e., regarding the Land with Divine benevolence. So 1Ki 9:3. 2Ch 16:9.
Psa 32:8.-A.V. [Note: The Authorized Version, or current Text of our English Bible, 1611.] : I will guide thee with mine eye. R.V. [Note: The Revised Version, 1881.] : I will counsel thee with mine eye upon thee. Lit., I cause mine eye to take counsel concerning thee: i.e., I will cause My Spirit to graciously to inform thee and lead thee in the right way. (See A.V. [Note: The Authorized Version, or current Text of our English Bible, 1611.] marg. [Note: arg. Margin.] )
So 1Pe 3:12. See above.
Hence the phrases, Mine eye spared them (Eze 20:17): i.e., I was propitious toward them, and showed them My favour. So Eze 5:11; Eze 7:4.
I am cut off from before thine eyes (Psa 31:22): i.e., I have lost Thy favour.
To keep as the apple of the eye (Deu 32:10).
Ears are attributed to God.
Psa 10:17.-Thou wilt cause thine ear to hear.
Psa 31:2 (3).-Bow down thine ear to me.
Psa 40:6 (7).-Mine ears hast thou opened or bored: i.e., Christ says, A servant for ever hast thou made me. See margin, and compare Exo 21:6 and Deu 15:17; and see under Metonymy.
Psa 55:1 (2).-Give ear to my prayer, O God.
Psa 71:2.-Incline thine ear unto me and save me.
Psa 130:2.-Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.
Eze 8:18.-Though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them.
Jam 5:4.-The cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
See also Isa 50:4-5, where Messiah speaks.
Nostrils are attributed to God.
Exo 15:8.-With the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together.
Job 4:9.-By the breath of his nostrils are they consumed.
The A.V. [Note: The Authorized Version, or current Text of our English Bible, 1611.] margin says That is, by his anger, as Isa 30:33. See Exo 15:8.
Deu 33:10.-They shall put (or let them put) incense to thy nose. A.V. [Note: The Authorized Version, or current Text of our English Bible, 1611.] and R.V. [Note: The Revised Version, 1881.] , before thee. (But see A.V. [Note: The Authorized Version, or current Text of our English Bible, 1611.] marg. [Note: arg. Margin.] )
Psa 18:15.-At the blast of the breath of thy nostril.
Eze 8:17.-Lo, they put the branch (the Asherah) to my nose. So the Heb. Text originally read, but was altered by the Sopherim, to their nose. See Appendix E.
A Mouth and Lips and a Tongue are attributed to God, in connection with His will, His word, His commands, etc.
Num 12:8.-With him (Moses) will I speak mouth to mouth: i.e., familiarly, and with really audible words.
Deu 8:3.-By every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of Jehovah doth man live. So Mat 4:4.
Jos 9:14.-And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord.
Job 11:5.-Oh that God would speak and open his lips against thee.
Isa 11:4.-He shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
This is quoted of Christ in 2Th 2:8.
Isa 30:27.-His lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire.
Isa 55:11.-So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth.
A Voice is attributed to God.
Isa 30:30.-Jehovah shall cause the glory of His voice to be heard: i.e., as in A.V. [Note: The Authorized Version, or current Text of our English Bible, 1611.] and R.V. [Note: The Revised Version, 1881.] , his glorious voice, thus interpreting and rendering the Hypallage (q.v. [Note: Which see.] ). See Psa 29:1-11
Arms are attributed to God, to indicate His strength and power, which in men lies so largely in the arms.
Exo 15:16. Job 40:9.-Hast thou an arm like God?
Psa 77:15 (16).-Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people. (So Exo 6:6. Deu 9:29. Psa 136:12).
Psa 79:11.-According to the greatness of thine arm. Here, the A.V. [Note: The Authorized Version, or current Text of our English Bible, 1611.] and R.V. [Note: The Revised Version, 1881.] both actually render it thy power (marg. [Note: arg. Margin.] thine arm).
Psa 89:10 (11).-Thou hast scattered thine enemies with the arm of thy strength. So R.V. [Note: The Revised Version, 1881.] But A.V. [Note: The Authorized Version, or current Text of our English Bible, 1611.] , with thy strong arm (see margin).
Isa 51:9.-Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord. See also under Epizeuxis.
Isa 59:16.-Therefore his arm brought salvation. So Isa 63:5.
Isa 62:8.-Jehovah hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength: i.e., by His strong arm, or, His strength.
Luk 1:51.-He hath shewed strength with his arm.
Psa 89:13 (14).-Thou hast an arm with might (see A.V. [Note: The Authorized Version, or current Text of our English Bible, 1611.] and R.V. [Note: The Revised Version, 1881.] margin).
Here A.V. [Note: The Authorized Version, or current Text of our English Bible, 1611.] and R.V. [Note: The Revised Version, 1881.] both render it a mighty arm.
Isa 30:30.-Jehovah shall shew the lighting down of his arm. Here His voice is used of thunder, and His arm denotes His lightning.
The Arm of the Lord not only denotes power, but power executed in judgment.
See Psa 136:12.
The Arm of the Lord is also used of the making known of His grace in wondrous power.
Isa 52:10.-Jehovah hath made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations. Verses 7, 8 clearly show that this was His power manifested in grace to Israel.
Isa 53:1.-Who hath believed our report (see Metonymy of Adjunct)? and to whom is the arm of Jehovah revealed?
Compare Joh 12:38 and Rom 1:16.
A Hand is attributed to God, by which various powers and actions are indicated Power and Miraculous Operation.
Num 11:23.-Is Jehovahs hand waxed short? i.e., has His power got less? So Isa 59:1.
Job 10:8.-Thine hands have made me and fashioned me.
Job 12:9.-The hand of Jehovah hath wrought this.
Job 12:10.-In whose hand is the life of every living thing.
Psa 8:6 (7).-Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands.
Psa 95:5.-His hands formed the dry land.
Isa 11:11.-The Lord (Adonai) shall set His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His People.
Purpose.
Act 4:28.-To do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
Protection, gracious deliverance, and security.
Psa 31:5 (6).-Into thine hand I commit my spirit.
Psa 144:7.-Send thine hand from above: rid me, and deliver me out of great waters. See under Heterosis.
Joh 10:28.-Neither shall any pluck them out of my hand.
Joh 10:29.-None can pluck them out of my Fathers hand.
Act 4:30.-By stretching forth thine hand to heal.
Providence.
Psa 104:28.-Thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.
Psa 145:16.-Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
Prospering.
Neh 2:8.-The king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.
Neh 2:18.-Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me.
So Ezr 7:6; Ezr 7:9; Ezr 7:28; Ezr 8:18.
Preservation.
Joh 10:28.-Neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. And verse 29: No man is able to pluck them out of my Fathers hand.
Punishment.
Exo 9:3.-Behold the hand of the Lord is upon thy cattle, etc.
Job 19:21.-The hand of God (Eloah) hath touched me. (See under Tapeinosis).
Psa 21:8 (9).-Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies, etc.
Psa 17:14.-From men which are thy hand, O Jehovah (marg. [Note: arg. Margin.] , from men by thine hand. Compare R.V. [Note: The Revised Version, 1881.] ): i.e., from the men who are instruments in Thy hand, O Jehovah.
Psa 38:2 (3).-Thy hand presseth me sore.
Act 13:11.-And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee.
Eze 39:21.-All the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them.
So Job (23:2) uses the word hand, by Metonymy, for his punishment. My hand (i.e., punishment) is heavier than my groaning. (See A.V. [Note: The Authorized Version, or current Text of our English Bible, 1611.] marg. [Note: arg. Margin.] ).
See 27:11. Hence the
Idiomatic Expressions.
To stretch forth the hand: i.e., to send judgments upon. Exo 7:5. Psa 138:7. Isa 5:25; Isa 9:12; Isa 9:17; Isa 9:21; Isa 10:4; Isa 14:27; Isa 31:3. Jer 6:12. Eze 16:27; Eze 25:7. Zep 1:4; Zep 2:13.
To put forth the hand: i.e., to inflict punishment. Job 1:11; Job 2:5.
To shake the hand. Isa 19:16.
To make the hand heavy: i.e., to make the chastisement severe. Psa 32:4.
To make the hand light: i.e., to reduce the chastisement. 1Sa 6:5.
To withdraw the hand: i.e., to take away the punishment. Eze 20:22.
To turn the hand upon: i.e., to repeat the punishment. Isa 1:25.
Jehovah asks why this should be in verse 5.
To lift up or spread out the hand: i.e., to call for the receiving of mercy, or invite to receive. Pro 1:24. Isa 49:22; Isa 65:2.
To open the hand: i.e., to bestow or give bountifully. See Psa 104:28; Psa 145:16 above.
To clap or smite the hands together: i.e., to express derision or disdainful anger Eze 21:17; Eze 22:13.
To lift up the hand: i.e., to swear solemnly.
Exo 6:8 (margin). Deu 32:40. Eze 20:5-6; Eze 36:7, etc. (See also Gen 14:22). This explains the difficult verse Exo 17:16. See the Text and margins of A.V. [Note: The Authorized Version, or current Text of our English Bible, 1611.] and R.V. [Note: The Revised Version, 1881.] There is the Ellipsis of the verb which is clearly understood from the idiom, thus Surely the hand is [lifted up] on the banner of Jehovah. So that the A.V. [Note: The Authorized Version, or current Text of our English Bible, 1611.] is quite correct in sense: The Lord hath sworn. (See Ginsburgs Introduction to the Hebrew Bible, page 382, 383).
The hand of the Lord upon a man denoted also the power of the prophetic spirit.
1Ki 18:46. 2Ki 3:15. Eze 1:3; Eze 8:1; Eze 33:22.
A Right Hand is attributed to God; to denote the highest power, and most Divine authority.
Exo 15:6; Exo 15:12. Psa 77:10 (11); 118:15, 16; 139:10. Isa 48:13.
It denotes also His grace and mercy in delivering and saving His people.
Psa 18:35 (36); 20:6 (7) (margin); 44:3 (4); 63:8 (9); 80:15, 17 (16, 18).
It is used also of the place accorded to Christ in His human nature as now exalted.
Psa 110:1. Mat 26:64. Mar 16:19. Act 2:33-34; Act 7:55-56. Rom 8:34. Col 3:1, etc. Eph 1:20-22. Heb 1:3-4; Heb 8:1.
So Christs dignity is further described by the figure THEOPREPS, worthy of a god. 1Co 15:25. Eph 4:10, etc.
A Finger is attributed to God, to denote the putting forth of His formative power, and the direct and immediate act of God.
Exo 8:19; Exo 31:18. Psa 8:3 (4). So Luk 11:20, by which, according to Mat 12:28, the Spirit of God is meant.
Isa 40:12 (a span of the fingers). See 48:13.
A Heart is attributed to God.
Gen 6:6; Gen 8:21. Jer 19:5 (6). 1Sa 13:14 : A man after his own heart: i.e., His own Divine and eternal purpose; having regard, not to Davids worthiness or unworthiness, but to Gods own will. So Act 13:22. See also Jer 32:41.
Bowels are attributed to God; to denote His mercies and His pity.
All these figures of Anthropopatheia are figures of Metonomy, by which one thing is put for another. Here, because, when a person is much moved by deep feeling, there is a movement of the bowels, so they are put, by Metonymy, for the feeling itself.
Isa 63:15.-Where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies towards me? So Jer 31:20.
Luk 1:78.-Through the bowels of the mercy of our God. (See A.V. [Note: The Authorized Version, or current Text of our English Bible, 1611.] margin). Here it is translated, through the tender mercy of our God.
Mat 9:36.-He was moved with compassion: lit., his bowels moved. So Mat 14:14; Mat 15:32. Mar 1:41; Mar 6:34, etc. (See also Gen 43:30. 1Ki 3:26. And compare this as attributed to God, Psa 51:1 (3): The multitude of thy tender mercies.) So Isa 63:7.
A Bosom is attributed to God; to denote comfort and rest.
Psa 74:11 (the hand in the bosom denoting ease, according to Pro 19:24; Pro 26:15).
Isa 40:11. Joh 1:18 (In the bosom of the Father). Num 11:12.
Feet are attributed to God; to denote His presence in the earth, in power, in universal dominion.
Isa 66:1. Psa 74:3; Psa 110:1. Isa 60:13. In this respect the earth is spoken of as His footstool.
Footsteps are also attributed to God.
Psa 77:19 (20); 89:51 (52).
2. Human Affections and Feelings are attributed to God
Human affections and feelings are attributed to God: not that He has such feelings; but, in infinite condescension, He is thus spoken of in order to enable us to comprehend Him.
Rejoicing is attributed to God.
Psa 104:31.-The Lord shall rejoice in his works. So Isa 62:5. Deu 28:63; Deu 30:9. Jer 32:41, etc.
Sorrow and Grief are attributed to God.
Gen 6:6.-It grieved him at his heart.
Jdg 10:16.-His soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.
Psa 78:40.-How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve Him in the desert!
Isa 63:10.-They rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit. So Eph 4:30.
See Zec 11:8. Eze 6:9.
Repentance is attributed to God.
Gen 6:6.-It repented Jehovah that he had made man on the earth.
So Exo 32:12; Exo 32:14. 2Sa 24:16. Psa 106:45. Jer 18:8; Jer 26:3. Hos 11:8. Amo 7:3; Amo 7:6. Joe 2:13-14.
Anger, Vengeance, and Hatred are attributed to God.
Exo 15:7.-Thou sentest forth thy wrath.
Psa 5:5 (6).-Thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
Isa 1:14.-Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth.
Isa 1:24.-I will avenge me of mine enemies.
Jer 9:9.-Shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?
Nah 1:2.-God (El) is jealous, and Jehovah revengeth; the Lord revengeth, and is furious: the Lord will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.
So Eze 5:13. Psa 2:12; Psa 85:5 (6). Deu 1:37; Deu 32:16. 1Ki 11:9.
Comfort is spoken of God.
Isa 57:6.-Should I receive comfort in these?
Eze 5:13.-And I will be comforted.
Jealousy.
Exo 20:5.-For I the Lord thy God am a jealous*[Note: It is noteworthy that (kabah) out of its six occurrences, is, in five, connected with (El), God.] God (El).
Num 25:11.-That I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy.
Deu 32:16.-They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods. So in verse 21, and in 1Ki 14:22. Isa 9:7 (6). Eze 8:3. Joe 2:18.
Zec 1:14.-I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy. See also under Polyptoton.
Zeal.
Isa 9:7 (6).-The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Displeasure.
Zec 1:15.-I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.
Pity.
Joe 2:18.-Then will Jehovah pity His People.
3. Human Actions are attributed to God.
Knowing. Not actual knowledge as such, but the acquiring of knowledge as though before ignorant.
Gen 18:21.-I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, [Note: The Severus Codex reads for : i.e., their cry, instead of the cry of it. See Ginsburgs Introduction to the Hebrew Bible, page 412.] which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
Gen 22:12.-Now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
God, of course, knew it already; but, in wondrous condescension, He stoops to make Abraham understand.
Deu 8:2.-The Lord thy God led thee, etc. to know what was in thine heart. So Deu 13:3 (4). The Lord knew already: For He knoweth the way of the righteous (Psa 1:6; Psa 31:7 (8). 2Ti 2:19).
Psa 14:2.-The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see (i.e., to know) if there were any that did understand, etc.
So Psa 53:2 (3). (See also this verse under Epanadiplosis).
The very action of our prayer to God involves an Anthropopatheia. God knows all our petitions before we pray. And yet we have to pray as though we were making them known to Him. Php 4:6.
Not Knowing, the opposite of knowledge, is attributed to God.
Gen 3:9.-The Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? This implies ignorance. The Lord knew; but the question is put to make Adam know and realise his changed condition.
Gen 4:9.-Where is Abel thy brother?
These first two Divine questions in the Bible are very significant. See under Erotesis.
Num 22:9.-What men are these with thee?
1Ki 19:9; 1Ki 19:13.-What doest thou here, Elijah?
So 2Ki 20:14-15. Isa 39:3-4.
To this figure must be referred the passages which represent God as doubting, or having to wait to see certain results.
Eze 20:8. Hos 11:8-9.
Also when God tries, or proves, or searches, it is not that He does not know, but that He may make others know.
Psa 7:9 (10).-The righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. (See Metonymy of subject).
So Jer 11:20. Rev 2:23. 1Co 2:10.
So Christ declares that He will say:
Mat 7:23 : I never knew you; 25:12: I know you not. Luk 13:25; Luk 13:27.
The questions of Christ in the New Testament are to be referred to the same Figure.
Mat 22:20.-Whose is this image and superscription?
Also verse 45: If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?
Luk 8:45.-Who touched me?
Remembering.
Gen 8:1.-And God remembered Noah. Gen 30:22. 1Sa 1:11; 1Sa 1:19.
Gen 9:15-16, and Exo 6:5, where God speaks of remembering His covenant. So Psa 105:8; Psa 105:42* [Note: See the Structure of this Psalm in A Key to the Psalms, by the same author and publisher.] ; 106:45: He remembered for them His covenant, though they (verse 13) soon forgat His works, and (verse 21) they forgat God their saviour.
It denotes specially a remembrance for good. As in Psa 25:6-7; Psa 78:39; Psa 115:12; Psa 119:49; Psa 136:13. Isa 43:25. Rev 18:5.
Exo 2:24.-And God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. See this passage under the figures Synonymia, Anaphora, Polysyndeton, and Metonymy (of the Cause).
1Sa 1:11.-If thou wilt remember me and not forget thine handmaid. See under Pleonasm.
1Sa 1:19.-And the Lord remembered her. There is Hypocatastasis here; for it is implied that He heard Hannahs prayer (verse 9), and did according to her request.
Psa 78:39.-He remembered that they were but flesh. This stands in solemn contrast with verse 42: They remembered not His hand.
Psa 103:14.-He knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. This is the one thing that man will not do: he will not remember our infirmities. Man will remember our sins; but these are the very things that God will not remember (Isa 43:25). Infinite in power, He remembers our weakness. Perfect in holiness, He will not remember our sins.
This remembrance, though in mercy to His people, involves the punishment of their enemies.
See Psa 137:7. Rev 18:5.
Forgetting and Not Forgetting is also attributed to God.
Psa 9:18 (19).-For the needy shall not alway be forgotten.
Psa 13:1 (2).-How long wilt thou forget me, O Jehovah.
Psa 42:9 (10).-I will say unto God (El) my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me?
Isa 49:15.-Yet will I not forget thee.
Jer 23:39.-I, even I, will utterly forget you, and I will forsake you: i.e., the false prophets, who would say the burden of the Lord.
Hos 4:6.-I will also forget thy children. (See under Metonymy of Cause.)
Luk 12:6.-Not one of them is forgotten before God.
When God says He will not forget His enemies, it means that their punishment is certain, and will not be indefinitely deferred.
Job 11:6.-Know therefore that God causeth to be forgotten for thee of thine iniquity.
The A.V. [Note: The Authorized Version, or current Text of our English Bible, 1611.] and R.V. [Note: The Revised Version, 1881.] both render this God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth: where two words have to be supplied through not seeing the Figure, which denotes that God (Eloah) causeth the punishment of thine iniquity to be deferred. The Heb. is: He constantly lendeth to thee: i.e., crediteth thee like a lenient creditor.
Psa 74:23.-Forget not the voice of thine enemies: i.e., do not defer their punishment.
Amo 8:7.-I will never forget any of their works: i.e., I will surely remember them and punish them for them.
Thinking.
Gen 50:20.-Ye thought (i.e., devised) evil against me: but God thought it for good.
Psa 40:5 (6).-The thoughts which are to usward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee.
Psa 92:5 (6).-O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.
Psa 139:17.-How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God (El).
Isa 55:8.-These words may be presented according to their structure. (See under Epanodos).
aFor my thoughts are not
byour thoughts, neither are
byour ways
aMy ways, saith the Lord (Jehovah).
Jer 29:11.-I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith Jehovah, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (See this verse also under Metonymy of Adjunct and Hendiadys).
So Jer 51:12; Jer 4:28, etc.
Hissing.
Isa 5:26.-He will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth. (See under Hypotyposis).
Isa 7:18.-Jehovah shall hiss for the fly that is in the uttermost parts of the rivers of Egypt, etc.
Zec 10:8.-I will hiss for them; and gather them, for I have redeemed them.
Breathing.
Gen 2:7.-The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.* [Note: Or living creature, as in chap. 1:20, 21, 24, 30.]
Compare Eze 21:31 (36), and Joh 20:21.
Laughing.
Psa 2:4.-He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord (Adonai [Note: Or Jehovah, according to another reading.] ) shall have them in derision.
Psa 37:13.-Adonai [Note: Or Jehovah, according to another reading.] shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. (See under Metonymy of Adjunct).
Crying Out.
Isa 42:13.-He shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies. And verse 14: Now will I cry like a travailing woman.
Compare Psa 78:65.
Speaking, by way of discourse or command.
See Gen 1:3; Gen 2:16; Gen 3:9; Gen 6:13, to Noah. Gen 12:1; Gen 13:14; Gen 15:1-21; Gen 16:1-16; Gen 17:1-27; Gen 18:1-33, to Abraham. Exo 3:4-5, etc., to Moses.
These instances occur so frequently that a great part of the Bible would have to be transcribed if we gave them all.
Standing.
Gen 18:22.-But the Lord stood yet before Abraham.
This was the primitive Text; but it is one of the eighteen passages altered by the Sopherim to remove the harshness of the Anthropopatheia. (See Appendix E).
Sitting.
Mal 3:3.
Seeing.
Gen 1:4; Gen 1:10; Gen 1:12; Gen 1:18; Gen 1:21; Gen 1:25; Gen 16:13 : Exo 2:25; Exo 32:9. 1Sa 16:8. Psa 11:4.
Hearing.
Gen 16:11. Exo 2:24. So Psa 4:3; Psa 5:1-3; Psa 10:17; Psa 66:18; Psa 130:2. Isa 65:24. 1Jn 5:14.
Smelling.
Gen 8:21. Exo 29:18; Exo 29:25; Exo 29:41. Lev 1:9; Lev 2:12; Lev 3:16; Lev 8:21. Num 28:2. Eze 20:28; Eze 20:41, etc. So New Test.: 2Co 2:15. Eph 5:2. Php 4:18.
Tasting and Touching.
Psa 104:32; Psa 144:5. Hos 9:4. Jer 1:9. Joh 4:32; Joh 4:34.
Walking.
Lev 26:12; Lev 26:24; Lev 26:28. Deu 23:14 (15). 2Co 6:16.
Riding.
Deu 33:26. Psa 18:10 (11); 68:33 (34). Isa 19:1.
Meeting.
Num 23:4; Num 23:16.
Returning.
Hos 5:15.
Rising up.
Num 10:35. Psa 12:5 (6); 44:26 (27); 68:1 (2); 102:13 (14). Isa 2:19; Isa 2:21; Isa 33:10.
Passing through.
Exo 12:12; Exo 12:23. Amo 5:17.
Begetting.
Psa 2:7. Heb 1:5. So, those who believe, are said to be begotten by God. Psa 22:31 (32); 87:4-6. See especially 1Jn 2:29; 1Jn 3:9, etc.
Washing.
Psa 51:2 (4). Isa 4:4. Eze 36:25.
Hiding,
for protection and defence. Psa 31:20 (21) (See Metonymy); 64:2 (3); 91:1.
Wiping,
in judgment. 2Ki 21:13 (See Polyptoton); and in mercy, Isa 25:8. Rev 7:17.
Girding.
Psa 18:32 (33); 30:11 (12); 45:3 (4).
Building.
Gen 2:22 (marg. [Note: arg. Margin.] ). Psa 28:5 : Because they regard not the works ( poal = contrivance) of Jehovah, nor the operation ( maaseh = the actual execution) of his hands.
So Jer 42:10. 2Sa 7:27.
Binding up.
Job 5:18. Psa 147:3. Isa 61:1. Hos 6:1-11 I.
Opening doors, windows, etc.
Psa 78:23. Deu 28:12. Mal 3:10.
Proving and Trying.
Psa 17:3; Psa 66:10. Zec 13:9. Mal 3:3 (compare Eze 22:18-22).
Breaking.
Psa 2:9; Psa 3:7 (8). Isa 38:13 (compare Psa 22:16 (17) under Paronomasia); 45:2.
Sifting.
Amo 9:9.
Blotting out.
Exo 32:32-33 (compare under Aposiopesis). Psa 51:1 (3).
Eating, or Swallowing.
Exo 15:7. Isa 25:7-8 (compare 1Co 15:54).
Enlarging.
Gen 26:22. Psa 4:1 (2).
Making a straight way.
Psa 5:8 (9). Isa 45:2; Isa 45:13 (marg. [Note: arg. Margin.] ).
Pouring out.
Psa 79:6. Eze 9:8; Eze 20:13; Eze 20:21; Eze 20:33. Hence the pouring out (i.e., giving the gifts of) the Spirit in abundant measure. Joe 2:28-29 (3:1, 2). Zec 12:10. Act 2:17-18; Act 2:33. Rom 5:5. Tit 3:5-6.
Loosening the loins.
Isa 45:1.
Wounding the head.
Psa 110:6.
Breaking forth.
2Sa 5:20; 2Sa 6:8.
Shooting with arrows.
Psa 64:7 (8) (compare verses 3, 4 (4, 5)).
Writing.
Exo 31:18; Exo 32:16. Deu 9:10. Isa 4:3. Dan 12:1. So Jer 31:33. Heb 8:10.
Fanning.
Jer 15:7. So Mat 3:12. Luk 3:17.
Sweeping.
Isa 14:24.
Cutting off the Spirit.
Psa 76:12 (13).
Anointing.
Psa 23:5; Psa 92:10 (11). 2Co 1:21.
4. Circumstances are attributed to God
Circumstances are attributed to God, and may be divided into five classes:-
a.Negative (when, by Anthropopatheia, He is represented as not being able to do anything),
b.Positive,
c.As to place,
d.As to time, and
e.As to person.
(a) Negative
Gen 32:28 (29).-As a prince hast thou power with God and hast prevailed So Hos 12:3-4 (4, 5).
Exo 32:10. Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them.
Isa 1:13.-I am not able to endure (A.V. [Note: The Authorized Version, or current Text of our English Bible, 1611.] , I cannot away with.) See under Ellipsis and Idioma.
Psa 106:23.-He said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.
Eze 23:18.-Like as my mind was alienated from her sister.
(b) Positive
When God or Christ is spoken of as a Husbandman (i.e., by Synecdoche), or a vinedresser. See Isa 5:1-9. Joh 15:1-27 Mat 20:1-16, etc.
As a Builder. Heb 2:4; Heb 11:10.
As a Warrior. Exo 15:3. Psa 45:3-5 (4 6); 46:8, 9 (9, 10); 76, etc.
As a Counsellor. Isa 9:6 (5).
As a Physician. Exo 15:26. Psa 147:3.
As a Shepherd. Psa 23:1-6 Eze 34:23; Eze 37:24. Mic 5:4 (3); 7:14. Zec 13:7. Joh 10:11. Heb 13:20. 1Pe 2:25; 1Pe 5:4.
As a Father. Deu 32:6. Psa 68:5-6. Isa 64:8 (7). Mat 6:1; Mat 6:6; Mat 6:8-9. Rom 8:15. Heb 12:5-10.
As a King, Prince, etc. Isa 9:6 (5); 55:4; 32:1; 33:22, etc.
As a Spouse. Mat 9:15; Mat 25:1. Mar 2:19. Luk 5:34. Joh 3:29.
As a Witness. Isa 43:10; Isa 55:4. Jer 29:23. Mal 3:5. Rev 1:5; Rev 3:14. Joh 18:37.
(c) As to Place
When God is spoken of being in circumstances which have to do with Place and Time as men are-
Heaven is his dwelling place, 1Ki 8:39; 1Ki 8:43, etc. Psa 2:4; Psa 24:3. Isa 26:21. Mic 1:3.
He returns to his place. Hos 5:15.
He sits on a throne. Psa 11:4; Psa 47:8 (9); 103:19. Isa 66:1. Jer 14:21. Mat 5:34.
Christ, also in the dignity of His human nature, is spoken of as having a throne. Psa 45:6. Isa 16:5. Mat 19:28. Heb 1:8; Heb 4:16; Heb 8:1. Rev 3:21.
Also as having a footstool-the earth. Isa 66:1. Mat 5:35, etc. The Ark of the Covenant is spoken of as His footstool. 1Ch 28:2. Psa 99:5; Psa 132:7. Lam 2:1.
Also as having all enemies under His feet. Psa 110:1. 1Co 15:25. Heb 1:13, denoting the completeness of their subjection. Psa 8:6 (7). Eph 1:22. Heb 2:8, etc.
As standing afar off. Psa 10:1.
As standing at the right hand of His People. Psa 16:8. Act 2:25.
As sitting upon the flood, or at the flood. Psa 29:10.
As sitting upon the Cherubim. Psa 80:1 (2); 99:1.
As sitting upon the circle (i.e., the horizon) of the earth, and the arch of heaven, as it appears to us. Isa 40:22 : i.e., high above all.
As dwelling in the sanctuary. Psa 68:17 (18). Lit., according to the primitive orthography: The Lord hath come from Sinai into the Sanctuary. In Zion, Psa 132:13-14; Psa 135:21. In the humble and contrite heart, Isa 57:15. With His People, Eze 37:27. Joh 14:23. 2Co 6:16. In the thick darkness, 1Ki 8:12. In the Shechina, Lev 16:2. Exo 13:21-22; Exo 16:10. Num 9:15. Isa 6:4. Mat 17:5.
(d) As to Time
Years are attributed to God. Psa 102:24; Psa 102:27 (25, 28). (Heb 1:12). Job 36:26.
Days. Dan 7:9. Mic 5:2 (1) (see the Heb.). 2Pe 3:18 (see the Greek). Heb 13:8.
Christ is said to be the first-born as to time. Rom 8:29. Col 1:15; Col 1:18. Heb 1:6.* [Note: See article, Word, in Bullingers Lexicon and Concordance. Longmans.]
(e) As to Circumstances connected with the person
Arms are attributed to God: i.e., weapons of war. Psa 35:2-3. Isa 59:17-18. Jer 50:25; Jer 51:20.
Bow and Arrow. Psa 21:12 (13). Lam 2:4; Lam 3:12-13. Deu 32:23; Deu 32:42. Job 6:4. Psa 38:2 (3); 64:7 (8). Zec 9:14.
The Arrows of God. Psa 18:14 (15); 144:6. Hab 3:11.
Sword. Deu 32:41. Jdg 7:20. Psa 17:13. Isa 27:1; Isa 34:5-6. Eze 21:9 (14). Zec 13:7.
Spear. Hab 3:11.
Shield or Buckler. Gen 15:1. Deu 33:29. Psa 3:3 (4); 18:2 (3); 28:7; 84:11 (12). (See under Metaphor.)
Chariots are attributed to God. Psa 68:17 (18). 2Ki 6:16-17.
Clouds are represented as His chariots. Psa 18:10-11 (11, 12); 104:3. Isa 19:1.
Riches. Pro 8:18. Rom 2:4; Rom 9:23; Rom 10:12; Rom 11:33. 2Co 8:9. Eph 1:7; Eph 1:18; Eph 2:4; Eph 2:7; Eph 3:8; Eph 3:16. Col 1:27. Php 4:19.
An Inheritance is attributed to God. Deu 32:9. Jer 2:7; Jer 12:7-8.
A Book is attributed to God.
A book of providence and of grace (Psa 139:16) which may be applied to the new birth of the members of the body of Christ.
A Book of Life. Exo 32:32-33 (compare verse 10). Num 11:15. Psa 56:8 (9); 69:28 (29). Isa 4:3. Dan 12:1. Mal 3:16. Php 4:3. Rev 3:5; Rev 13:8; Rev 17:8; Rev 20:12; Rev 20:15; Rev 21:7.
A Book of Judgment. Dan 7:10. Rev 20:12.
Oil or Anointing is attributed to God (Psa 45:7 (8). Heb 1:9) which may apply to the Holy Spirit. Isa 61:1. Act 10:38 The word Christ means anointed, both in its Hebrew form , Messiah, and its Greek form , christos. See Psa 2:2. Dan 9:25-26. Joh 1:41 (42); 4:25.
Christians are therefore only those who are thus anointed by the Holy Spirit. 2Co 1:21. 1Jn 2:20; 1Jn 2:27. Act 11:26.
Bread is attributed to God. Num 28:2 (see Synecdoche). Joh 6:35; Joh 6:48.
A Seal is attributed to God. Jer 22:24. Hag 2:23.
Treasure is attributed to God. In a good sense, Deu 28:12; and in judgment, Deu 32:34-35, which is referred to in Rom 2:5; Rom 2:9-10.
Out of this He brings Arms, Jeremiah 1. 25; and Winds, Psa 135:7. Jer 10:13; Jer 51:16.
Spiritual blessings are also said to be in the Divine treasuries. Isa 33:6. Mat 6:20; Mat 19:21. Mar 10:21. Luk 12:33; Luk 18:22. 2Co 4:7.
Raiment is attributed to God. Psa 93:1; Psa 104:1-2. Isa 51:9; Isa 59:17.
A Banner or Flag is attributed to God. Exo 17:15 (16). Psa 60:4 (6). Son 2:4 Isa 5:26; Isa 11:10 (12); 59:19.
A Rod, Staff or Sceptre is attributed to God or Christ. Psa 23:4, and, by Metonymy, is put for His power and authority. Psa 2:9; Psa 45:6 (7); 110:2. Heb 1:8.
II. God is figured by an Irrational Creature
1. Animals
Christ is called a Lamb. Joh 1:29. 1Co 5:7. 1Pe 1:19. Rev 5:6; Rev 13:8.
Christ is called a Lion. Rev 5:5.
2. The Actions of Certain Animals are attributed to God
To bellow or roar. Isa 42:13, etc. Jer 25:30. Hos 11:10. Joe 3:16. Amo 1:2.
Thunder is called the voice of the Lord. Psa 29:3; Psa 29:9 : The cry of Christ is called roaring. Psa 22:1 (2) (see Heb 5:7). Psa 38:8 (9).
To fly. 2Sa 22:11. Psa 18:10 (11).
To brood or incubate. Gen 1:2.
3. Parts or Members of Certain Animals are attributed to God
A horn. 2Sa 22:3. Psa 18:2 (3). Messiah is so called. Luk 1:69 (Hence it is used, by Metonymy, for strength and power. Psa 75:10 (11); 112:9. Lam 2:3)
Wings and Feathers are attributed to God. Psa 91:4. Hence the shadow of his wings. denotes His care. Psa 17:8; Psa 36:7 (8); 57:1; 63:7 (8). And the covert of His wings denotes protection. Psa 61:4 (5). Compare Deu 32:11. Isa 31:5. Mat 23:37.
4. Certain Plants are used as figures of God
(a) Genus
A Branch or Sprout. Isa 4:2; Isa 11:1. Jer 23:5; Jer 33:15. Zec 3:8; Zec 6:12.
The Fruit of the Earth. Isa 4:2.
Wood (green or living). Luk 23:31.
A Root. Isa 11:10. Rom 15:12. Rev 5:5; Rev 22:16.
(b) Species
A Cedar. Eze 17:22-23.
A Vine. Joh 15:1-5.
III. Inanimate Things are sometimes used as figures of God
1. Universals
The heights of heaven. Job 11:7-8. Eph 3:18.
Magnitude or greatness is attributed to God. Exo 15:16; Exo 18:11. Num 14:19. Deu 3:24. Ezr 5:8. Psa 48:1 (2); 47:2 (3). Jer 32:17-19. Dan 2:45. Mal 1:14, etc.
Comparison is used of God.
Greater than man. Job 33:12.
Greater than our heart. 1Jn 3:20.
Greater than all. Joh 10:20.
Multitude or fulness is attributed to God. Psa 86:15; Psa 103:8; Psa 130:7.
In spite of all this condescension, it is impossible to convey to human understanding, the greatness, vastness, illimitable perfection and infinity of God. Psa 36:5-8 (6-9). Rom 11:33. 1Co 2:10, etc.
2. Particulars
God is spoken of as Light. 1Jn 1:5. It would require a volume to investigate and carry out all that is taught by this wondrous Metaphor. First, we should have to understand what Light itself is, and science was never more baffled than to-day in defining it or explaining it. So is God incomprehensible. A little while ago they thought they knew. Professor Rntgen has now shown that they do not yet know.
Lights. Jam 1:17. The Father of lights: i.e., the source, not only of light itself, but of all light producers and light-bearers and light givers: viz., the sun, moon, stars, planets, and all the fountains of light contained in earthly substances producing electricity, gas, and light of all kinds.
Psa 27:1.-The Lord is my light: i.e., the source and origin of my life and grace and salvation, etc., etc. Compare Num 6:25. Psa 36:9 (10); 43:3, etc.
3. Certain Elements are used as emblems of God
God is spoken of as a Fire. Deu 4:24; Deu 9:3; Deu 32:27. Isa 10:17. Hence the smoke of fire denotes His anger. Psa 74:1; Psa 80:4 (5) (margin). Deu 29:20.
God is spoken of as a Lamp. 2Sa 22:29. Psa 18:28 (29). Hence His word is so called. Psa 119:105. Pro 6:23. 2Pe 1:19.
God is spoken of as Air or Wind, and breath is attributed to Him. Job 4:9. Psa 18:15 (16). Isa 30:33.
God is spoken of as Water. Jer 2:13; Jer 17:13. Psa 36:8-9 (9, 10). Joh 7:37-39. The gift of the Holy Spirit pertains to this figure. Isa 44:3. Joe 2:28-29 (3:1, 2). Zec 12:10. Act 2:17-18; Act 2:33. Tit 3:5-6. The blessings and merits of Christ are called the water of life. Joh 4:10; Joh 4:14. Compare Isa 55:1. Eze 36:25. Zec 14:8.
God is figured by things which pertain to the EARTH.
A Stone. Psa 118:22. Mat 21:42. Act 4:11. 1Pe 2:7.
A corner-stone, Eph 2:20-21; and foundation and stumbling stone, Isa 8:14; Isa 28:16. Zec 3:9. Luk 2:34. Rom 9:32-33. 1Pe 2:4; 1Pe 2:6-8.
A rock (in situ). Deu 32:31. Psa 18:2 (3); 31:2, 3 (3, 4); 42:9; 73:26 (margin). Isa 26:4 (margin).
So Christ is thus spoken of Mat 16:18. (See under Paregmenon and Syllepsis).
So, in relation to the earth, God is spoken of as
A hiding-place, etc. Psa 91:1; Psa 119:114. Isa 4:6.
A fortress. Psa 31:2-3 (3, 4); 71:3; 91:2; 144:2. Zec 2:5.
A tower of strength. Psa 61:3 (4). Pro 18:10. 2Sa 22:51.
A Temple, Rev 21:22; and Christ is the Way thither, Joh 14:6.
A Shade or Shadow. Psa 121:5. Psa 91:1. Isa 51:16; Isa 49:2. Compare Luk 1:32; Luk 1:34-35. This shadow is called the back-parts., Compare Exo 33:20-23.