Hyperbole (Hebraic Expression) in Scripture
A Hebraic form of exaggeration—used in prophecy to signal major spiritual or covenantal events.
What is
Hyperbole (Hebraic Expression) in Scripture
Biblical hyperbole is a form of Hebraic expression—exaggeration used for emphasis, not literal description. TGNN teaches that much prophetic language must be read this way to understand fulfillment.
Explanation
In Scripture, hyperbole—exaggeration for emphasis—is a common Hebraism, especially in prophetic and poetic writing. These expressions are not meant to be taken literally, but symbolically. They reflect the Hebrew way of emphasizing significance, judgment, or transition through vivid, dramatic language.Phrases like “the sun will be darkened,” “the moon will turn to blood,” or “the heavens will shake” were never meant to describe physical cosmic collapse. TGNN teaches that this is covenantal language, drawing from Old Testament patterns—used to describe God's judgment on nations or systems, not the end of the physical universe.Jesus and the apostles, working within a Jewish framework, used these Hebraisms frequently—especially when referring to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.Understanding hyperbole as a Hebrew device helps modern readers avoid fear-based misinterpretations and instead recognize the spiritual and covenantal truths behind the imagery.
