The language and imagery of the Bible

by George Bradford Caird

Communication through language is an important area of study and has been examined by specialists from a variety of disciplines. Caird, Dean Ireland?s Professor of Exegesis of Holy Scripture at Oxford, has written an exceptional and well-organized compilation of the best of such study, both past and present. He has provided invaluable guidance for the study and understanding of the Bible by explaining how verbal messages are formed, what they "say" in writing, and how they are to be understood. Drawing upon the results of modern linguistic and communications scholarship, and upon the still valid methods of rhetorical and exegetical study, Caird provides a synthesis for hermeneutics. Beginning with the uses and abuses of language, Caird goes on to discuss the nature and structure of meaning, the relations between Hebrew idiom and biblical thought, and the problems of translation, discussions which form the opening or "general" section of the book. The central section is entitled "metaphor," under which Caird treats literal and non-literal meanings (and valid distinctions between them), comparative language in metaphors, similes, and anthropomorphisms, concluding with a treatment of linguistic awareness. Finally, he devotes a section to language in relation to history, to myth, and to eschatology.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, Christian

280 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Avery Amstutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book NT Wright suggested on a podcast, I think the author was his doctoral advisor or something. It’s obvious 40 years old but the chapters on Myth and Eschatology are fantastic

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d like to give this more of a 3.5. For many Bible students not familiar with linguistics, this is a good place to begin. But not only is it dated now (which can be no fault of Caird’s), it was dated when he wrote it. There are too many important conversations in literary theory and apocalyptic studies left out. And, as John Collins pointed out in his review of the book, his treatment of “non-literal” leaves a major question about what “literal” means. But Caird is enjoyable to read, and his argument is really clear and loaded with biblical examples. He’s especially hospitable to readers with a theological interest (i.e. Christian readers). So I would recommend it for someone looking for a place to start with biblical imagery but would hasten to say, follow it up with more recent volumes on biblical writings and linguistics.

[Brian Seagraves · Rating 4 out of 5]

While his views are definitely not conservative/evangelical, there is much to commend the book if one reads with a keen eye.

[Andy Gore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly thought provoking book despite it's age. Yes there is material that has now been superceded, yet Caird provides the trajectory in which we now stand.

[Richard Worden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very informative book.

[Jeremiah P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful when it comes to language. His views on redaction, pseudepigraphy, dating, etcetera are novel (modern) -- 2nd century "Daniel", "Deuteronomist", Post-70AD authorship of Matthew, Deutero-Isaiah, you know the drill.

[Philip Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was ahead of its time. While it is dated now, you cannot read a book on biblical metaphor or language without it referencing this work by Caird.