Circumlocution refers to the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea, often to be evasive or vague. In biblical contexts, circumlocution can be seen in the way certain expressions or names are used to convey deeper meanings or to show reverence.

Biblical Examples and Usage

1. Divine Names and Titles: In the Bible, circumlocution is often employed to refer to God in a manner that shows reverence and respect. For instance, instead of directly using the name of God, phrases like "the Name" or "the Holy One of Israel" are used. This practice aligns with the Jewish tradition of avoiding the direct pronunciation of the Tetragrammaton (YHWH). In the New Testament, Jesus often uses circumlocution when referring to God, such as in the Lord's Prayer: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name" (Matthew 6:9).

2. Parables and Teachings of Jesus: Jesus frequently used parables, which are a form of circumlocution, to convey spiritual truths. By using accounts and metaphors, He was able to communicate profound lessons in a way that was accessible to those with ears to hear, while also concealing the meaning from those who were not open to His message. For example, in Matthew 13:10-13 , Jesus explains to His disciples why He speaks in parables: "The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them."

3. Prophetic Language: The prophets often used circumlocution to deliver messages from God. This is evident in the use of symbolic language and imagery to convey divine judgment or promise. For instance, in Isaiah 6:9-10 , God instructs Isaiah to speak to the people in a way that they will hear but not understand, see but not perceive, as a form of judgment on their hardened hearts.

4. Apostolic Writings: The epistles sometimes employ circumlocution to address sensitive topics or to emphasize certain truths. Paul, for example, uses indirect language when discussing issues of morality and conduct within the church. In 1 Corinthians 5:1 , he addresses a case of immorality with a degree of circumlocution, saying, "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans."

Theological Implications

Circumlocution in the Bible serves several purposes. It can be a means of showing reverence, as seen in the avoidance of directly naming God. It also functions as a pedagogical tool, allowing deeper truths to be revealed to those who are spiritually receptive while remaining hidden from those who are not. This aligns with the biblical principle that spiritual understanding is a gift from God, granted to those who seek Him earnestly.

Furthermore, circumlocution reflects the complexity and depth of divine revelation. The use of indirect language and symbolism invites believers to engage with the text more deeply, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern the truths contained within. As Proverbs 25:2 states, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out."(n.) The use of unnecessarily wordy, indirect or roundabout language; a paraphrase.

The Pelagians are not Ashamed to Eulogize Concupiscence, Although ...
... to mention. Now just observe how he prefers to point to his object by
circumlocution rather than by direct mention of it. "After ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 17 vii the pelagians are.htm

The Study of Words
... to say a thing once is enough; and what is well signified by one word, we load with
many, and most things we choose to signify rather by circumlocution than by ...
/.../kleiser/the training of a public speaker/the study of words.htm

All that Scripture Therefore, which is Called the Old Testament...
... we have not in use terms for such things: and had I translated and made such, I
should have been indeed more silly: but, were I to use circumlocution, I should ...
/.../augustine/on the profit of believing /section 5 all that scripture.htm

Chapter xviii
... Without circumlocution the visitor, the outstanding one among the three, assumes
sole control of the conversation and delivers the promise He has come to give. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xviii.htm

Chapter i.
... "And He opened His mouth, and taught them, saying." The circumlocution before us,
which runs, "And He opened His mouth," perhaps gracefully intimates by the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter i.htm

Of the Mortification of the Affections of the Will...
... Paul describes by this circumlocution, when he exhorts us that we would (sapere
ad sobrietatem) be soberly wise; concerning which duty we have treated ...
/.../chapter xiii of the mortification.htm

When Confessing the Divinity of Christ we Ought not to Pass Over ...
... He then employed no subtilty or circumlocution, nor did he when he preached the
gospel of the Lord blush at the mention of the cross of Christ. ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter viii when confessing the.htm

That There is in Christ but one Hypostasis (IE , Personal Self).
... "One Lord," says he, "Jesus Christ, by whom are all things." Did he make use of
any circumlocution in order to proclaim the truth of this great mystery? ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter vi that there is.htm

That the Philosophers have Attained to Some Portion of Truth.
... The knowledge of the Father by the Son is the comprehension of the "Greek
circumlocution;" [2006] and to turn from the power of Satan is to change from sin ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xix that the philosophers have.htm

Jod.
... For the Latin interpreter would not make a circumlocution by saying, to give thee
understanding, if, as we say from health, "to heal thee," so one could say ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/jod.htm

Circumlocution (1 Occurrence)
... (n.) The use of unnecessarily wordy, indirect or roundabout language; a paraphrase.
Multi-Version Concordance Circumlocution (1 Occurrence). ...
/c/circumlocution.htm - 6k

Directly (13 Occurrences)
... 3. (adv.) Without circumlocution or ambiguity; absolutely; in express terms.
4. (adv.) Exactly; just. 5. (adv.) Straightforwardly; honestly. ...
/d/directly.htm - 10k

Male (303 Occurrences)
... to be prominent," here a physiological differentiation of the sex, as neqebhah,
"female," which see); (2) 'ish literally, "man"; (3) by circumlocution, only in ...
/m/male.htm - 43k

Circumference (4 Occurrences)

/c/circumference.htm - 7k

Circuit (27 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) A district in which an itinerant preacher labors. 8. (n.) Circumlocution.
9. (vi) To move in a circle; to go round; to circulate. 10. ...
/c/circuit.htm - 16k

Circumspect (1 Occurrence)

/c/circumspect.htm - 6k

Circle (32 Occurrences)
... 10. (n.) Indirect form of words; circumlocution. 11. (n.) A territorial division
or district. 12. (n.) To move around; to revolve around. 13. ...
/c/circle.htm - 17k

Circumstance (5 Occurrences)
... or state of things. 2. (n.) An event; a fact; a particular incident. 3.
(n.) Circumlocution; detail. 4. (n.) Condition in regard ...
/c/circumstance.htm - 8k

Face (780 Occurrences)
... Often "my face," "thy face" is mere oriental circumlocution for the personal pronoun
"I," "me," "thou," "thee." "In thy face" means "in thy presence;" and is ...
/f/face.htm - 47k

Azazel (3 Occurrences)
... or "dismissal.") It is true that the Septuagint in one place translates eis ten
apopompen, which however could be also an abstract circumlocution for a ...
/a/azazel.htm - 20k

Circumlocution: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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