Q.
As I read the Bible in Hebrew, and I come across a specific word:
How do I know (grammatically) whether GOD is speaking "Literally" or figuratively/metaphorically with that given word?
Responses (2)
When you have a question about the bible, the first thing is to keep reading. In most cases it will be explained, or you will find more examples so you can figure it out.
The only thing I know about Hebrew is that it has an odd verb form that is usually translated "I did something," but should be translated "I was forced to allow something." That makes a big change in the meaning of many verses.
In general, the bible is to be taken literally if something is possible. For example, serpents don't talk so that is to be taken as a figure of speech. A figure of speech is a departure from the normal patterns of language for the purpose of emphasizing something. The simplest figure of speech is the SIMILE. A simile emphasizes a similarity of two things by merely saying it: "You are like a dog", or "You are as a dog". The figure rests entirely on one word.
A METAPHOR emphasizes a similarity of two things by saying they are the same; "You are a dog".
Next comes a big word: HYPOCATASTASIS. This is a Greek word for name-calling. Hypocatastasis just calls the fellow "Dog!" See Luke 13:32 "that fox", and Genesis 3:1 "the serpent".
A PARABLE is an extended figure of speech; a story based on a simile, metaphor, or hypocatastasis. If the story is possible, it is a MYTH. If the story is impossible, it is a FABLE. If a fable includes an explanation of the meaning, it is an ALLEGORY. Don't confuse any of these with LEGEND, which is a supposedly true but unverified historical account (Adam and Eve, for example).
These terms are not used with any precise meaning in modern discourse. For instance, most people think 'allegory' means "a story full of religious symbolism beyond human comprehension". But when discussing figures of speech they are very precisely defined. Here is a book that lists about 900 figures found in the bible. It is almost the only work in the subject for the last two thousand years: openlibrary.org/search?q=e.+w.+bullinger+figures+of+speech
More figures: mentalfloss.com/article/60234/21-rhetorical-devices-explained
Judaism teaches that while God’s name exists in written form, it is too holy to be pronounced. The ancient Hebrews did use and pronounce the divine name,(Exodus 3:15; Psalm 135:13). In the first half of the third century [B.C.E.], a great change in the use of the name of God is to be noticed, which brought about many changes in Jewish theological and philosophical lore, the influences of which are felt up to this very day.” One of the effects of the loss of the name is that the concept of an anonymous God helped to create a theological vacuum in which Christendom’s Trinity doctrine was more easily developed.—Exodus 15:1-3.Please go to jw.org and read the "New World Translation" Bible. You will see the Creator's name in the correct places. The titles LORD and GOD is placed where the divine name Jehovah should be. You will be able to understand when Jehovah is speaking or Jesus. The bible will then come alive. Psalm 83:18.
For more information on this subject and others, please go to jw.org "Online Library." Also for free downloads, publications or read online.
Ty for taking the time to answer. I did learn from you examples & definitions.
However, these things are only helpful in the English Language. I was referring to the "ancient Hebrew" who's rules of language may or may not be as those of English.
You see, ALL of our English Bibles are only as good as the skill of the Translator. Who in turn must know all the ends and outs of Ancient Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek which GOD gave. GOD never gave us one word in English. Most ALL English Speaking Christians think of "their Bible" as "THE" Bible. But "THE" BIBLE is and has always been an Ancient Language Volume of Scrolls. So the Language rules of "those" languages apply & it's an EXTRAS LEAP of FAITH to think ANY of the English Translators got certain words & passages Correct. They may have been UN-Saved for all we know.