Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5848 exaggeration

5848 exaggeration

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5760 Human attitudes and behaviour » 5848 exaggeration

An overstatement of something, usually relating to its importance or value. People exaggerate because of fear, envy, pride or self-pity. Exaggeration can also be used positively to good effect, for example, in the teaching of Jesus Christ.

Exaggeration of difficulties through fear

Numbers 13:32-33 See also Deuteronomy 1:28; Deuteronomy 9:1

Exaggeration of the lifestyle of others through envy

Job 21:7-10 Job's complaint that the wicked often appear to prosper is stated with exaggeration in order to make his point clear. See also Psalm 73:3-12

Exaggerating one's status or abilities through pride

Ezekiel 27:3 See also Ezekiel 28:2; Hosea 12:8; Matthew 8:19 pp Luke 9:57; Luke 22:33; Acts 12:21-23; 1 Corinthians 4:8; Revelation 3:17

Exaggeration of the achievements of others

1 Samuel 21:11 The reference to David as king by the Philistines may be an exaggeration reflecting the great success and popularity of David among the Israelite people. See also 1 Samuel 18:7; Samuel 29:5

Exaggeration of troubles through self-pity

1 Kings 18:22 See also 1 Kings 19:10,14,18; Psalm 12:1-2

Exaggeration of the appearance of others through admiration

These verses represent exaggeration typical in poetic descriptive passages:

Songs 5:10-16; Songs 7:1-9

Exaggeration used by Jesus Christ as a teaching tool

Matthew 7:3-5 pp Luke 6:41-42 See also Matthew 5:29-30; Matthew 7:9-10 pp Luke 11:11-12; Matthew 13:33 pp Luke 13:20; Matthew 19:24 pp Mark 10:25 pp Luke 18:25