Bénétreau, Samuel
Symbolism in the Epistle to the Hebrews: Images and metaphors
- 2015.
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The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews is considered a skilled rhetorician. Long lists of rhetorical figures in the book have been established. As early as Antiquity, rhetoricians have made room for “ornementation” and the question was raised: are the figures of speech there only to ornate the discourse, to please the public by elegant oration, or to strengthen the performance, to have a part in the process of persuasion? Putting aside the many figures taken from the pilgrimage and the cult of ancient Israël, the present article examines images and metaphors from common life and its surroundings. They are not numerous, but the question may be asked of their place and their function.