The Language and Imagery of the Bible brings the discipline of literary studies to bear on Biblical studies, investigating the various ways in which language is used, demonstrating the non-literal character of much bible language, and arguing that biblical authors were aware of the symbolism and character of their language. This exceptional and well-organized compilation presents the best research into communication through language, drawing upon modern linguistic and communications scholarship, as well as rhetorical and exegetical study. The book explains how verbal messages are formed, what they "say" in writing, and how they are to be understood. Beginning with the uses and abuses of language, the author discusses the nature and structure of meaning, the relations between Hebrew idiom and biblical thought, and the problems of translation. The central section, entitled Metaphor, 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. The final section is devoted to language in relation to history, myth, and eschatology.