In biblical literature, the term "figure" is often used to denote a representation, symbol, or type that conveys deeper spiritual truths. Figures can be found throughout the Bible, serving as a means to communicate God's messages, illustrate moral lessons, or foreshadow future events. These figures are integral to understanding the narrative and theological depth of the Scriptures.

Types and Shadows

One of the most significant uses of figures in the Bible is in the form of types and shadows. These are persons, events, or institutions in the Old Testament that prefigure and foreshadow greater realities in the New Testament. For example, Adam is considered a type of Christ. In Romans 5:14, the Apostle Paul writes, "Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who did not sin in the way that Adam transgressed. He is a pattern of the One to come." Here, Adam is a figure representing Christ, who is the "last Adam" (1 Corinthians 15:45).

The sacrificial system in the Old Testament is another example of a figure pointing to Christ's ultimate sacrifice. The Passover lamb, as described in Exodus 12, serves as a figure of Jesus, the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). The Apostle Paul explicitly connects the Passover to Christ in 1 Corinthians 5:7, stating, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed."

Parables and Allegories

Figures are also prevalent in the parables and allegories used by Jesus and other biblical writers. These accounts and illustrations use everyday situations to convey spiritual truths. For instance, the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13:3-9 uses agricultural imagery to describe the reception of God's Word in different types of hearts. Jesus explains the figure in Matthew 13:18-23, revealing the deeper meaning behind the parable.

The Apostle Paul employs allegory in Galatians 4:21-31, where he uses the account of Hagar and Sarah to illustrate the difference between the old covenant of the law and the new covenant of grace. In this passage, Hagar represents Mount Sinai and the old covenant, while Sarah represents the new covenant of freedom.

Symbols and Imagery

The Bible is rich with symbolic figures and imagery that convey profound truths. The Book of Revelation, in particular, is filled with symbolic figures that represent spiritual realities and future events. For example, the figure of the dragon in Revelation 12:9 is identified as Satan, "the ancient serpent called the devil, who leads the whole world astray."

In the Old Testament, the figure of the serpent in Genesis 3 is a symbol of temptation and sin, leading to the fall of humanity. This figure is later referenced in the New Testament as a representation of Satan's deceptive nature.

Prophetic Figures

Prophetic literature in the Bible often employs figures to convey messages from God. The prophets used symbolic actions and visions to communicate divine truths. For instance, the prophet Ezekiel is instructed to perform symbolic acts, such as lying on his side for an extended period to represent the siege of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 4:4-6).

The visions of Daniel are filled with figures that represent kingdoms and historical events. In Daniel 7, the prophet sees four beasts, each symbolizing a different kingdom. These figures are interpreted by the angelic messenger to reveal God's sovereign plan over history.

Conclusion

Figures in the Bible serve as a vital tool for conveying spiritual truths, illustrating moral lessons, and revealing God's redemptive plan. Through types, parables, symbols, and prophetic imagery, these figures enrich the biblical narrative and deepen our understanding of God's Word.1. (n.) The form of anything; shape; outline; appearance.

2. (n.) The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modeling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body; as, a figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble.

3. (n.) A pattern in cloth, paper, or other manufactured article; a design wrought out in a fabric; as, the muslin was of a pretty figure.

4. (n.) A diagram or drawing; made to represent a magnitude or the relation of two or more magnitudes; a surface or space enclosed on all sides; -- called superficial when enclosed by lines, and solid when enclosed by surface; any arrangement made up of points, lines, angles, surfaces, etc.

5. (n.) The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person; as, a sorry figure.

6. (n.) Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendor; show.

7. (n.) A character or symbol representing a number; a numeral; a digit; as, 1, 2,3, etc.

8. (n.) Value, as expressed in numbers; price; as, the goods are estimated or sold at a low figure.

9. (n.) A person, thing, or action, conceived of as analogous to another person, thing, or action, of which it thus becomes a type or representative.

10. (n.) A mode of expressing abstract or immaterial ideas by words which suggest pictures or images from the physical world; pictorial language; a trope; hence, any deviation from the plainest form of statement.

11. (n.) The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.

12. (n.) Any one of the several regular steps or movements made by a dancer.

13. (n.) A horoscope; the diagram of the aspects of the astrological houses.

14. (n.) Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.

15. (n.) A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a musical or motive; a florid embellishment.

16. (n.) To represent by a figure, as to form or mold; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.

17. (n.) To embellish with design; to adorn with figures.

18. (n.) To indicate by numerals; also, to compute.

19. (n.) To represent by a metaphor; to signify or symbolize.

20. (n.) To prefigure; to foreshow.

21. (n.) To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.

22. (n.) To embellish.

23. (v. t.) To make a figure; to be distinguished or conspicuous; as, the envoy figured at court.

24. (v. t.) To calculate; to contrive; to scheme; as, he is figuring to secure the nomination.

FIGURE

fig'-ur, fig'-yur (cemel, cemel; tupos):

The translation of cemel, or cemel, "a likeness or image"; perhaps a transposition of tselem, the usual word for likeness; it is elsewhere translated "idol" and "image" (Deuteronomy 4:16, "the similitude of any figure," the Revised Version (British and American) "in the form of any figure"); of tabhnith, "form or likeness" (Isaiah 44:13, "shapeth it (the idol). after the figure of a man"; compare Deuteronomy 4:16); of miqla`ath, "carving," "carved work" (1 Kings 6:29: "And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubim and palm-trees and open flowers, within and without," only here and in 1 Kings 6:32; 1 Kings 7:31 where the word is translated "carving" and "graying"); in the New Testament "figure" is the translation of tupos, primarily "a mark," "print," "impression," "something made by blows," hence, "figure," "statue," tropically "form," "manner"; a person bearing the form or figure of another, having a certain resemblance, preceding another to come, model, exemplar (Acts 7:43), "the figures (images) which ye made to worship them"; Romans 5:14, "who is the figure (Revised Version, "a figure") of him that was to come," that is, the first Adam was a type of the second Adam, Christ; of antitupon, that which corresponds to a type or model (Hebrews 9:24 the King James Version, "Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself"); the meaning is simply the correspondence, or likeness (of the tabernacle to heaven), therefore the Revised Version (British and American) renders "like in pattern to the true" (1 Peter 3:21, "the like figure whereunto (even) baptism doth also now save us," i.e. baptism is the antitype of the ark "wherein. eight souls were saved (or brought safely) through water," Revised Version "which also after a true likeness (m "in the antitype") doth now save you even baptism"); of parabole, "a placing alongside", a "comparison," "similitude," hence, image, figure, type (Hebrews 9:9, "which was a figure for the time then present," the American Standard Revised Version "which is a figure for the time present," the English Revised Version "parable" and "(now) present," namely, the entrance of the high priest into the Holy of Holies was a type of Christ's entrance into heaven; Hebrews 11:19, "from whence (from the dead) also he received him in a figure," i.e. Abraham received Isaac back from the dead as it were, in the likeness of a resurrection, he not being actually dead, the American Standard Revised Version "from whence he did also in a figure receive him back," the English Revised Version "in a parable"); metaschematizo, "to change the form or appearance," "to transfer figuratively" (1 Corinthians 4:6,"These things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos"; the Geneva version reads "I have figuratively described in my own person"). Paul is "substituting himself and Apollos for the teachers most in repute at Corinth that he might thus avoid personality." "Figure" is supplied in Ecclesiasticus 49:9, with en ombro, "He made mention of the enemies under the figure of the rain," the Revised Version (British and American) "He remembered the enemies in storm," margin "(Greek) rain."

The Revised Version (British and American) has "a figure" margin "an interpretation," for "the interpretation" (Proverbs 1:6; the word is melitsah, only here and Habakkuk 2:6, meaning properly what is involved and needs interpretation; in Habakkuk 2:6 it is translated "taunting proverb," the Revised Version, margin "riddle"); "figured stone" for "image of stone" (Leviticus 26:1); "figured stones" for "pictures" (Numbers 33:52).

W. L. Walker

5262. hupodeigma -- a figure, copy, example
... a figure, copy, example. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: hupodeigma
Phonetic Spelling: (hoop-od'-igue-mah) Short Definition: a figure, copy ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5262.htm - 6k

4976. schema -- figure, shape
... figure, shape. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: schema Phonetic Spelling:
(skhay'-mah) Short Definition: fashion, habit, form, appearance Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4976.htm - 7k

5179. tupos -- typically
... typically. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: tupos Phonetic Spelling:
(too'-pos) Short Definition: a figure, model, type Definition: (originally ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5179.htm - 7k

3902. parasemos -- marked amiss, marked at the side, marked with a ...
... Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: parasemos Phonetic Spelling:
(par-as'-ay-mos) Short Definition: marked with Definition: marked with; a figure- ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3902.htm - 6k

3850. parabole -- to expose oneself to danger
... necessarily). [For extensive notes and commentary on Jesus' "Kingdom-parables"
see 932 ().]. comparison, figure, parable, proverb. From ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3850.htm - 7k

1203. despotes -- lord, master
... 1203 (from , "husband") -- properly, an authority figure ("master") who
exercises complete jurisdiction (wields unrestricted power). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1203.htm - 7k

5481. charakter -- a tool for engraving
... From the same as charax; a graver (the tool or the person), ie (by implication)
engraving (("character"), the figure stamped, ie An exact copy or (figuratively ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5481.htm - 7k

4964. suschematizo -- to conform to
... mold). Word Origin from sun and schematizo (to assume a certain form, figure)
Definition to conform to NASB Word Usage conformed (2). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4964.htm - 7k

499. antitupos -- struck back, corresponding to
... representative, counterpart. Neuter of a compound of anti and tupos; corresponding
("antitype"), ie A representative, counterpart -- (like) figure (whereunto). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/499.htm - 7k

2158. euschemon -- comely
... 2158 (an adjective, derived from 2095 , "well, good" and 4976, "outward form, figure")
-- properly, of good form, well-fashioned and hence "seemly" (desirable ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2158.htm - 7k

4906. maskith -- a showpiece, figure, imagination
... 4905b, 4906. maskith. 4907 . a showpiece, figure, imagination. Transliteration:
maskith Phonetic Spelling: (mas-keeth') Short Definition: images. ...
/hebrew/4906.htm - 6k

8403. tabnith -- construction, pattern, figure
... 8402, 8403. tabnith. 8404 . construction, pattern, figure. Transliteration:
tabnith Phonetic Spelling: (tab-neeth') Short Definition: likeness. ...
/hebrew/8403.htm - 6k

8561. timorah -- palm (tree) figure
... 8560, 8561. timorah. 8562 . palm (tree) figure. Transliteration: timorah
Phonetic Spelling: (tim-more') Short Definition: trees. ...
/hebrew/8561.htm - 6k

5566. semel -- an image, statue
... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition an image, statue NASB Word
Usage figure (1), idol (4). figure, idol, image. Or cemel ...
/hebrew/5566.htm - 6k

4734. miqlaath -- carving
... carved figure, carving, graving. From qala'; a sculpture (probably in bas-relief) --
carved (figure), carving, graving. see HEBREW qala'. 4733, 4734. ...
/hebrew/4734.htm - 6k

4426. melitsah -- satire, a mocking poem
... 4425, 4426. melitsah. 4427 . satire, a mocking poem. Transliteration: melitsah
Phonetic Spelling: (mel-ee-tsaw') Short Definition: figure. ...
/hebrew/4426.htm - 6k

1823. demuth -- likeness, similitude
... Word Origin from damah Definition likeness, similitude NASB Word Usage figure (1),
figures like (1), figures resembling (1), form (4), like (4), likeness (8 ...
/hebrew/1823.htm - 6k

8404. Taberah -- "burning," a place in the desert
... Word Origin from baar Definition "burning," a place in the desert NASB Word Usage
Taberah (2). figure, form, likeness, pattern, similitude. ...
/hebrew/8404.htm - 6k

8389. toar -- outline, form
... be drawn, mark out. From ta'ar; outline, ie Figure or appearance -- + beautiful,
X comely, countenance, + fair, X favoured, form, X goodly, X resemble, visage. ...
/hebrew/8389.htm - 6k

6754. tselem -- an image
... From an unused root meaning to shade; a phantom, ie (figuratively) illusion,
resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol -- image, vain shew ...
/hebrew/6754.htm - 6k

The Choice of Gideon was a Figure of Our Lord's Incarnation, The
... Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, on the Holy Spirit. To the Emperor Gratian. Book I. The
choice of Gideon was a figure of our Lord's Incarnation, the. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/the choice of gideon was.htm

Whether the Paschal Lamb was the Chief Figure of this Sacrament?
... OF THE SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST (SIX ARTICLES) Whether the Paschal Lamb
was the chief figure of this sacrament? Objection 1: It ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the paschal lamb was.htm

That the Figure Synecdoche, in which the Part Stands for the Whole ...
... Book VI. Chapter XXIII. That the figure Synecdoche, in which the part stands
for the whole, is very familiar to the Holy Scripture. ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter xxiii that the figure.htm

Joshua was a Figure of Christ.
... Chapter CXIII."Joshua was a figure of Christ. "What I mean is this. Jesus
(Joshua), as I have now frequently remarked, who was ...
/.../chapter cxiii joshua was a figure.htm

Noah is a Figure of Christ, who Has Regenerated us by Water, and ...
... Chapter CXXXVIII."Noah is a figure of Christ, who has regenerated us by
water, and faith, and wood: [ie, the cross.]. "You know ...
/.../chapter cxxxviii noah is a figure.htm

Fragment viii. Under the Figure of Egypt He Described the World...
... Part II."Dogmatical and Historical. Fragment VIII. Under the figure of
Egypt he described the world? Under the figure of Egypt ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/fragment viii under the figure.htm

Let the Doctor Figure to Himself the Gaudy Pageantry of a Divine ...
... Address 77: Let the doctor figure to himself the gaudy pageantry of a
divine high mass in? Let the doctor figure to himself the ...
/.../address 77 0 0 let the doctor.htm

A Natural Figure of Speech must not be Literally Pressed.
... A Treatise on the soul and its origin, Chapter 28."A Natural Figure of
Speech Must Not Be Literally Pressed. He goes on to remark ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 28 a natural figure of.htm

Figure, Image, Truth: Law, Grace, Glory; Man Created Immortal ...
... Discourse IX."Tusiane. Chapter II."Figure, Image, Truth: Law, Grace, Glory;
Man Created Immortal: Death Brought in by Destructive Sin. ...
/.../chapter ii figure image truth law.htm

God's Figure: Simon's Objection Therefrom Refuted.
... Homily XVII. Chapter VIII."God's Figure: Simon's Objection Therefrom Refuted.
"But ... everything? How can He be everywhere if He has figure? ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter viii gods figure simons objection.htm

Figure (19 Occurrences)
... of any form, as by drawing, painting, modeling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially,
a representation of the human body; as, a figure in bronze; a figure...
/f/figure.htm - 19k

Shape (17 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) To form or create; especially, to mold or
make into a particular form; to give proper form or figure to. ...
/s/shape.htm - 14k

Type (12 Occurrences)
... The Greek word tupos is rendered "print" (John 20:25), "figure" (Acts 7:43; Romans
5:14), "fashion" (Acts 7:44), "manner" (Acts 23:25), "form" (Romans 6:17 ...
/t/type.htm - 23k

Outline (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The line which marks the outer limits
of an object or figure; the exterior line or edge; contour. ...
/o/outline.htm - 8k

Wheel (20 Occurrences)
... broken at the cistern" in Ecclesiastes 12:6 is the windlass for drawing the water,
and by the figure the breakdown of the old man's breathing apparatus is ...
/w/wheel.htm - 18k

Fashion (24 Occurrences)
... fashion. 4. (n.) Mode of action; method of conduct; manner; custom; sort;
way. 5. (vt) To form; to give shape or figure to; to mold. 6 ...
/f/fashion.htm - 21k

Lake (45 Occurrences)
... When the same is affirmed of death and Hades (20:14), it is doubtful whether this
is meant as a mere figure for the cessation of these two evils personified ...
/l/lake.htm - 24k

Figurative (20 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Representing by a figure, or by resemblance; typical;
representative. ... See Figure, n., 2. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/f/figurative.htm - 12k

Ring (33 Occurrences)
... 16. (n.) A circular group of persons. 17. (n.) The plane figure included
between the circumferences of two concentric circles. 18. ...
/r/ring.htm - 24k

Eagle (27 Occurrences)
... of the genera Aquila and Haliaeetus. The eagle is remarkable for strength, size,
graceful figure, keenness of vision, and extraordinary flight. ...
/e/eagle.htm - 28k

Why is wisdom referred to as a she in Proverbs? | GotQuestions.org

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Figure: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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