[Greek] ὑπερβολή (hyperbolē), [Latin] supra, [Latin] excelentoriem, [Latin] sublimitas, [Latin] magnitudo: a throwing beyond, excess, excellence, superiority, abundance, exceeding, extraordinary amount, a surpassing, exaggeration, beyond measure, all surpassing; Rom.7:13, 1Cor.12:31, 2Cor.1:8, 2Cor.4:7,17, 2Cor.12:7, Gal.1:13
Ancient Greco-Roman masks showing exaggerated and outlandish expressions
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means excess, supreme, and extreme. The Greek tragedy was a very popular literary art form which often shed light on the human condition. A hyperbole was a literary device used by tragedians (playwrights) to illustrate a tragic situation. Aeschylus’ Agamemnon 659 states, “the Aegean sea was blossoming with corpses.” Aeschylus’ Choephoroi 505 states, “children as corks that hold up a net (in the water).” Euripides’ Hippolytus 936 states, “What limit can be set to the boldness and brazenness. It if it grows still, the gods will have to add another earth to our world to hold the criminal and vile.”
Old Testament: This term occurs infrequently conveying the basic sense of going beyond and above all things. This term, as a noun, appears only once in the Old Testament. The verb form occurs more frequently, having the sense of exceeding , surpassing, and going beyond . This term is illustrated by immeasurable pains, surpassing fear of the Lord, outbidding someone, reaching a high level, excessive cruelties, and exceedingly great fear. Philo makes reference to man’s exceeding wickedness, man’s most grievous life, most affectionate fathers, God’s superabundant blessings, God’s surpassing power, and God’s overflowing riches (and goodness). It can overthrow bodily agonies even when they are extreme (4Macc.3:18). Fear of the Lord surpasses all else (Sir.25:11). He flattered the king with such an air that he secured the high priesthood by himself, outbidding Jason (2Macc.4:24). The craze for Hellenism and foreign customs reached such a pitch (2Macc.4:13). Enough had been said about the sacrificial meals and the excessive cruelties (2Macc.7:42). Both friends and bodyguards, fearing that he would lose his life, quickly dragged him out, panic-stricken in their exceedingly great fear (3Macc.2:23).
New Testament: This term, occurring only in Paul’s letters, also conveys the sense of extra-ordinary, all-surpassing, and beyond measure. In the book of Romans, Paul states that sin becomes more sinful (magnified) under the Law. In the book of Corinthians, Paul states that this affliction (persecution) and being weighed down beyond our strength for the sake of Christ will produce a weight of glory beyond comparison. The Christian path calls for one to strive for the greatest spiritual gifts. As earthen vessels, man holds inside himself this surpassing power (grace) form God. Paul also relates his former way of life in Judaism as a zealous Pharisee. Paul persecuted the church of God beyond measure.
Scripture:
“Sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin, worked death in me through the good, so that sin might by sinful beyond measure through the commandment.” Rom.7:13
The Law encourages sin to expose itself in hopefully allowing one to experience God’s grace. Otherwise, too much dependence on the Law will not allow one to overcome this sin.
“Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts. But I shall show you a still more excellent way.” 1Cor.12:31
Paul describes the Christian way as a much superior path in life.
“For you heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of Go beyond measure and tried to destroyed it.” Gal. 1:13
Paul acknowledges his zeal and effectiveness in persecuting the Christians. Paul actually thought he was being faithful in his Jewish faith.
Hyperbole: Essentially a rhetorical device or literary figure of speech, a hyperbole evokes and creates strong feelings. A hyperbole can also be considered as a metaphor or simile. In theory, this device is usually not meant to be taken literally. A hyperbole may also be used in situations for emphasis or effect. Understanding a hyperbole, in the current context, helps one to understand the message sent by the speaker. Hyperbole can be used in the form of humor, excitement, distress, or other emotions, all depending on the context in which the speaker uses it. Essentially, this idea means “throwing beyond” or even “going over the top”.
Conclusion:
Hyperbole, hyperbolic, hyperbola, super, excellent, sublime, magnitude
Since the beginning of the stage, performers have often worn masks. These masks often have exaggerated or outlandish expressions, illustrating and identifying the characters. The actor, underneath the mask, is playing a part. Interestingly, a hypocrite is also one who hides under a mask (persona). The playwright often uses hyperbole for purposes of social commentary or for comedic effect.
In the Old Testament, this term is used to convey the sense of going beyond (both good and bad) in a conventional sense. God’s goodness and abundance and man’s sinfulness and wickedness were often illustrated.
However, in the New Testament, the going beyond of sin and persecution can lead to good with God’s grace. A sinful person, open to God’s grace, can be redeemed by God. Paul is a perfect illustration. The spiritual blessings (grace) can often exceed the struggles and difficulties. Often at times, the Pharisees, Sadduccees, and scribes were hypocrites, like actors playing a part. They say one thing but do another.
On a personal note, while I do not wear a mask, I try to take you back in time through history with these posts. Instead, I try to be that fly on the wall, and that is not an exaggeration!