Similitude

/sih-MIL-ih-tood/

Summary

A form of comparison in teaching, including metaphor, allegory, and parable—used by prophets to communicate divine truth through recognizable images.

☩Definition

Similitude refers to forms of speech involving comparison—from simple metaphor to extended allegories and parables. God spoke to Moses not in 'dark speeches' but revealed His 'similitude' directly. Hosea declares that God 'used similitudes by the ministry of the prophets'—teaching spiritual truths through earthly comparisons.

Key verses:Numbers 12:8Hosea 12:10

☩Forms of Similitude

The allegory presents one thing to excite representation of another, having both immediate and ultimate meanings. The parable differs from fable by excluding unnatural speaking animals and having higher ethical significance; it differs from allegory in requiring interpretation rather than being self-evident. All true similitudes draw on physical resemblances to reveal spiritual truths.

Key verses:Galatians 4:242 Chronicles 4:3Daniel 10:16

Related Verses12 mentions

Deuteronomy· 3 verses

Psalms· 2 verses

Hosea· 1 verse

Romans· 1 verse

References

1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Similitude," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
2.James Orr (ed.), "Similitude," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
3.George Morrish, "Similitude," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
4.John McClintock and James Strong, "Similitude," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
5.John McClintock and James Strong, "Similitude," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
6.George Morrish, "Similitude," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).