An image which suggests similarities between two different ideas, without implying that they are identical. Scripture uses metaphors extensively, as a way of illustrating aspects of its teaching.
Examples of metaphors for God
Father
Deuteronomy 32:6; Isaiah 64:8; Malachi 2:10; Ephesians 4:6
Rock
Deuteronomy 32:4 See also 1 Samuel 2:2; 2 Samuel 22:2; Psalm 62:2, Psalm 78:35
He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He.
Shepherd
Psalm 23:1 See also Psalm 28:9, Psalm 80:1; Ezekiel 34:11–16
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Examples of metaphors for Jesus Christ
Bread of life
Good shepherd
Light of the world
Examples of metaphors for the Holy Spirit
Counsellor
John 14:16, John 14:26, John 15:26, John 16:7
Breath
Genesis 2:7; Job 32:8, Job 33:4, Job 34:14
Wind
Examples of metaphors for the church
Bride
Revelation 19:7, Revelation 21:2–9, Revelation 22:17
Household of God
Ephesians 2:19; 1 Timothy 3:15
Body of Christ
Romans 12:4; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27; Ephesians 1:22–23; Colossians 1:24
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.