Bible Lexicons

Bullinger's Figures of Speech Used in the BibleBullinger's Figures of Speech

Amphidiorthosis; or Double Correction

A setting both Hearer and Speaker right by a Correction which acts both ways

Am´-phi-di-or-thô´-sis. From ἀμφί (amphi), about, on both sides, διά (dia), through, and ἀρθοῦν (orthoun), to set straight (from ἀρθός (orthos), straight).

The figure is so called because, like the former Figure, Epanorthosis, it is a recalling or correction of what has been said, yet not merely with reference to the meaning of the speaker, but also as to the feeling of the hearer. So that the correction is on both sides. When this, or rather a similar figure, is used in Argumentation, it is called Prodiorthosis; and in Prodiorthosis it is not so much are calling, so that there may be no shock at all (as in Amphidiorthosis), but a preparing for a shock that does actually come.

Some have confounded these two figures, but this is the distinction between them.

1 Kings 14:14.-"… that day: but what? even now"; as if the prophet meant (being led of the Spirit) to say, first, "that day"; and then to add shock upon shock by going on, "But what am I saying? ‘that day?’ even now."

See also under Ellipsis and Aposiopesis.

1 Corinthians 11:22.-"What am I to say to you? Commend you herein? No, indeed."