Bible Lexicons

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

Ampliatio; or Adjournment: Ie an Old Name for a New Thing

A retaining of an old Name after the reason for it is passed away

Am´-pli-a´-ti-o is a figure discovered and named by the Latins. It is from am´-pli-o, to fill out, extend; hence, its more special and technical sense, to adjourn: i.e., to extend the time. So that Ampliatio means an adjournment: and the name is given to this figure, because a name or epithet is used of a subject either (1) before it has acquired the reason for giving the name, or (2) after the reason has ceased.

In the latter case "the wolf" is still spoken of as the wolf in Millennial days, when its wolf’s nature has been changed (Isaiah 11:6): and in the former the Saviour is so called by the angels while still an infant (Luke 2:11). This use of the figure is of the nature of Prolepsis (q.v. [Note: Which see.] ).

Ampliatio thus differs from Amplificatio (q.v. [Note: Which see.] ), though the two words are from the same root. The former has reference to a change which has taken place; while in Amplificatio the sense of a word or expression is made wider and expanded by a repetition of the words in another form, in order to enlarge a narrative, and to heighten or intensify what has already been said.

Ampliatio is thus a form of Epitheton (q.v. [Note: Which see.] ). The original meaning of the figure is what is called permansive: i.e., the name lives through the change which has taken place, and is still used, though in a new sense.

There is a form of Prolepsis which is distinguished from Ampliatio, (as opposed to Occupatio), but only as to time. It is a statement of future things as though present, the real interpretation of them being adjourned.

See under Prolepsis § 4 and § 6 of the last subdivision of Figures involving Change.

Genesis 2:23.-"This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh."

Though the bone and flesh of Adam were changed and made into Eve, yet the name of the original source, "bone," etc., is retained.

Exodus 7:12.-The rod of Aaron, when changed into a serpent, is still called "a rod" by way of Ampliatio.

Isaiah 11:6.-The term "wolf" is used, by Ampliatio, of the animal in Millennial days, though his nature will have then been so changed that he shall dwell with the lamb, which formerly he devoured, and be no more really a wolf.

Amos 6:8.-"I abhor the excellency of Jacob": i.e., that which was once so called, but was no longer worthy of the name, if this were the Temple, it is so called by Ampliatio.

Matthew 10:3.-"Matthew the Publican" is still so called, though he had ceased to be a publicanus, or tax-farmer: i.e., "Matthew, Who had formerly been a publican."

See Epitheton.

Matthew 11:5.-The blind are said to see, and the lame to walk after they are restored. Thus, by the figure Ampliatio, the Epithet still clings to them.

Matthew 26:6.-"Simon the leper" is so called after he was healed. The Epithet still clings to him.

Luke 2:11.-"Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour." He is so called proleptically, by way of Ampliatio. His saving work, which gives Him this title, had then yet to be accomplished.

John 9:17.-The Epithet "blind man" is still used of the man after his sight was restored. Compare verses 13 and 24.

John 10:16.-"Other sheep I have." They are so called, though they were not yet in existence, except in the purpose of the Father.

Romans 4:5.-"The ungodly" is so called after he is justified. The Epithet is still used by way of Ampliatio.

1 Corinthians 15:5.-"The twelve" are so-called after Judas’s death, by way of Ampliatio, because they were formerly twelve: although there were only eleven after, until Matthias was appointed.

2 Corinthians 4:3.-"The perishing" are those who shall hereafter be destroyed, and who were then or are now on their way to destruction.

Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25.-Rahab is still called "the harlot." The term remains as an Epithet. But see under Catachresis.