Bible Lexicons

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

Enantiosis; or Contraries

Affirmation or Negation by Contraries

E-nan-ti-oô´-sis. Greek, ἐναντίωσις, from ἐναντίος (enantios), opposite. The figure Antithesis is called Enantiosis when the contrast is expressed by affirmatives and negatives. What is stated affirmatively is meant negatively, or vice versa. When it is stated both ways, it is a kind of Pleonasm (q.v. [Note: Which see.] ). The difference being that Pleonasm refers to any statement, while Enantiosis refers to affirmation by contraries.

Psalms 1:1.-We have here a beautiful series of affirmation by contraries.

Isaiah 45:22.-"I am God, and there is none else."

Luke 7:44-46.-The difference between reality and formality is beautifully shown by a series of contrasts which are affirmatives by contraries.

Romans 8:15.-"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the spirit of adoption (or a sonship-spirit), whereby we cry, "Abba, Father."

Philippians 3:9.-"And be found in him (Christ), not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that [righteousness] which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith." See under Synecdoche.