Bible Lexicons

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

Metabasis; or Transition

A passing from one subject to another

Me-tab´-a-sis. Greek, μετάβασις, from μετά (meta), beyond or over, and βαίνειν (bainein), to step or go, a stepping from one thing to another.

Hence, called by the Latins, TRANSITIO, transition, and INTERFACTIO, a doing or putting a thing in between, as in passing from one thing to another.

The figure is used when the speaker or writer passes from one thing to another by reminding his hearers or readers of what has been said, and only hinting at what might be said, or remains to be said.

Sometimes, however, it is used of an abrupt transition.

1 Corinthians 11:16-17.-In verse 16, Paul only hints at the contentions of others; and then passes on, in verse 17 to the subject of the Lord’s Supper.

1 Corinthians 12:31.-Having hinted at the best spiritual gifts, Paul suddenly makes the transition to one which is more excellent than all: viz., Divine love, which becomes the subject of chapter xiii.

1 Corinthians 15:1-58 -The apostle hints at the subject matter of his former preaching among the Corinthians; but, in verse 12, he passes on to discuss the great subject of the resurrection of the dead.

Hebrews 6:1-3.-In verse 1, the "first principles" are mentioned; and, these having been briefly hinted at, the transition is at once made to the subject in hand.