Bible Lexicons

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

Metastasis; or Counter-Blame

A transferring of the Blame from one’s self to another

Me-tas´-ta-sis. Greek, μετάστασις, from μετά (meta), beyond, over, and στάσις, a standing or placing (from ἱστάναι (histanai), to put or place).

Hence, Metastasis means a placing beyond: i.e., a transferring.

Hence called by the Latins TRANSLATIO, a translating.

The Figure is so called because it is a transferring of blame from one person or thing to another.

Elijah used the figure in his answer to Ahab in

1 Kings 18:17-18.-"When Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house," etc.

2 Kings 9:19.-"Is it peace?… What hast thou to do with peace?" This is also the Figure Anteisagoge (q.v. [Note: Which see.] ).

Romans 7:14.-"We know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin."