Bible Lexicons

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

Negatio; or Negation

Spontaneous Negation

Negation is used in a similar way as a Figure, when it is a denying of that which has not been affirmed: i.e., when, instead of merely making a statement, it is put in the form of a denial.

Paul uses it in Galatians 2:5, "To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour." (See Synecdoche).

When the negation is very important, the negative is repeated, or combined with another negative to increase its emphasis. See Repeated Negation.