Bible Lexicons

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

Parenthesis

Parenthetic Addition, by way of Explanation: Complete in Itself

Pa-ren´-the-sis, παρένθεσις, from παρα (para), beside, and ἐντιθέναι (entithenai), to put or place in.

The figure is used when a word or sentence is inserted which is necessary to explain the context. As to grammar, the context is complete without it, but not as to clearness and sense.

A true Parenthesis is not complete without the context. When it is, it is called Parembole. (See below.)

Parentheses are for the most part indicated; but there are others which are not marked.

Hebrews 2:9.-"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels

(for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honour);
that He, by the grace of God, should taste death for every* [Note: I.e., without distinction, not without exception.] man."

This shows that the Lord was made a little lower than the angels in order that He might die. And that he was crowned with glory and honour on account of His sufferings.† [Note: See Christ’s Prophetic Teaching, by the same author and publisher.]

2 Peter 1:19.-"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed (as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise) in your hearts."

Here, it is clear that there must be a parenthesis, for it is prophecy that is the light that shines, and Christ and His appearing are the Day-star and the Day-dawn. Surely, the meaning cannot be that we are exhorted to take heed to the prophetic word until Christ is revealed in our hearts! No; but we are to take heed in our hearts to this prophetic word, until the fulfilment comes in the appearing of Christ-the rising of Him who is called "the Morning Star." See under Ellipsis, page 92.

When the interposed sentence is thrown in by way of remark, it is called