{"id":2084,"date":"2014-07-10T16:59:40","date_gmt":"2014-07-10T21:59:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/figuresofspeechinthebible.net\/?page_id=2084"},"modified":"2022-11-01T21:07:17","modified_gmt":"2022-11-02T01:07:17","slug":"ellipsis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/figuresofspeechinthebible.net\/?page_id=2084","title":{"rendered":"Ellipsis"},"content":{"rendered":"

.<\/span>El-lip’-sis<\/i>. This is the Greek word \u1f14\u03bb\u03bb\u03b5\u03b9\u03c8\u03b9\u03c2, a leaving in<\/i>, from \u1f10\u03bd (en<\/i>) in, and \u03bb\u03b5\u03af\u03c0\u03b5\u03b9\u03bd (leipein<\/i>) to leave<\/i>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The figure is so called, because some gap is left in<\/i> the sentence, which means that a word or words are left out<\/i> or omitted<\/i>. The English name of the figure would therefore be Omission<\/i>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The figure is a peculiar form given to a passage when a word or words are omitted; words which are necessary for the grammar, but are not necessary for the sense.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The laws of geometry declare that there must be at least three straight lines to enclose a space. So the laws of syntax declare that there must be at least three words to make complete sense, or the simplest complete sentence. These three words are variously named by grammarians. In the sentence \u201cThy word is truth,\u201d \u201cThy word\u201d is the subject spoken of, \u201ctruth\u201d is what is said of it (the predicate), and the verb \u201cis\u201d (the copula) connects it.
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

But any of these three may be dispensed with; and this law of syntax may be legitimately broken by Ellipsis<\/em>.
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The omission arises not from want of thought, or lack of care, or from accident,
\nbut from design, in order that we may not stop to think of, or lay stress on, the word omitted, but may dwell on the other words which are thus emphasised by the omission. For instance, in Matt. 14:19, we read that the Lord Jesus \u201cgave the loaves
\nto His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

There is no sense in the latter sentence, which is incomplete, \u201cthe disciples to the multitude,\u201d because there is no verb. The verb \u201cgave\u201d is omitted by the figure of Ellipsis<\/em> for some purpose. If we read the last sentence as it stands, it reads as though Jesus<\/i> gave the disciples to the multitude<\/i>!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This at once serves to arrest our attention; it causes us to note the figure employed;
\nwe observe the emphasis; we learn the intended lesson. What is it? Why, this; we are asked to dwell on the fact that the disciples gave the bread, but only instrumentally, not really. The Lord Jesus Himself was the alone Giver of that bread. Our thoughts
\nare thus, at once, centered on Him and not on the disciples.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

These Ellipses<\/em> are variously dealt with in the English Versions,
\n(both Authorized and Revised). In many cases they are correctly supplied by italics<\/i>.
\nIn some cases the sentences are very erroneously completed. Sometimes an Ellipsis<\/em>
\nin the Text is not seen, and therefore is not taken into account in the Translation. Sometimes an Ellipsis<\/em> <\/i>is imagined and supplied where none really exists in the original. Where an Ellipsis<\/em> is wrongly supplied, or not supplied at all, the words of the Text have to be very freely translated in order to make sense, and their literal meaning is sometimes widely departed from.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

But on the other hand, where we correctly supply the Ellipsis<\/em> (one word, it may be)
\nit at once enables us to take all the other words of the passage in their literal signification. This is in itself an enormous gain, to say nothing of the wonderful light that may be thus thrown upon the Scripture.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

These Ellipses<\/em> must not be arbitrarily supplied according to our own individual views; we are not at liberty to insert any words, according to our own fancies: but they are all scientifically arranged and classified, and each must therefore be filled up, according
\nto definite principles which are well ascertained, and in obedience to laws which are carefully laid down.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Ellipsis<\/strong> is of three kinds: <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Absolute<\/i> <\/strong>Ellipsis<\/a>,<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Relative<\/i> <\/strong>Ellipsis<\/a>, and the<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Ellipsis of Repetition<\/strong><\/i><\/a>:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

.<\/span>
\n\u2026..A. Absolute<\/i><\/a>, where the omitted word or words are to be supplied from\u00a0
\n………\u00a0 <\/span><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>the <\/i><\/span><\/span>nature of the subject<\/i> alone.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

.<\/span>
\n \u2026..B. Relative<\/i><\/a>, where the omitted word or words are to be supplied from,
\n………\u00a0 and are <\/span><\/span>suggested by the context<\/i>.
\n.<\/span>
\n \u2026. .<\/span>C. The Ellipsis<\/em> of Repetition<\/i><\/a>, where the omitted word or words are to be
\n……….<\/span>supplied by repeating them\u00a0from a clause which precedes or follows.
\n.<\/span>
\nThese three great divisions may be further set forth as follows\u2014
\n.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

..A. Absolute Ellipsis<\/b><\/a>, where the omitted word or words are to be supplied
\n.<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0from the nature<\/i> of the subject.
\n.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

. .I. Nouns and Pronouns.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

. ….1. The Nominative<\/a>. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

. ….2. The Accusative<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

.<\/span> ….3. Pronouns<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

….. 4. Other connected words<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

.<\/span>
\n…<\/span>II. Verbs and Participles: <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

…… <\/span><\/span>1. When the verb finite<\/a> is wanting:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

……….<\/span> (a) especially the verb to say<\/i><\/a>,<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

……<\/span> 2. When the verb infinitive<\/a> is wanting:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

……….<\/span> (a) after \u05d9\u05b8\u05db\u05b9\u05dc<\/span><\/span> (H3201<\/a>); <\/span><\/span>to be able<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0(H2999<\/a>),<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

……….<\/span> (b) after the verb to finish<\/a>.<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

……….<\/span> (c) after another verb<\/a>, personal or impersonal.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

……<\/span> 3. When the verb substantive<\/a> is wanting.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

……<\/span> 4. When the participle<\/a> is wanting.
\n.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

.<\/span>III. Certain Connected Words<\/a> in the same member of a passage.
\n.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

.<\/span>IV. A Whole Clause<\/a> in a connected passage: <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

……. <\/span>1. The first clause.
\n<\/span><\/span>…… .<\/span>2. The latter clause or Apodosis (Anantapodoton<\/a>).
\n…….<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a03. A Comparison<\/a>.
\n.<\/span>
\n ..<\/span>B. Relative Ellipsis<\/a>:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

.. <\/span>I. Where the omitted word is to be supplied from a Cognate Word<\/a> in the context.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

……..<\/span>1. The noun from the verb.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

……..<\/span>2. The verb from the noun.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

.<\/span> <\/span>II. Where the omitted word is to be supplied from a Contrary Word<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

.<\/span>III. Where the omitted word is to be supplied from Analogous or Related Words<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

.<\/span>IV. Where the omitted word is Contained in Another Word<\/a>:
\n……..<\/span>the one word comprising the two significations \u2014
\n………<\/span>(Concisa Locutio<\/i>, Syntheton<\/i> or Compositio<\/i>, Constructio<\/i> Pr<\/i>\u00e6<\/i>gnans<\/i>).<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


\n..<\/span>C. Ellipsis of Repetition<\/a>:<\/b>
\n.<\/span>
\n..<\/span>I. Simple<\/a>: where the Ellipsis is to be supplied from a preceding or succeeding clause.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

……..<\/span>1. From a preceding clause.
\n.<\/span>
\n…………\u00a0 \u00a0(<\/span><\/span>a) Nouns and Pronouns<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

……….. <\/span>(b) Verbs<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

……….. <\/span>(c) Particles<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

……………. <\/span>(i<\/em>.) Negatives.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

.<\/span> ……………<\/span><\/span>(ii<\/em>.) Interrogatives.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

……….. <\/span>(d) Preceding\u00a0Connected Words<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

……..<\/span>2. From a Succeeding Clause<\/a>.
\n.<\/span>
\n..<\/span>II. Complex<\/a>: where the two clauses are mutually involved, and the Ellipsis<\/em> in the former clause is to be supplied from the latter, and at the same time an Ellipsis<\/em> in the latter clause is to be supplied from the former.
\n(Called also Semiduplex Oratio<\/i>).<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

……. <\/span>1. Single words.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

……. <\/span>2. Sentences.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

………..<\/span>
\n ..<\/span>A. Absolute Ellipsis<\/b>:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

.<\/span>That is, the omission of words or terms which must be supplied only from the nature of the subject. The omitted word may be a noun, adjective, pronoun, verb, participle, adverb, preposition.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

. <\/span>I. The Omission of Nouns and Pronouns.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

……. <\/span><\/span>1. The Omission of the Nominative.<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n


\n.<\/span>
\nGen. 14:19, 20 <\/span>\u2014Melchizedek said to Abram, \u201cBlessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thine hand. And he [Abram<\/i>] gave him tithes of all.\u201d
\n.<\/span>
\nFrom the context, as well as from Heb. 7:4<\/a> <\/span>, it is clear that it was Abram who gave the tithes to Melchizedek, and not Melchizedek to Abram.
\n.<\/span>
\nGen. 39:6 \u2014\u201cAnd he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person<\/i>, and well favoured.\u201d
\n.<\/span>
\nHere it is not at all clear which it was of the two who \u201cknew not ought he had.\u201d
\nIf we understand Potiphar, it is difficult to see how he only knew the bread he ate:
\nor if Joseph, it is difficult to understand how he knew not ought he had.
\nIf the Ellipsis<\/em>, however, is rightly supplied, it makes it all clear.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

(Continued<\/a>)<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

From \u201cFigures Of Speech Used In The Bible<\/u><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>\u201d by E. W. Bullinger,
\n(Public Domain) beginning at page 1. Adapted for website compatibility.
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span>See original at link.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Stream<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Download<\/a><\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


\n.<\/span>
\n .<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

figuresofspeechinthebible.net \u00a9<\/span> 2013-2022. All rights reserved. Material in public domain may be freely copied and distributed without charge for educational, non-commercial purposes. This website, and those referenced by this site as sources of public domain material, are to be referenced. Material that is not in public domain,
\nand indicated as such, is the property of its rightful owner(s), and\/or originator.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

.El-lip’-sis. This is the Greek word \u1f14\u03bb\u03bb\u03b5\u03b9\u03c8\u03b9\u03c2, a leaving in, from \u1f10\u03bd (en) in, and \u03bb\u03b5\u03af\u03c0\u03b5\u03b9\u03bd (leipein) to leave. The figure is so called, because some gap is left in the sentence, which means that a word or words are left out or omitted. The English name of the figure […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":349,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2084","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/figuresofspeechinthebible.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2084","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/figuresofspeechinthebible.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/figuresofspeechinthebible.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/figuresofspeechinthebible.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/figuresofspeechinthebible.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2084"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/figuresofspeechinthebible.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2084\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16309,"href":"https:\/\/figuresofspeechinthebible.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2084\/revisions\/16309"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/figuresofspeechinthebible.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/349"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/figuresofspeechinthebible.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2084"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}