Figurative Language in the Book of Proverbs of the Holy Bible: A Semantic Analysis

RICHARD SIAHAYA. Figurative Language in the Book of Proverbs of the Holy Bible: A Semantic Analysis (supervised by Simon Sitoto dan Karmila Mokoginta).
This research aims to (1) identify the types of figurative language found in the Book of Proverbs, and (2) analyze the meanings of the figurative language. The study used two types of research methods, qualitative research method for analyzing the data and quantitative research method to obtain the data. The data were obtained from the Holy Bible and the analysis was supported with explanation from a pastor to obtain the intended meaning of each data. The types of figurative language were identified based on the theory of James R. Hurford et al (1983), Kennedy (1979), Knickerbocker & Renninger (1974), Lakoff & Johnson (1980), and Perrine (1969). The data included 16 of Metaphor (36%), 10 of Symbol (23%), 6 of Metonymy (14%), 3 of Synecdoche (7%), 2 of Hyperbole (5%), 1 of Simile (2%), 1 of Personification (2%), 1 of Allusion (2%), 1 of Irony (2%), 1 of Paradox (2%), 1 of Imagery (2%) and 1 of Idiom (2%). The findings of the research indicate that the most frequently occurring data are metaphor and symbol. In conclusion, the data presents a virtuous woman as a model for all to aspire to which emphasizes the importance of character, hard work, and faith in achieving a fulfilling and impactful life.