Definition: Antiphonality refers to a specific type of antithesis or contrast in language where opposite ideas are presented together as one, leading to an odd effect of dissonance. In the Bible, this term occurs in connection with the idea of antiphony in a text's form or meaning:
- Antiphonic: A text that presents a contradictory idea (opposite) without contradiction (complacency).
- Word "antiphon" appears 26 times in the Bible; it can also mean "the opposite." In the context of the Hebrew and Greek languages, it often refers to a word with its meaning reversed.
For example, the antiphonic phrase "an antipode" in Genesis 1:19 translates as, "the opposite of the land," which is a parallelism between two opposites (land vs sea). This metaphorical form suggests that there exists an equal opposite between something and its opposite, or that both sides are at odds with one another.
Antiphonality may also be used in theological contexts to emphasize the significance of God's attributes; for example, in the phrase "the antithesis of the ark," it implies the contrast between God's power and His being. This metaphorical form suggests a tension between two opposing forces within the divine realm:
- The concept of antiphonality is not confined to the Hebrew or Greek languages as well - it can also be found in the Latin, Arabic, and Syriac translations of the Bible.
In summary, "antipode" refers to opposite ideas that lead to an odd effect of dissonance. This term was used by God's prophets to emphasize His attributes and contrast them with opposing forces.
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