A simile is a comparison of two things that are not normally thought to be similar. One is said to be "like" the other. It focuses on a particular trait the two items have in common, and it includes the words "like," "as" or "than."
### Description
A simile is a comparison of two things that are not normally thought to be similar. It focuses on a particular trait the two items have in common, and it includes the words "like," "as" or "than."
>When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were worried and confused, because they were <u>like sheep without a shepherd</u>. (Matthew 9:36)
Jesus compared the crowds of people to sheep without a shepherd. Sheep grow frightened when they do not have a good shepherd to lead them in safe places. The crowds were like that because they did not have good religious leaders.
>See, I send you out <u>as sheep in the midst of wolves</u>, so be as wise <u>as serpents</u> and harmless <u>as doves</u>. (Matthew 10:16 ULB)
Jesus compared his disciples to sheep and their enemies to wolves. Wolves attack sheep. Jesus' enemies would attack his disciples.
>For the word of God is living and active and sharper <u>than any two-edged sword</u>. (Hebrews 4:12 ULB)
God's word is compared to a two-edged sword. A two-edged sword is a weapon that can easily cut through a person's flesh. God's word is very effective in showing what is in a person's heart and thoughts.
>for <u>as the lightning appears when it flashes from one part of the sky to another part of the sky</u>, so will the Son of Man be in his day. (Luke 17:24 ULB)
This verse does not tell how the Son of Man will be like the lightning. But from the context we can understand from the verses before it that just as lighting flashes suddenly and everyone can see it, the Son of Man will come suddenly and everyone will be able to see him. No one will have to be told about it.
### Translation Strategies
If people would understand the correct meaning of a simile, consider using it. If they would not, here are some strategies you can use:
1. If people do not know how the two items are alike, tell how they are alike. However, do not do this if the meaning was not clear to the original audience.
1. If people are not familiar with the item that something is compared to, use an item from your own culture. Be sure that it is one that could have been used in the cultures of the Bible.
1. If people do not know how the two items are alike, tell how they are alike. However, do not do this if the meaning was not clear to the original audience.
* **See, I send you out <u>as sheep in the midst of wolves</u>** (Matthew 10:16 ULB) - This compares the danger that Jesus' disciples would be in with the danger that sheep are in when they are surrounded by wolves.
* See, I send <u>you out among wicked people</u> and you will be in danger from them <u>as sheep are in danger when they are among wolves</u>.
1. If people are not familiar with the item that something is compared to, use an item from your own culture. Be sure that it is one that could have been used in the cultures of the Bible.
* **See, I send you out <u>as sheep in the midst of wolves</u>,** (Matthew 10:16 ULB) - If people do not know what sheep and wolves are, or that wolves kill and eat sheep, you could use some other animal that kills another.
* See, I send you out <u>as chickens in the midst of wild dogs</u>,
* **How often did I long to gather your children together, just <u>as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings</u>, but you did not agree!** (Matthew 23:37 ULB)
* **How often did I long to gather your children together, just <u>as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings</u>, but you did not agree!** (Matthew 23:37 ULB)
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