The Old Testament often uses human-like language to talk about God. It describes God with body parts like eyes, hands, and feet, and attributes human actions and emotions to Him. Terms like “father,” “husband,” and “mother” are also used to show the relationship between God and humans. This way of speaking helps God communicate in a way that humans can understand, going beyond human language limitations. The ultimate example of this is seen in Jesus, showing how divine revelation goes beyond human understanding.
The word “anthropomorphism” means giving human traits to things that aren’t human. When we talk about God, this happens because we want to understand and talk about a being that is beyond our understanding. We do this by using familiar human ideas and experiences. This way, we can understand and relate to God. Jesus Christ is the perfect image of God, and through Him, we can understand and connect with God.
Scriptural references such as “…Christ, is seated at the right hand of God” (i.e. Col. 3:1b) symbolize Christ’s authority, place of honor, and equality with the Father. It is crucial to acknowledge that these references employ human, physical terms to convey the nature of an eternal, spiritual, and holy God. They serve as metaphors and analogies, providing insight into the divine but not offering exhaustive descriptions. So please, when we get to heaven, it would be wrong to expect to see an ‘older man’ and a ‘young man’ sitting on a large chair with a dove flying around them. The only way to communicate deity to fallen humanity is to use human language.
Therefore, when reading the Bible, it is important to approach such language with an understanding of its purpose: to bridge the gap between the infinite and the finite, the divine and the human. While these descriptions facilitate our comprehension of the divine, it is essential to recognize their symbolic nature and avoid literal interpretation. Ultimately, the use of anthropomorphic language allows for a relational understanding of God, providing a framework through which humanity can relate to and comprehend the divine.
References:
- G. B. Caird, The Language and Imagery of the Bible, chapter 10, “Anthropomorphism”
- The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, pp. 152-154
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