What is the literary device of emblematic parallelism used in Hebrew poetry?

from the old testament

• Proverbs 25:11 uses emblematic parallelism to convey that words have the power to build up or tear down: "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver”
• In Proverbs 27:17, the emblem is iron, which becomes stronger and more useful when sharpened with another iron. This is compared to a person who becomes stronger and more useful when in a relationship with a friend: "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
• Proverbs 27:19 is another example of emblematic parallelism: "As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man." Just as water provides a reflection of our physical appearance, our heart reflects our true character. Regular self-examination is essential for spiritual growth.
• The psalmist writes, "As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God" (Psalm 42:1). Just as the deer instinctively seeks water, our souls are created to long for God. This longing is a natural part of our spiritual makeup and should be nurtured. Only God can quench our deepest spiritual thirst.

from the new testament

• While emblematic parallelism is associated with Hebrew poetry, similar figurative comparisons are in the prose writings of the New Testament. After the apostle Paul discusses the different spiritual gifts believers have, he writes in 1 Corinthians 12:12, “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” Despite whatever differences we may have, we are one in Christ.
• Jesus compares His followers to the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” and then says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:13, 14, 16).

implications for today

The Greek philosopher Aristotle is credited with saying that metaphors are a sign of genius. That’s probably because such comparisons combine the beauty of figurative language while clarifying meaning. It’s really no surprise then, that such beauty and profundity would be part of God’s Word. The books of the Bible convey the truth cohesively, using different genres and figures of speech, including emblematic parallelism.

A simple simile or metaphor fosters a deeper comprehension of the truth God has revealed to us, resulting in worship, repentance, or greater faith. It’s also encouraging to think about God’s love for us in how He presented His Word: He could have conveyed the truth in the plainest of ways, but he conveyed it in beautiful poetry and prose that appeals to the heart as well as the mind.

Because biblical poetry is preserved accurately and consistently in ancient manuscripts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, readers can trust that such poetic parallels convey the intended meaning.