Assonance in new testament
Assonance is a literary device in which words with the same vowel sound are repeated in close proximity to each other. In the New Testament, assonance is used to create a musical quality, add emphasis, and convey meaning. Here are some examples:
- Matthew 5:3-12 - "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth..." (KJV)
In this passage, the repetition of the "e" sound in "blessed are" creates an assonant effect, emphasizing the theme of blessing and comfort.
- Luke 2:14 - "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (KJV)
The repetition of the "o" sound in "glory to God" and "on earth" creates an assonant effect, emphasizing the theme of praise and peace.
- John 1:14 - "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." (NKJV)
The repetition of the "o" sound in "Word" and "of" creates an assonant effect, emphasizing the theme of the Word of God.
- Romans 8:28 - "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (NKJV)
The repetition of the "o" sound in "know" and "to those who" creates an assonant effect, emphasizing the theme of God's purpose and plan.
- 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 - "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." (NKJV)
The repetition of the "o" sound in "though" and "of" creates an assonant effect, emphasizing the theme of love and its importance.
- Revelation 1:8 - "I am the Alpha and the Omega, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." (NKJV)
The repetition of the "a" sound in "Alpha" and "Almighty" creates an assonant effect, emphasizing the theme of God's eternal nature and power.
- Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (NKJV)
The repetition of the "i" sound in "I" and "in" creates an assonant effect, emphasizing the theme of Christ's strength and empowerment.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (NKJV)
The repetition of the "i" sound in "is" and "in" creates an assonant effect, emphasizing the theme of God's sufficiency and strength.
These are just a few examples of assonance in the New Testament. The use of assonance is a literary device that can add depth, emotion, and meaning to the text, and it is used throughout the New Testament to convey the message of God's love and redemption.