Paronomasia
Word-play by sound
Paronomasia is the use of words similar in sound but different in meaning — a word-play that draws attention to a relationship or contrast concealed within the phonetic similarity. Bullinger includes under this heading alliteration and all forms of sound-repetition that serve a semantic purpose.
Etymology
From the Greek παρονομασία (paronomasia): para (beside/similar to) + onoma (name). In Latin also agnominatio (name-kinship) or alliteratio (when initial sounds match). The figure exploits phonetic similarity to reveal a hidden connection or to sharpen a contrast.
Definition
Paronomasia rests on the principle that sound-related words suggest a semantic relationship. In the biblical languages (Hebrew and Greek), this is particularly powerful: sound-plays were a recognised literary device for establishing theological connection or focusing prophetic judgment. Bullinger catalogues dozens of examples where similar-sounding Hebrew or Greek words serve a prophetic or didactic purpose.
Biblical Examples
Hebrew — man and woman, name and origin:
- Gen. 2:23 — ish (man) / ishshah (woman): “She shall be called Woman (ishshah), because she was taken out of Man (ish)” — the phonetic echo confirms origin and relational bond
Greek — Peter and rock:
- Matt. 16:18 — Petros (Peter, a name) / petra (rock, foundation): “Thou art Peter (Petros), and upon this rock (petra) I will build my church” — the sound-play connects the man with his confession
Hebrew prophetic judgment — sound as verdict:
- Isa. 5:7 — mishpat (judgment) / mishpach (oppression); tsedakah (righteousness) / tseakah (a cry): “He looked for judgment (mishpat), but behold oppression (mishpach); for righteousness (tsedakah), but behold a cry (tseakah)”
- Zeph. 2:4 — “Gaza (Azzah) shall be forsaken (azubah); and Ashkelon a desolation”
- Mic. 1:10-15 — a series of towns with puns on their names: Gath (gath) / telling (taggidu); Aphrah / dust (aphar)
Hebrew — primordial words in creation:
- Gen. 1:2 — tohu vabohu (without form and void): the alliterative sounds reinforce the emphasis on chaos and emptiness
Related Stylistic Figures
- epizeuxis — repetition of the same word; Paronomasia repeats the sound, not the word itself
- antithesis — contrast in meaning; Paronomasia exposes contrast through phonetic kinship
Source
E.W. Bullinger, Figures of Speech Used in the Bible (1898), pp. 304-331.