Hyperbole in Bible Study

The Bible is full of figures of speech which have not been brought into our translations accurately. One of these figures of speech is hyperbole, to exaggerate or amplify something for effect. Many of the figures of speech in the Bible border what we in the West would consider a lie, but not so from an Eastern point of view. These figures of speech and cultural differences can indeed make Bible study difficult. Recognizing these figures of speech and cultural differences helps the Bible student understand a passage in a profound way they never could have without that understanding.