"1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
-Hebrews 12: 1-2
Metonymy
It is argued that there is a hint of metonymy displayed through this biblical reference in the fact that something or someone is referenced through their attributes. In this reference, Jesus is called the "author" or the "finisher of our faith". He is clearly recognized as Jesus but if you take away the first part of the sentence and it reads "looking unto the author and finisher of our faith", this would be a clear example of perfect metonymy. He would be mentioned without even mentioning His name.
Synecdoche
Some may even argue that there is an example of synecdoche in this scripture. "A cloud of witnesses" could initially be interpreted as a reference to all of the angels in the heavens looking down upon us to try to persuade us to set aside our sins. With that being said, a cloud of witnesses is really alluding to a much bigger group than what it appears at first sight. This would be exemplary of a synecdoche.
Your point about Jesus and metonymy made me think a ton. I think that metonymy lets us know more about the character of Jesus then any other source. The figure is used to describe an attribute of something, to label it according to that attribute. From all of His labels, we know a lot about his character. Thanks for the post, it's one of those that makes you think.
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