'HUMANS ARE ANIMALS': A CONCEPTUAL METAPHOR THEORY APPROACH TO THE BOOK OF PROVERBS

Abstract

This essay examines the numerous animal metaphors in the Book of Proverbs. It accomplishes this using the analytical tools provided by Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT). More precisely, the article talks a lot about the metaphor that can be briefly stated as "HUMANS ARE ANIMALS." Through close and careful analysis of some of the proverbs in this biblical book, the research illustrates how the behaviours and characteristics of animals are strategically employed to symbolize and represent a variety of human behaviours, along with a multitude of virtues and vices. By doing this, the approach not only throws individual traits into sharp relief but also highlights the broader cultural and moral attitudes of the ancient Israelite culture from which these proverbs are taken. The study emphasizes and underscores the rationale for using such metaphors, demonstrating how effectively they convey the essence of human character by drawing on concrete images from the animal kingdom. This approach gives insight into the intricate interaction and interplay of language, cognitive processes, and cultural forces as established and developed in biblical literature. It is recommended that future research extend this inquiry to examine how the animal metaphors of Proverbs can inform contemporary theological discourse and contribute to cross-cultural hermeneutical engagement, particularly in traditions where proverbial and animal imagery continue to shape moral and spiritual formation.