**Metonymy** is a figure of speech in which a thing or idea is called not by its own name, but by the name of something closely associated with it. A **metonym** is a word or phrase used as a substitute for something it is associated with.
>and <u>the blood</u> of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7 ULB)
The blood represents Christ's death.
>He took <u>the cup</u> in the same way after supper, saying, "<u>This cup</u> is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. (Luke 22:20 ULB)
The Bible uses metonymy very often. Speakers of some languages are not used to metonymy and they may not recognize it when they read it in the Bible. If they do not recognize the metonymy, they will not understand the passage or, worse yet, they will get a wrong understanding of the passage. Whenever a metonym is used, people need to be able to understand what it represents.
### Examples from the Bible
>The Lord God will give him <u>the throne</u> of his father, David. (Luke 1:32 ULB)
A throne represents the authority of a king. "Throne" is a metonym for "kingly authority," "kingship" or "reign." This means that God would make him become the king that would follow King David.
>Immediately <u>his <u>mouth</u> was opened</u> (Luke 1:64 ULB)
The mouth here represents the power to speak. This means that he was able to talk again.
> ... who warned you to flee from <u>the wrath</u> that is coming? (Luke 3:7 ULB)
The word "wrath" or "anger" is a metonym for "punishment." God was extremely angry with the people, and as a result, he would punish them.
### Translation Strategies
If people would easily understand the metonym, consider using it. Otherwise, here are some options.
* **He took the cup in the same way after supper, saying, "<u>This cup</u> is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.** (Luke 22:20 ULB)
* "He took the cup in the same way after supper, saying, "<u>The wine in this cup</u> is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."