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Irony
Irony is something used in speaking and writing. A person might say something that is usually used to talk about one thing. However, the person is using these words to talk about the opposite of what people normally understand the words to say. This is irony.
Sometimes a person does this by using someone else's words. However, he uses that person’s words so others will know that he does not agree with the person. People do this to talk about how different something is from what it should be. People also do this so other people will know how someone’s belief about something is wrong or foolish.
When a person uses irony, they are often telling others that they are angry about something or mocking something.
Examples of Irony
“How well you reject the commandment of God so you may keep your tradition!” (see: Mark 7:9)
* Here Jesus says something that sounds like he is praising the Pharisees for doing something that is wrong. Jesus used irony so peoplewould know he was not praising them. He said the opposite of praise. He wanted people to know that the Pharisees were breaking God’s laws. The Pharisees thought they were obeying God’s laws. The use of irony makes the Pharisees’ sin more obvious and surprising.
"Present your case," says Yahweh; "present your best arguments for your idols," says the King of Jacob. “Let them bring us their own arguments; have them come forward and declare to us what will happen, so we may know these things well. Have them tell us of earlier predictive declarations, so we can reflect on them and know how they were fulfilled.” (see: Isaiah 41:21-22)
* People worshiped idols. They believed their idols had knowledge and power. This made Yahweh angry. So he used irony. He did this to challenge their idols to tell what would happen in the future. He knew that the idols could not do this. By speaking as if the idols could talk, Yahweh dishonored the idols. Yahweh’s words also told the people they were wrong for worshiping the idols.
“How honored the king of Israel was today, who undressed himself today before the eyes of the slave girls among his servants, like one of the crude fellows who shamelessly undresses himself!" (see: 2 Samuel 6:20)
* King David's wife said this when she was angry. She was angry with him for dancing in the street with little clothing on. She used irony to talk about herself being angry with David. She thought he did not act in an honorable way.