Floods, destruction and renewal: An analysis of the metaphors in the Genesis

Abstract

This paper analyzes the metaphorical representation of floods in Genesis 6–9, focusing on how the narrative constructs meanings of destruction and renewal. Using Lakoff and Johnson’s (1980) conceptual metaphor theory, the study examines key symbolic elements such as water, the ark, and the rainbow. The analysis shows that floodwaters function not only as a literal natural disaster but also as a metaphor for divine judgment, moral corruption, purification, and the destruction of a violent world. The ark is interpreted as a container metaphor that represents protection, survival, and separation from chaos, while the rainbow symbolizes covenant, hope, reconciliation, and the possibility of a renewed beginning. Through these metaphorical patterns, the Genesis flood narrative communicates abstract ideas about morality, punishment, preservation, and rebirth. The findings suggest that metaphors allow the text to remain meaningful across different cultural, historical, and religious contexts, since they help readers in