We understand God through symbols and images that are never exact nor sufficient: an infinite God cannot be fully defined by our own finite intellects. And yet, though we cannot comprehend the entire ocean, we can see the waves lapping at the shore, and have some idea of its awe-inspiring expanse. Names through which we can know God are still just names, insufficient and imperfect as those who use them. But language nevertheless becomes the “clothing” by which we identify and comprehend truths about God.

Ephrem of Syria fought a war of words against heresies and his chosen weapons were songs and symbols.