Originally Posted 5/28/24
There are eight different genres in the Bible. A genre of literature is a style of writing. Each style has its own characteristics. It is much the same with music. Rock music has a different sound and structure compared to a minuet. The same is true for each type of literature. I want to say early on that it does not do Scripture a disservice to read it as literature. When we read it as literature, we recognize the style a particular book is written in and it allows for fewer opportunities to make Scripture say something it doesn’t. The genres are law, history, wisdom, poetry, gospel, epistles, prophecy, and apocalyptic literature.
Almost half of the Bible is written as a historical narrative. A historical narrative is the retelling of a particular historical event. Reading a historical narrative reads differently than a poem or a book of prophecy. A narrative has the same elements as any story. You can expect to find characters, plot, and setting. Characters do certain things and they all evolve into a plot. Every story has a conflict that must be resolved. When we read stories in the Bible, we remember that each story fits within a larger story. The stories can have dialog. The most important thing to remember about Biblical narratives is that they are describing events. The events may or may not be in chronological order. Just like in other stories, foreshadowing is used many times.
Each story has a setting. When reading a Biblical story, we have to consider the historical context as well. It is important to pay attention to the setting and historical context. We have to look at the cultural customs of the time the story was written. What was the political structure of the time?
Historical narratives tell a story. We cannot read a descriptive passage and expect to immediately find instructions for us and for our lives. There might be general principles in the story but it doesn’t give us instructions. Each story tells us something about God. God is the main character in every story in the Bible. We have to look for God in each and every story. What can we learn about God and his character? We have to remember that a story cannot mean to us something it didn’t mean to its original audience.
Wisdom literature shares Biblical wisdom and principles. Proverbs is most recognized as wisdom literature. Proverbs are often read as promises which often leads to doubt and disappointment. The most famous example would be Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” If we read this as a promise it would assure that our children will also follow Christ just because they were taught to when they were young. It isn’t a promise. It is a general principle that we should teach our children. It doesn’t promise that they will remain in the faith.
The wisdom books are Proverbs, portions of Psalms, Job, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. I also consider James a New Testament book of wisdom because it contains so many principles for Christians to follow. Wisdom literature begins with the premise that all wisdom begins with God. Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” If we do not all start with that belief, then we will be going in the wrong direction.”
The law genre might not be the most interesting, but it certainly proves our need for a redeemer. According to www.gotquestions.org, “The purpose of the law is to express God’s sovereign will concerning government, priestly duties, social responsibilities, etc. Knowledge of Hebrew manners and customs of the time, as well as a knowledge of the covenants, will complement a reading of this material.”
It is important to remember that the law was not written for individuals. It was written for governing officials so that they would know how to administer justice appropriately. Books of law include Deuteronomy and Leviticus. While it doesn’t necessarily apply to Christians, it is still beneficial for us to know and understand the life of the Israelites.
The genre of poetry gives many people difficulty. It doesn’t matter whether it is in Scripture or basic literature. It is often difficult to understand. You need to have a general understanding of how to read poetry before you begin reading the poetry in Scripture.
When we look at poetry, we look to Psalms, Song of Solomon, and Lamentations. Some of Ecclesiastes and Job are also poetry. Poetry uses a great deal of figurative language. We think of poetry as primarily needing to rhyme. However, with Hebrew poetry, rhyming does not occur that often. It uses the literature device of parallelism. Parallelism takes two similar thoughts that have similar thoughts to them and compares or contrasts them. Those thoughts will be compared or contrasted. Metaphors and similies will often be used. If you are not familiar with those terms, it will take a little more digging to understand poetry. It helps to let the words help you create mental pictures.
Come back next week for the remaining genres.
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