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Bible Study Toolbox: Understanding Bible Genre part 1
Bible Study Toolbox
Understanding Bible Genre part 1
Last time, we showed how genre affects interpretation. Genre is the style or form of literature, and each genre performs a specific function. If we don’t understand a genre’s function, we’ll misuse it. Let’s examine the functions of 5 Biblical genres.
Law - Law functions to communicate the terms, or rules, of God’s covenant. Often laws contain phrases like, “You shall do this” or “You shall not do this,” and they’ll be found in lists, or collections, of other laws. The 10 commandments in Exodus 20:1-17 is a good example, as are the beautiful attitudes in Matthew 5:3-8.
Historical Narrative - This genre reports what really happened in history. It is to be taken literally as fact because it records true events. It usually reads like a story with character and plot development. You’ll find this in Joshua through Esther, and also mixed in with other genres. For instance, after the law genre in Exodus 20:1-17, the text switches to historical narrative in 20:18-22, then back to law again in 20:23.
Poetry - Poetry paints pictures using highly figurative words and is often found in groups of 2 to 4 parallel lines. For instance, in historical narrative, Exodus 14:28 says, “The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even Pharaoh’s entire army that had gone into the sea after them; not even one of them remained.” In poetry, it’s “The deeps cover them; they went down into the depths like a stone.” (15:5). Poetry uses metaphor and simile to make vivid comparisons like an army sinking to the bottom like a stone. The prophets Isaiah through Malachi and the wisdom literature make heavy use of poetry.
Prophecy - Many prophets told the future, but that wasn’t their main function. The function of prophecy was to produce repentance. Prophets were spokesmen sent by God to warn people to repent because if they didn’t, they’d be punished. They foretold what that punishment would look like and used it to inspire change in peoples’ hearts. Once the punishment was over, the prophets ended with messages of hope.
Wisdom - This genre makes general observations about how life really works. The Law makes life sound simple: keep God’s laws and you’ll be blessed, but life is messier than that. Wisdom literature helps us obey God and keep the proper perspective even when life doesn’t go our way. Job through Song of Solomon are considered wisdom literature.
When we understand “law” as terms of the covenant, we’ll understand that the laws in the Old Testament don’t apply to us because we’re no longer under that covenant. When we understand poetry is filled with figurative language, we’ll imagine the picture painted instead of taking things literally. When we understand prophecy wasn’t really about telling the future, we won’t pick up our newspapers and look for its fulfillment. When we understand wisdom’s function, we won’t freak out when things don’t go our way. God’s Word is so much more powerful when used properly!
