poetic literature of the bible
The study of the poetic literature of the Bible is one of the most rewarding endeavors in biblical hermeneutics. Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Songs, much of Job and Ecclesiastes are examples of Hebrew poetry. Poems and songs are sprinkled throughout the books of Old Testament history and prophecy. A correct understanding of the principles behind the interpretation of biblical poetry is essential to enjoy the benefits of these Hebrew sonnets. They are jewels of theology set on fire by Hebrew creativity.
“Poetry to the modern mind and in the English language is primarily a matter of meter and rhyme. This is not true for biblical poetry. Although a poem in Hebrew may have elements of meter, those elements are not the main features. The distinguishing mark of Hebrew poetry is a correspondence in thought, or parallelism, between one verse and the next verse, or between one section and the next section. That is very useful, because it means that the poetic form of the Old Testament is almost completely accessible to us in the English language.”1
RC Sproul says: “…there are three basic types of parallelism: homogeneous, antithetical and synthetic.”2
Synonymous parallelism means that different lines or parts of the passage present the same thought in a slightly different way (Proverbs 14:13). Proverbs 14:13 Even in laughter the heart is sad; and the end of that joy is heaviness.
Do you see that the theme is the pain of the heart even when the sorrowful heart laughs? The second part of the verse is synonymous with the first because it says that the end of such joy is itself sorrow.
When a verse has an antithetical parallelism, the two parts are contrasted with each other (Proverbs 14:12). Proverbs 14:12 KJV There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end of it is the way of death.
The ways of man seem straight to him… but the end of the ways of man is death itself. Although man’s way seems right, it is extremely wrong. The first part is antithesis of the second part.
Synthetic parallelism is when the first part of the passage creates a sense of expectation that is completed by the second part. There is progression of information (Psalm 92:9). KJV Psalm 92:9 For behold your enemies, O LORD, for behold your enemies shall perish; all who do iniquity will be scattered.
The first part of the verse declares that the subject of discussion is the enemies of the Lord. The second part of the verse adds information and tells us that they will perish and all will be scattered.3
It is important to recognize poetry for what it is. It is not narrative. It is not telling a story in narrative form. It is rather a powerful way to publish the truth. It catches the eye and captures the imagination. That’s what poetry is supposed to do. In biblical terms, it is not to entertain or display the poetic gifts of the writer. It is given to unfold great truths about God and humanity in an imaginative way.
1. Robertson McQuilkin. Understanding and Applying the Bible (Chicago: Moody Press, 1942) 199.
2 R. C. Sproul. Knowing the Scriptures (Downers Grove Illinois: Intervarsity Press, 1977), 85.
3. Sproul., 85