Literary Forms in the Bible

 Knowing the literary forms is important when we try to understand the passage in the Bible.  For example, if we recognize a passage as a myth, parable, prophecy, poetry, sermon or legend, we warn ourselves not to take the passage literally but to read it contextually. Thus we would look for a religious or symbolic truth rather than scientific or historical fact. If we recognize the passage to be a list, letter, law or history, we are inclined to take the passage literally and perhaps recognize some historical or scientific truth.

Myth: A traditional story focusing on the deeds of gods or heroes, often in explanation of some natural phenomenon.

List: An itemized series of names, words, etc., usually recorded in a set order.

Prophecy: A prediction made under divine influence and direction.

Law: - a rule of conduct, moral principle, etc., derived from a generally recognize concept of universal justice.

Sermon: - a speech of a serious or solemn kind of pronouncement.

History: A record or account usually written in chronological order of past events

Letter: A written or printed message, usually of a personal nature or concerning a specific subject.

Proverbs Prose or poetic statements or maxims for instructions.

Parables - short allegorical stories told to bring out a moral or religious truth.

Psalm: - a ‘sacred song’ or poem.

Legend - A story about people’s lives, including dialogue and interaction., legends tell the stories of important characters like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sampson, etc. while using dialogue

NOW YOU KNOW!  Now that you know more about HOW to read the Bible, we can better understand what this AMAZING collection of books is trying to teach us about GOD!