How do you learn best? As a teacher, I discovered that the human brain learns by scaffolding. What do I mean by that? Look at a building undergoing construction. It is usually surrounded by connected walkways at varying levels that allow workers to move around and do their work. The lower walkway supports the upper walkway. Learning is similar; we build new knowledge about what we already know. First, you learn the different letters of the alphabet, and then you learn how the letters form words and the words form sentences.
In the Old Testament, the priests and scribes read the law to the people, which was learned through oral tradition. The writers often used a poetic form to help people memorize the scriptures, much like we utilize songs to learn today because it is easier to remember. In Hebrew poetry, one of the main elements used is parallelism. These structures not only help in memorization but also in learning the truths of God.
What Do Bible Scholars Mean When They Talk about Parallelism?
When some scholars use the word parallelism, they mean interpreting scripture by scripture. For more information on that concept, check out this article on hermeneutical principles. For this article’s purposes, we will discuss the poetic element of parallelism—two or more lines of poetry corresponding closely to make a point. There are three main types of parallelism in Hebrew poetry:
- Synonymous
- Antithetical
- Synthetic
This article will discuss each type in detail using examples.
What Books of the Bible Use Poetry with Parallelism?
According to Merriam-Webster, poetry is “writing that formulates a concentrated imaginative awareness of experience in language chosen and arranged to create a specific emotional response through meaning, sound, and rhythm.” According to most scholars, poetry is found only in the Old Testament, although a good argument could be given that much of the New Testament has a lyrical quality. Still, the books are generally identified as historical narratives or epistles, not poetry. The Old Testament books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon use poetry. However, the book of Job is a historical narrative made up mostly of poetry, while the other books are considered books of poetry.
Poetry is used because of its emotional quality, memorable quality, and inherent aesthetic. It draws on the reader’s emotions through language that moves the soul, like a good song. It is also easier to remember a poem than to remember facts because of parallelism. Finally, it is aesthetic—an appreciation for beauty, whether a well-turned phrase or a memorable image. These five books use poetry to illustrate truths and impart wisdom to their readers. To better understand parallelism, let’s closely examine each type.
What Is Synonymous Parallelism in the Bible?
Synonymous Parallelism is when successive lines of text say the same thing in different ways so that they are different phrases with matching ideas. For example:
“Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.” (Psalm 120:2)
“Lying lips” and “deceitful tongue” mean the same thing, but repetition makes the line stronger and more memorable. Let’s look at another example:
“My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction.” (Proverbs 3:11)
Chastening and correction mean the same thing, but the author emphasizes that the reader should neither despise nor be weary of God’s role as a teacher and father.
What Is Antithetical Parallelism in the Bible?
Antithetical Parallelism is successive lines of poetry that use contrast to teach a truth. For example:
“The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.” (Proverbs 10:1)
In this case, Solomon is talking about both parents, but juxtaposing the idea of a wise son versus a foolish son using the mother and father separately shows the results of each behavior. Proverbs is filled with this form of parallelism.
What Is Synthetic Parallelism in the Bible?
Synthetic Parallelism is successive lines of poetry that build on and intensify the first line. A great example of this form is Proverbs 6:16-19:
“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
First, Solomon says there are six things God hates. Then, he says seven is an abomination. This is like synonymous parallelism, but instead of an exact parallel, he increases the number and follows it with a specific list, emphasizing the importance of avoiding these things.Are there any other forms of Parallelism in the Bible?
There are two less-used forms of parallelism: emblematic and chiastic. Emblematic parallelism is when one line gives the emblem or symbol for an idea, and the second line interprets that symbol. For example, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God” (Psalm 42:1). The thirsty hart is an emblem of the writer’s desire for God.
Chiastic Parallelism is when the writer reverses the order of the phrase from the first line to the second line. For example, in Isaiah 11:13b, Isaiah says, “Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim.” He emphasizes that there will be peace on both sides.
Why Does Understanding the Bible Has Parallelism Matter?
Bethany Verrett says that poetry is used in the Bible for several reasons. One clear use is that it provides another way to communicate while using the creative nature we inherited from our Heavenly Father. Understanding parallelism helps us better understand the Word of God while expanding our ability to communicate with God and others.
The Word of God is full of passages that use parallelism. So studying the structure of poetry can also help us see parallels in the greater context. For example, Paul shows the parallel between law and grace in Romans 6-7. The law was sent to show us God’s expectations and to convict us when we sinned, but grace came because we could not meet the expectation without Christ’s work on the cross and the Holy Spirit living within us.
We can also learn more about communicating the Gospel to others. Communication requires both parties to understand what is being said, so sometimes, we must restate things differently to clarify our message. In the New Testament, Jesus often taught through parables for the same reason Solomon used parallelism: it helped get the point across to various people. A good teacher will always find multiple ways of stating the same facts to students so that more students can grasp them based on their learning styles.
We also can understand more about God and ourselves. Genesis 1:27 tells us that we were created in God’s image. God is the creator of the universe, and He used words to create. If we are made in His image, we are also made to be creative and use our words. Parallelism is another way of expressing our creativity and understanding God more deeply.
Finally, 2 Timothy 2:15 tells us to study the scripture to understand what God is saying to us. Whether using parallelism or parables, God’s Word is exactly that of GOD’s, and we are called to be His students.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Dmitrii_Guzhanin
Linda Lyle is a writer, teacher, knitter, and unintentional collector of cats. She has written articles for the Alabama Baptist, Open Windows, Refresh, as well as multiple novels and novellas. Her newest book, 5-Minute Prayer Plan for When Life Is Overwhelming, is set to release in October. She spins yarns on her blog The End of My Yarn at lindalyle.com.
This article is part of our Christian Terms catalog, exploring words and phrases of Christian theology and history. Here are some of our most popular articles covering Christian terms to help your journey of knowledge and faith:
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