What is Hebrew Parallelism?
Hebrew poetry typically displays certain characteristics including meter, acrostics, chiasm, and parallelism. Bible scholars tell us that parallelism is the most common and important feature of Hebrew poetry.
Typically, at least two lines of poetry complement one another displaying similarity of thought—rather than a similarity of rhyme or sound. In Hebrew poetry there are three primary types of parallelism: synonymous, antithetic, and synthetic.
Examples
1. For example, in synonymous parallelism, two lines of poetry repeat a similar idea expressed as complementary declarative statements as in Psalm 19:1.
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2. Another example of synonymous parallelism uses two parallel questions (Psalm 15:1).
LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?
3. Occasionally, Hebrew poetry displays incomplete synonymous parallelism, where the second line carries over from the first line conceptually but not literally as in Psalm 24:1.
The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
4. With antithetic parallelism, two lines of poetry are usually connected by the conjunction “but” and they stand in sharp contrast to one another as in Prov 10:4. Lazy hands make a man poor,
but diligent hands bring wealth.
5. Finally, synthetic parallelism is a term that interpreters loosely apply to verses where two lines stand in relationship to one another, and the second line completes the thought begun in the first as in Psalm 1:3.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
I'm indebted to Encountering the Old Testament by Arnold and Beyer for this information.
Are you a poetry lover? Do you enjoythe Psalms?
7 Comments:
well, that is just the coolest thing! i never thought of those things as elements of poetry... but now i'll read those types of passages with a renewed eye.
thanks so much♥
I've never considered myself a lover of poetry but I do like reading through the psalms.
Poetry makes me feel stupid.
(But I find the Psalms very soothing.)
That is very interesting. I don't read alot of poetry, but I do have a book of Ruth Bell Graham's and love it!
looooooooooove the psalms. so many of them have and are a blessing to me.
Beautiful , thank you for sharing.
Great post dear.
Post a Comment