Why is it essential to consider the genre of a passage when studying the Bible?
A genre is basically a way of categorizing books of the Bible that share similar features. Thematically and literarily, those features include categories such as law, history, poetry, prophecy, gospels, epistles (letters) and more. As we study God’s Word, genres help us to read the text appropriately. Is it a narrative that should be read as historical fact or parabolically? Is it poetry, which is highly figurative and emotive? Is it proverbial wisdom or prophetic warning?
Understanding genre provides the tools for handling the text well. Genres also help us read the Scriptures both literally, such as when we are given commands to obey and truths to hold on to, but also literarily, according to the literary makeup of the book, chapter, or passage that we’re studying. Finally, genres provide guidance on structuring the text for study, whether as a plot, argument, letter, prayer, or poem—elements that inform the questions we ask of the text.
You say that the Bible is one epic story. What do you mean by that and how does an understanding of genre fit into that story?
An epic is a very long poem that tells a story about a fantastical world. In an epic story, there is a “super” hero who embarks on a huge quest overcoming obstacles to restore order and morality and peace to their world. Virtue drives the hero, as he works to serve the greater good.
Although the Bible is not a poem (though it contains lots of poetry), it mirrors many elements of an epic. It’s otherworldly, ancient, and heroic, with strong themes of bravery and overcoming great odds for the benefit of humanity. Many biblical characters overcome intense trials in view of a glorious future, Jesus being chief among them.
Jesus breaks into a world full of competing interests. His primary concern becomes our concern, to take the gospel to the whole world. He is our ultimate hero, who lived a perfect life, died to save humanity from our sins and the sinful influence of the world and Satan, rose three days after death to showcase His power over death and the resurrection life that exists for those who believe in Him.
From beginning to end, the Bible is a story about one person, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Genres help us to see God’s progressive revelation of Christ throughout redemptive history. Law lays down His expectations for His people. Narratives show us the lived experience of God’s people through history and unfolds His plan for humanity. Prophets call God’s people to repentance and faith, warning them of sin’s consequences and giving them a lens into the future. Poetry recalls history through prayer and song, and encourages worship and remembrance. Wisdom literature teaches the value and meaning of life through proverbial wisdom. Gospels and Acts singularly focus on the life and teachings of Christ, the Savior whom all Old Testament history, prophets, poets anticipate. Epistles instruct and logically clarify the teachings of Christ and how the church should live in light of the gospel. Apocalyptic literature shows us where history is headed and gives us glimpses of eternity.
Who is Literarily for and how is it meant to be used?
I pray that Literarily is helpful for the beginner, who is just learning to study the Bible on their own, but that it also appeals to seasoned Christians looking to go a little deeper in understanding literary features that typify each biblical genre. I think Literarily would be useful as a reference to keep handy when beginning a new study of a book of the Bible, to get an idea of what to look for within a particular genre or passage. It would also be helpful to use as a stand-alone Bible study individually or in groups, since there are questions at the end of each chapter for practice and to see key literary features in example passages.