Messiah's Kingdom

Hebrew poetry comprises almost 50% of the Old Testament. Hebrew poetry differs from English poetry in that the emphasis is on parallel thoughts, where in English poetry the emphasis is on rhyme and meter. This correspondence of thought in Hebrew poetry is called parallelism. It is the distinguishing mark the Hebrew poet. Each line has a correspondence with the lines of poetry which surround it. It is up to the reader to make the connections between the lines of parallel thought. The parallel thought is redundant to us, but is important to see the correlation in the thought in order to understand its meaning. This is true in the New Testament, even though written in the Greek language, is full of Hebrew thought forms and parallelisms.

Types of Hebrew Parallelisms:

Synonomous Parallelism - an idea is expressed a second or third time.  See example of Proverbs 1:2-9. Note the theme of the passage, the value of wisdom, and the repetition of the theme.

2 To know wisdom and instruction, To discern the sayings of understanding. 3 To receive instruction in wise behavior, Righteousness, justice and equity; 4 To give prudence to the naive, To the youth knowledge and discretion, 5 A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel, 6 To understand a proverb and a figure, The words of the wise and their riddles. 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. 8 Hear, my son, your father's instruction And do not forsake your mother's teaching; 9 Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head And ornaments about your neck.

Synthetic Parallelism - the poet adds to the original concept. See example below of Psalm 1:1-3. Note the theme of the passage, the blessedness of righteousness, and the building upon the original concept.

1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.

Antethetic Parallelism - ideas are contrasted. See example below of Proverbs 12:1. Note the theme of the verse is the contrast of loving discipline as contrasted to the person who does not. The word "but" is a dead give-away in English as it is in grammar an adversative!

1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid.

Emblematic - the poet uses pictures to express his thought. Note the picture of the gold ring the nose of a pig. The gold ring is out of place at first glance. You would also think a women's physical beauty would also reflect an inner beauty. Not so! Hence the proverb!!

22 As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, So is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.

Some concluding thoughts:

Hebrew poetry has a context in which to interpret it. Find the background of the author, the issues and history which surround his time and use that in the interpretive process.

Because poetry's nature is figurative, it does NOT mean it is obscure. The interpretive prcoess is the same for any Biblical literature. Follow the guidelines found on the Hermeneutics page.

Interpretation takes prayer! Intepretation takes thought! It takes focus! It takes time! Consistent use of the principles will yield their fruit over time, effort and patience.