6/8/14, 12:35 PMBible Interpretation-Chapter 2

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PoetryDistinguishing poetry from prose is another important factor of

Bible Interpretation. About thirty percent of the Old Testament iswritten in poetry. Most older versions such as the King JamesVersion doesn't indicate these differences between prose andpoetry. Newer versions such as New International Version, NewLiving Translation, and New English Bible are using differentformats in writing prose from poetry. You will notice suchdifferences by looking at the narrative book of Genesis and thepoetical book of Psalms in these newer versions.

Since poetry is concerned with emotions rather than theaccurate descriptions of the message, it uses more figurativelanguage more than prose. With proper understanding, poetry isjust as comprehensible as prose and they are easier to bememorized.

There are common features of poetry called parallelism, andyou need to recognized them to help understands the main point ofthe poetry.

Synonymous parallelism. A line strengthen, develop,reinforces or repeat the line before it.

Matthew 7:7-8 7Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (KJV)Isaiah 44:22aI have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist.(NIV)

What we have in Matthew 7:7-8 are not 3 steps or differenttypes of prayer. They are simply different ways of saying thesame thing. The verses are simply expressing that "Godanswers our prayer " by way of synonymous parallelism.Antithetical parallelism. The most common parallelism inthe Bible, where a line contrast the message or the point ofthe line before it.

6/8/14, 12:35 PMBible Interpretation-Chapter 2

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Psalms 37:21 The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously. (NIV)Proverbs 10:1A wise son maketh a glad father:but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. (KJV)

Synthetic parallelism. A line goes further than justrepeating or reinforcing but by providing more informationon the line before it.

Psalms 14:2 The Lord looks down from heaven on the son of mento see if there are any who understand,any who seek God. (NIV)Obadiah 21And saviours shall come up on mount Zionto judge the mount of Esau;and the kingdom shall be the LORD'S.