Hebrew Poetry facts for kids

Many parts of the Hebrew Bible are written like poetry. This special kind of poetry often uses a feature called parallelism of thought. Books like Psalms and the Book of Proverbs are almost entirely poetry. Even some parts of the Book of Genesis include poems or songs.

What is Parallelism in Hebrew Poetry?

Unlike many poems you might read in English, Hebrew poetry doesn't usually use rhyming words. It also doesn't often have a strong rhythm or beat. Instead, the main idea of Hebrew poetry is found in how its lines relate to each other. This special way of connecting lines is called parallelism.

Why Parallelism is Great for Translations

One cool thing about parallelism is that it makes it easier to translate these poems into other languages. When translators work on Hebrew poetry, they can focus on keeping the original meaning and teaching. This is much harder to do if they had to make words rhyme or follow a strict rhythm in the new language.

Types of Parallelism You Can Find

There are several ways that parallelism works in the Hebrew Bible. Here are some of the main types:

Synonymous Parallelism

In this type, the second part of a verse says almost the same thing as the first part. It's like repeating the idea with slightly different words.

• An example from the Book of Amos (Amos 5:24):

 :But let judgment run down as waters,  ::and righteousness as a mighty stream. (Here, "judgment" and "righteousness" are similar, and "waters" and "mighty stream" are also similar.)

• Another example from Isaiah (Isaiah 2:4) or Book of Micah (Micah 4:3):

 :"They will beat their swords into plowshares  ::and their spears into pruning hooks. (This shows how weapons of war are changed into tools for farming, with both lines sharing the same peaceful message.)

Antithetic Parallelism

This type uses a contrast. The second part of the verse shows the opposite idea of the first part. It often makes the same point by showing what happens when you do the opposite.

• From the Book of Proverbs (Proverbs 10:1):

 :A wise son maketh a glad father,  ::but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. (This verse contrasts a "wise son" who makes his father happy with a "foolish son" who makes his mother sad.)

Emblematic Parallelism

With emblematic parallelism, one part of the verse uses a picture or a comparison to explain the meaning of the other part. It's like using a metaphor or simile.

Synthetic Parallelism

In synthetic parallelism, the second part of the verse adds to or builds upon the idea from the first part. It doesn't just repeat or contrast; it develops the thought further.

• From Psalm 14:2:

 :The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men,  ::to see if there were any that did understand and seek God. (The second line explains why the Lord looked down: to see if anyone was wise enough to seek Him.)

Climactic Parallelism

This type of parallelism builds up to a strong finish. The second part of the verse partly repeats the first, but then it completes the thought or adds a powerful ending.

• From Psalm 29:1:

 :Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty,  ::give unto the LORD glory and strength. (The first line asks the mighty to give to the Lord, and the second line specifies what they should give: glory and strength.)