Parallelism is a key feature of Hebrew poetry, especially in the Book of Psalms.
It involves repeating or balancing ideas across two or more lines to create rhythm and emphasis. This poetic structure helps convey deeper meaning and emotion.
Scholars have identified 7 main types of parallelisms in Hebrew poetry, each adding beauty and clarity to the text. By understanding these 7 main types of parallelisms, readers will be able to better appreciate the richness and artistry of biblical poetry.
7 Types of Parallelisms in Hebrew Poetry
Parallelism is when short sentences have two or more parts that relate to each other. These parts are called couplets (two parts) or triplets (three parts).
“The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge” (Psalm 46:7).
“Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous” (Psalm 1:5).
The two parts are often separated by a comma. The second part continues the thought of the first part. The second part usually ends with a period.
When studying the Psalms, it is important to understand how these parts work together. There are several kinds of parallelism in Hebrew poetry. This article will explain seven types of parallelism. Some scholars mention only three or four major types, but I will focus on seven.
1. Synonymous Parallelism
Synonymous parallelism is the most common type of parallelism in Hebrew poetry. In this form, the second line repeats or restates the first line. However, it uses different words to express the same idea. This repetition emphasizes the main message and makes it clearer to the reader. It also creates a sense of rhythm and flow within the poetry.
For example, Psalm 2:1 says, “Why do the nations conspire and peoples plot in vain?” Here, both lines express the same idea. The words “nations” and “peoples” refer to similar groups. The words “conspire” and “plot” also share the same meaning.
Another example is Psalm 3:1: “O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!” The second line repeats the idea of having many enemies. It uses different words but keeps the same meaning.
This type of parallelism strengthens the emotional impact of the message. It allows the poet to highlight important thoughts in a creative way. By restating ideas, synonymous parallelism makes the message more memorable. It also adds beauty and balance to the poetry. Understanding this form helps readers appreciate the depth of Hebrew poetry.
2. Antithetical Parallelism
Antithetical parallelism is a common feature in Hebrew poetry. It presents two opposite ideas to highlight a key truth. The second line contrasts with the first line, creating a strong comparison. This contrast helps the reader understand the message more clearly.
For example, Psalm 1:6 says, “For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” The first line speaks of God protecting the righteous. The second line contrasts this by showing the wicked will be destroyed. This clear contrast emphasizes the results of good and evil choices.
Another example is Psalm 37:9: “For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.” Here, the fate of evil people is compared with the reward of those who trust God. The sharp difference makes the message more powerful.
Antithetical parallelism teaches moral lessons through contrast. It makes the reader think about their actions and consequences. This poetic form also adds drama and impact to the text. Understanding antithetical parallelism helps readers grasp the wisdom and warnings in Hebrew poetry. It shows how opposite ideas can reveal important truths.
3. Synthetic Parallelism
Synthetic parallelism is another important feature of Hebrew poetry. In this form, the second line builds on the first line. It adds more detail or develops the idea further. This structure creates a logical flow between the two lines.
For example, Psalm 24:3-4 says, “Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart.” The first line asks a question. The second line answers it by explaining who can stand before God. This structure leads the reader to deeper understanding.
Synthetic parallelism does not simply repeat or contrast ideas. Instead, it expands the thought in a new way. It can explain, complete, or give reasons for the first line.
Another example is Psalm 19:7: “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” The second line adds more about God’s law, explaining its effects.
This type of parallelism encourages reflection by adding new ideas. It helps readers explore the full meaning of the text. Understanding synthetic parallelism allows readers to see how Hebrew poetry develops and deepens important messages.
4. Climactic Parallelism
Climactic parallelism is a powerful form of Hebrew poetry. It builds intensity by repeating part of the first line and adding more. This repetition draws attention to the main idea and then expands it for greater impact.
For example, Psalm 96:7 says, “Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.” The second line repeats “ascribe to the LORD” and adds “glory and strength.” This pattern emphasizes giving God honor and power.
Another example is Psalm 93:3: “The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice.” The second line repeats the phrase “the floods have lifted up” but adds “their voice” to create a stronger image.
Climactic parallelism increases energy and emotion in the text. The repetition makes the message more memorable and powerful. This poetic style leads the reader step-by-step to a stronger conclusion.
It often creates a sense of movement or action. This keeps the reader engaged and focused.
Understanding climactic parallelism helps readers see how Hebrew poetry uses repetition to build meaning. It shows how ideas grow stronger through careful wording. This style makes the message clear, forceful, and emotionally rich.
5. Emblematic Parallelism
Emblematic parallelism is a poetic device in Hebrew poetry that uses comparisons to explain ideas. The first line presents a symbol or metaphor. The second line explains or clarifies its meaning. This comparison helps readers understand complex ideas through familiar images.
For example, Psalm 42:1 says, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” The image of a thirsty deer represents deep spiritual longing. The second line explains that the poet deeply desires God.
Another example is Proverbs 25:25: “Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.” Here, cold water symbolizes relief and refreshment. The second line compares this to the joy of hearing good news.
Emblematic parallelism connects physical images with spiritual truths. This makes abstract ideas easier to understand. It also adds beauty and emotion to the text.
The use of symbols engages the reader’s imagination. It invites them to reflect on the deeper meaning behind the images.
Understanding emblematic parallelism helps readers see how the Bible uses simple images to teach powerful lessons. This poetic form brings clarity and emotional depth to Hebrew poetry.
6. Alternate Parallelism
Alternate parallelism is a poetic structure in Hebrew poetry that follows an ABAB pattern. In this form, the first and third lines are related, and the second and fourth lines are connected. This pattern creates a balanced and rhythmic flow of ideas.
For example, Psalm 103:11-12 says, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” The first and third parts compare God’s love to the vastness of the heavens. The second and fourth parts describe how far God removes sins. This back-and-forth pattern strengthens the message.
Alternate parallelism can use either similar ideas or contrasting ones. This structure helps emphasize important themes. By repeating and connecting thoughts, the poet guides the reader through the message.
This form also adds beauty and rhythm to the poetry. It keeps the reader engaged by moving smoothly between ideas.
Understanding alternate parallelism helps readers see how biblical poetry highlights important truths. It shows how repeated patterns make messages clearer and more memorable. This poetic style deepens the reader’s connection to the text.
7. Chiastic Parallelism
Chiastic parallelism is a poetic structure in Hebrew poetry that follows an ABBA pattern. In this form, the second line reverses the order of ideas in the first line. This creates a mirror-like structure that highlights the central message.
For example, Psalm 124:7 says, “We have escaped like a bird from the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped.” The first part speaks of escaping the trap, and the second part repeats this idea in reverse order. This pattern emphasizes freedom and safety.
Another example is Psalm 145:2: “Every day I will praise you and extol your name forever and ever.” The focus begins with daily praise and ends with eternal worship, showing a complete and balanced devotion.
Chiastic parallelism draws attention to the most important idea in the center. This structure adds depth and focus to the message. It also creates balance and beauty in the poetry.
By reversing ideas, the poet strengthens key themes and encourages reflection. Understanding chiastic parallelism helps readers see how carefully ideas are organized in Hebrew poetry. This form makes the message more powerful and memorable, deepening the impact on the reader.
7 Types of Parallelisms in Hebrew Poetry – Their Function
Biblical poetry uses thought lines, not rhymes. Understanding how these lines relate helps in studying the Psalms. However, parallelism alone does not always change a statement’s meaning.
1. Artistic Beauty and Enjoyment
Parallelism in Hebrew poetry creates artistic beauty through balance, rhythm, and structure. The repeated ideas and patterns make the poetry flow smoothly. This balance brings harmony and elegance to the text. Poets used parallelism to craft meaningful and beautiful expressions.
For example, Psalm 29:1-2 repeats phrases to highlight God’s glory: “Ascribe to the LORD… ascribe to the LORD…” This repetition adds rhythm and emphasis.
Parallelism also engages the reader’s emotions and imagination. It makes the text enjoyable and memorable. The skillful use of language shows the poet’s creativity and love for beauty.
2. Increased Impact
Parallelism in Hebrew poetry increases the impact of a message by repeating and emphasizing important ideas. This repetition draws attention to key thoughts. It allows readers to reflect on the message before moving forward.
For example, Psalm 1:1 says, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.” The repeated pattern highlights how avoiding sin leads to blessing.
This structure makes the message stronger and more memorable. It helps readers understand and feel the weight of the message.
Conclusion
Understanding the 7 types of parallelisms in Hebrew poetry reveals the beauty and depth of biblical texts. Each type enhances meaning and emotion, making the messages more powerful.
This poetic structure also helps readers connect deeply with God’s word.
By studying the 7 types of parallelisms in Hebrew poetry, we gain a greater appreciation for the artistry and purpose of Hebrew poetry. It enriches our understanding and strengthens our spiritual connection.
Resource Books From Amazon
Words of Delight: A Literary Introduction to the Bible by Leland Ryken
Holman Old Testament Commentary of the Psalms (Volume 1 & Volume 2) by Steven J. Lawson
An Expositional Commentary of the Psalms (Volume 1, Volume 2 and Volume 3) by James Montgomery Boice
A Commentary of the Psalms (Volume 1, Volume 2 and Volume 3) by Allen P. Ross
The NIV Application Commentary of the Psalms (Volume 1) by Gerald H. Wilson
The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery by Leland Ryken
The Ideal of Biblical Poetry: Parallelism and Its History by James Kugel
The Dynamics of Biblical Parallelism by Adele Berlin
Figures of Speech in the Bible: Explained and Illustrated by E.W. Bullinger