Poetry in the Bible

One key to understanding poetry is getting figurative language. Sometimes we say something that we don’t really mean: something that is not literally true. But we really mean something else. When we talk about the sun rising and setting, we know scientifically the sun doesn’t really rise or set - it’s just the way that it looks from our perspective on earth. But we still talk about sunrises and sunsets anyway. We’re using figurative language.

Or we say “It’s as hot as an oven out here.” It’s not really 400 degrees - we’re just being figurative. And we know that. We understand that figure and what we really mean.

We need to have that same sort of understanding when we read biblical poetry. Look at the beginning of Psalm 19, one of my favorite Psalms:

Psalm 19:1–6 ESV

1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, 5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. 6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

Do you see all the figures? The heavens “declare” and the sky “proclaims.” Days speak and nights reveal knowledge. The world has “ends” and the sun has a “tent.” The “bridegroom,” the Sun, runs a race rejoicing from one end of the sky to the other. It’s a picture of one way that God’s creation “proclaims” his glory - the majesty of the sun’s daily movement through the sky and its life-sustaining light and heat testify to God’s goodness each day - his mercies are new every morning, great is his faithfulness!

Another key to understanding the Bible’s poetry is parallelism: two lines that may have the same structure that relate to one another. The key thing to look for is how they relate.

They can be similar to each other, such as in Pro 18:6

Proverbs 18:6 ESV

6 A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.

They can contrast two different options or roads, like in Pro 10:29

Proverbs 10:29 ESV

29 The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the blameless, but destruction to evildoers.

The contrast can have some similarities as well:

Proverbs 12:5 ESV

5 The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

Sometimes, the second line continues or explains the first:

Proverbs 14:12 ESV

12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Sometimes, the parallelism can happen in multiple verses. Look at Pro 26:4-5

Proverbs 26:4–5 ESV

4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.

These verses seem to contradict one another. What is going on? It’s a paradox. Sometimes, the right answer is to say nothing to a fool - you’ll just be foolish yourself. Other times, you need to put a fool in his place. So, which is which?

That leads us to the third key we need to understand poetry: meditation. Poetry is meant to be mulled over. It’s easy to get the “what does it say” question with poetry. The hard part is “what does it mean?” For that, you need lots of time to think and ponder, to meditate and consider. Don’t read poetry quickly. Take your time. Ask lots of questions and take time to ponder deeply.

With those keys in hand, let’s consider a portion of Psalm 119:

Psalm 119:1–8 ESV

1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! 2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, 3 who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! 4 You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. 5 Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! 6 Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. 7 I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules. 8 I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!