INTRODUCTION TO THE HEBREW BIBLE

MODULE 3: SESSION 16: How Hebrew Parallelism Works

Biblical writers frequently weave parallelism into their poetry, prompting readers to set two or more ideas side by side to see how they relate. At its heart, parallelism is both comparison and analogy: it conveys that to truly comprehend something, you must view it alongside another idea that is at once similar and distinct. This interplay enriches the message and invites deeper reflection on the text’s meaning.

To achieve this, parallelism employs various forms of comparison—analogy, complement, contrast, and sequence. Each form challenges and guides readers to recognize subtle connections and differences, highlighting the unique contribution of every poetic line. Through such carefully balanced patterns, biblical poetry unfolds its layers of significance with greater clarity and depth.