INTRODUCTION TO THE HEBREW BIBLE

MODULE 3: SESSION 17: Macro-Level Repetition in Biblical Poetry

Biblical poets frequently use intricate structural symmetry to guide readers into deeper reflection. Through patterns such as ABBA, where the first and last lines correspond and the middle lines mirror each other, they invite us to compare words, images, and ideas even when they are not adjacent. This deliberate arrangement highlights relationships between concepts and helps reveal meaning that might otherwise remain hidden. In addition to such patterns, the authors often employ rich Hebrew wordplay, choosing graphically or phonetically similar words to create subtle connections and multiple layers of significance. Together, these techniques transform a poem into a carefully woven tapestry of echoes and parallels, encouraging readers to slow down, listen closely, and discover theological insights through poetic design.