Literary genre is a category of written works. Recognizing the type of writing prepares one for how to read and observe the text. For example, Hebrew poetry is supposed to be sung. It is worshipful, intensely emotional, and appeals to the imagination.

Hebrew poetry is essentially parallelism, where the words of two or more lines of a passage form a pattern that are directly related, and usually lacks the traditional elements found in poetry like rhyme and rhythm. Much of Hebrew poetry cannot be appreciated because of the loss of its subtleties through translation. Did you know that about 30-40% of the Old Testament is poetic?

Poetry can be found in Bible books such as Job, Psalm, Lamentations, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs.

Understanding Hebrew poetry greatly enhances your ability to observe and understand the passage. By learning about the common forms of Hebrew poetry, you can see their semantics and logical connections between the lines. And the short passage you may be studying might be part of a larger passage with a greater meaning. Here are some of the common forms of Hebrew poetry:

1. Synonymous poetry is when the same subject is used with different but similar words with the same thought. This poetry is easiest to understand, because the idea of each verse is similar and emphasizes or elaborates on the same thought.

How should you read Hebrew poetry?

• Read poetry slowly in short sections and enjoy the literary beauty of God's word.
  
  
• Study the imagery and figures of speech. Carefully observe what do they represent.
  
  
• Look for literary devices.
  
  
• Look for a central theme.
  
  
• What is being said about God?
  
  
• What is being said of God's people?