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Techniques in Bible Poetry:
In Hebrew texts, a rhythmic beat (usually of 3 to 4 beats per line) and heightened poetic language can be found in Wisdom Writings and the books of The Prophets. In addition, some Psalms use a poetic form, such as the acrostic where the first letter of each line spells a word down the page or the alphabet poem where the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet begins each verse. For instance, Psalm 119 has an intricate pattern of eight-line stanzas for each of 22 letters from Aleph to Taw.
In the original language of Hebrew, Greek or Aramaic, Bible verses sometimes had amusing wordplays or puns that unfortunately got lost in translation. So, a better-known feature of Bible poetry translates well as parallelism, which means that a line contrasts, compares, repeats, or completes one or more other lines. Then subsequent lines expand or clarify the meaning of the opening line. For example, Proverbs 8:1 says:
“Does not wisdom call,
does not understanding raise her voice?”
In Isaiah 41:10, God speaks poetically through the prophet to say:
Fear not, for I am with you.
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
Similarly, in Matthew 11:30, Jesus poetically promises:
“Come to me, all who labor
and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you,
and learn from me,
for I am gentle and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.’
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