Genres in the bible

Question 1

What is poetry?

Answer 1

Poetry – Poetic lyrics of songs/hymns that describe God and are intended for public and private worship

Question 2

What is genealogy?

Answer 2

Genealogy - A list of ancestors: helps people place themselves in the world

Question 3

What is History?

Answer 3

History - Recalls the past, often very imaginatively. Not to be confused with the modern fact based version

Question 4

What is legal documents?

Answer 4

Legal documents - List of instructions about how people must live - How to avoid conflict.

Question 5

What is apocalyptic?

Answer 5

Apocalyptic - Similar to the prophecy genre in that they proclaim urgent messages to the audiences, in particular, warning and comfort. However, the language is much more symbolic

Question 6

What is letters?

Answer 6

Letters - Written to people or communities to address particular problems or issues in the community

Question 7

What is proverbs?

Answer 7

Proverbs - Pithy sayings that express deep wisdom.

Question 8

What is Myths?

Answer 8

Myth - Symbolic stories that explain the creation of the universe

Question 9

What is a Parable?

Answer 9

Parable - A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson

Question 10

What is a prophecy?

Answer 10

Prophecy - The words of God are spoken to the people through the prophets.

Question 11

What is Epic/Saga?

Answer 11

Epic/saga - Stories told about a great hero