Definition: A literary genre that uses artistic and rhythmic language to evoke emotion and convey truths. Biblical poetry often includes parallelism and vivid imagery. 

Example: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures.” (Psalm 23:1-2) 

Definition: A category of biblical books that provide practical guidance and philosophical reflections on life, morality, and the nature of God. 

Example: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7) Books classified as wisdom literature include Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. 

Definition: A figure of speech that describes one thing as being another to convey meaning. 

Example: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer.” (Psalm 18:2) The metaphor “rock” symbolizes God’s strength and reliability. 

Definition: A figure of speech comparing two things using “like” or “as.” 

Example: “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season.” (Psalm 1:3) The simile compares a righteous person to a well-rooted, flourishing tree. 

Definition: Language that uses figures of speech to convey meanings beyond the literal interpretation. It includes metaphors, similes, and other literary devices. 

Example: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) The figurative language illustrates how God’s word provides guidance. 

Definition: A literary device common in Hebrew poetry where ideas are expressed in a repeating or contrasting pattern. 

Example: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” (Psalm 19:1) In this form of synonymous parallelism, the second line restates the idea of the first. 

Definition: The second line repeats or reinforces the idea of the first line in different words. 

Example: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” (Psalm 19:1) 

Definition: The second line contrasts with the first, often using “but” or a similar contrasting word. 

Example: “For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.” (Psalm 1:6) 

Definition: The second line adds to or completes the thought of the first line. 

Example: “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” (Psalm 19:7) 

Definition: The second line repeats a portion of the first line and then advances the thought. 

Example: “Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.” (Psalm 29:1) 

Definition: One line expresses a truth, and the other provides a metaphor or simile to illustrate it. 

Example: “As a deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” (Psalm 42:1) 

Definition: The structure follows an A-B-B-A pattern, repeating concepts in reverse order. 

Example: “But whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” (Proverbs 1:33) 

Definition: The second line uses imagery or symbolism to amplify the meaning of the first line. 

Example: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) Here, “lamp” and “light” symbolically represent guidance and direction.