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what is biblical parallelism

by Ethel Nader Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Biblical hermeneutics
In biblical literature: Parallelism. Parallelism, the interpretation of scripture by means of scripture, is a corollary of the belief in the unity of scripture.

Full Answer

What does the Bible say about parallelism?

What is synthetic parallelism in the Bible? In biblical literature: Psalms. Synthetic parallelism involves the completion or expansion of the idea of the first part in the second part. What does Psalms 25 say? O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

What are examples of parallelism in the Bible?

The second form of parallelism is known as step parallelism or an ABC, ABC pattern. Psalm 90:6 provides an example of step parallelism: In this verse “morning” parallels “evening”, “flourishes” parallels “cut down”, and “grows up” parallels “withers”. The third form of parallelism is referred to as inverted parallelism or chiasm.

Why parallelism was appropriate to the Psalms?

The repetition of emotions increases their force, and the repeated statements of grief and anger in Psalm 137 also heighten those feelings. The pastoral metaphors repeated in parallel in Psalm 23 enhance the listeners' feeling of security in God's presence.

What are the three types of parallelism?

Types of Parallelism in Processing Execution

  • Data Parallelism. Data Parallelism means concurrent execution of the same task on each multiple computing core. ...
  • Task Parallelism. Task Parallelism means concurrent execution of the different task on multiple computing cores. ...
  • Bit-level parallelism. ...
  • Instruction-level parallelism. ...

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Is there parallelism in the Bible?

The Old and New Testaments of the Bible—an example of a work rich in simile, metaphor, personification, and parallelism (which is often used in Hebrew poetry)—is an important literary influence.

What are the different types of parallelism in the Bible?

Emblematic parallelism occurs where one unit renders figuratively the literal meaning of another. Synthetic parallelism occurs where the units balance, clause for clause, with one unit building upon or adding to the first.

What are the three types of parallelism?

Lowth listed three primary types of parallelism: synonymous, antithetic, and synthetic (Lucas 2003, pp. 67–68). These are sometimes called similar thoughts, contrasting thoughts, and additional thoughts, respectively (McQuilkin 1992, p. 205).

What is an example of synonymous parallelism?

Quick Reference. The feature of biblical poetry, described by modern scholars, who were anticipated by Abraham Ibn Ezra and Kimhi in the Middle Ages, in which the same idea is repeated for effect in different words. For example: 'For fire went out from Heshbon, flame from the city of Sihon' (Numbers 21: 28).

What are the types of parallelism?

There are different types of parallelism : lexical, syntactic , semantic, synthetic , binary, antithetical . Parallelism works on different levels: 1. Syntactic level in which there are parallel structure of word phrase or sentence , 2.

What type of parallelism is Psalm 19 1?

Hebrew parallelism is found is Psalm 19:1: "The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork."

What is parallelism give 5 examples?

In English grammar, parallelism (also called parallel structure or parallel construction) is the repetition of the same grammatical form in two or more parts of a sentence. Not parallel. Parallel. I like to jog, bake, paint, and watching movies. I like to jog, bake, paint, and watch movies.

What is the purpose of parallelism?

Parallelism is important in writing because it allows a writer to achieve a sense of rhythm and order. When sentence structures are not parallel, writing sounds awkward and choppy. Parallel clauses are usually combined with the use of a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

What is the principle of parallelism?

In grammar, parallelism is the principle that using similar grammatical elements in certain contexts—when making a list, for example—leads to sentences that flow in a more natural way. In the following sets of sentences, the first version is parallel while the second is not.

What is antithetic parallelism in the Bible?

Psalms 34:10) More specifically, antithetical parallelism is defined as text where the meaning in the first part of the couplet contrasts with an opposite theme contained in the second part (see above). The use of opposites clarifies both extremes.

How would you explain parallelism to someone who has never heard of it?

How would you explain parallelism to someone who had never heard of it? A literary technique that relies on the use of the same syntactical structures. I would use a metaphor. Parallelism is like a mirror between two lines.

Which type of parallelism finds the second line completing the thought of the first line?

In synthetic parallelism, the second line normally completes the thought that the first line left incomplete. (The two lines stand in relationship to each other, but that relationship is not as clearly defined as in synonymous or antithetic parallelism.)

What is antithetic parallelism in the Bible?

Psalms 34:10) More specifically, antithetical parallelism is defined as text where the meaning in the first part of the couplet contrasts with an opposite theme contained in the second part (see above). The use of opposites clarifies both extremes.

What are the 4 types of Psalms?

Psalms of confidence. Psalms of Confidence describe the author's trust and faith in God, typically with a central image or theme. ... Psalms of Kingship. Psalms of Kingship present a king as the major focus. ... Psalms of Remembrance. ... Psalms of Wisdom.

What type of parallelism does the second line contrast the idea of the first line?

In synthetic parallelism, the second line normally completes the thought that the first line left incomplete. (The two lines stand in relationship to each other, but that relationship is not as clearly defined as in synonymous or antithetic parallelism.)

What is formal parallelism?

By. the comparative approach to the concept of development that relates multiple modes of functioning to different levels of organisation and integration rather than relating to a single line of chronological development.

What are some examples of parallels between Ephesians and Colossians?

For example, Ephesians 1:7, Paul says, “in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace…” . Colossians 1:14 says, “in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”.

Which book parallels the second Samuel?

First Chronicles parallels Second Samuel, and Second Chronicles parallels First and Second Kings. Second Chronicles is much more focused on the southern kingdom of Judah, but Kings also includes the history of the northern kingdom of Israel. Comparing parallel passages will bring to light many interesting differences.

What are the books of Samuel and Kings?

Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles. The books of First and Second Samuel, followed by First and Second Kings, provide a continuous narrative of United kingdom, the divided Kingdom, and Judah alone periods of Old Testament history in chronological order. First Chronicles parallels Second Samuel, and Second Chronicles parallels First and Second Kings.

Which Psalms does David quote?

Psalm 18 is also found in Second Samuel 22, and First Chronicles 16 makes extensive quotations from Psalms 105, 96, and 106 .

Do biblical parallels have contradictions?

None of the differences in this extensive list of parallels involve the biblical authors in contradictions. Many of the differences seem to be just different ways of saying the same thing. Others are explanations relieving confusion or providing additional details. In a few cases, superficial differences disappear when studied more closely. We should keep in mind that a contradiction is only confirmed if the two accounts cannot both be true.

Is the book of Revelation a New Testament book?

Although the book of Revelation never makes a direct quotation of more than a few words from any Old Testament source, a careful study of the Apocalypse reveals that the Old Testament book of Ezekiel provides a major background to the New Testament book. This is especially true in Revelation chapters 21 and 22, compared with Ezekiel chapters 40 through 48. Both referred to a new Jerusalem, a supernatural River, and trees bearing fruit all year round.

Is the Chronicles pro-Davidic?

Before you swallow the suggestion the Chronicles is pro-Davidic propaganda, consider this: Chronicles seems to have been written about a hundred years after Kings and for a much different purpose. The story of David and Bathsheba would have been well known in the Chronicler’s time.

Learn about this topic in these articles

Parallelism, the interpretation of scripture by means of scripture, is a corollary of the belief in the unity of scripture. But as a hermeneutical principle it must be employed sparingly, since the unity of scripture should be based on comprehensive exegetical study rather than…

Biblical hermeneutics

Parallelism, the interpretation of scripture by means of scripture, is a corollary of the belief in the unity of scripture. But as a hermeneutical principle it must be employed sparingly, since the unity of scripture should be based on comprehensive exegetical study rather than…

What is parallelism in the Bible?

Parallelism is similar to the use of appositives in English. When we say, "Fred Jones, the pharmacist, often rode his bicycle to work," we restate the subject of our sentence and add information at the same time. The Hebrew writer did the same thing, but he was not limited merely to renaming nouns; he worked in phrases, clauses, and whole sentences. For instance, a well-known parallelism appears in Psalm 51:2: "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin ." Many of the proverbs of Solomon also follow this form, for example, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18).

What does the Bible say about parallelism?

What the Bible says about Parallelism. ( From Forerunner Commentary ) Unlike Greek, biblical Hebrew is a rather concrete language, expressing itself in colorful, often earthy terms, and emphasizing its meaning with repetition and rephrasing. Because his vocabulary was limited by a relatively small number of words, a Hebrew writer relied on syntax, ...

What does the last part of each verse mean?

The last part of each verse holds the key which unlocks the meaning of these verses —and shows them to be practical, usable and wise principles.

What does the use of either verse mean?

The use of either verse—that is, its principle applied to a particular use—depends on the set of circumstances. Both these verses contain gems of wisdom that each one of us needs to learn to properly apply in answering other people's questions.

What is the context of the Tabernacle?

The context is the building of the Tabernacle in the wilderness , and the subject is "spirit." Spirit is what impels and motivates.

What does the Bible say about the little white lie?

People may not see the harm in a "little white lie" ( Exodus 20:16 ), but the One "who inhabits eternity" knows that truth and life are inextricably linked. When falsehood enters, so do defilement and ultimately death.

Sources

SCHLÖGL, De re metrica veterum Hebræorum (Vienna, 1890); DÖLLER, Rhythymus, Metrik und Strophik in der Biblsch-Hebräischen Poesie (Paderborn, 1899); GRIMME, Grundzüge der Hebräischen Akzent-und Vocallehre (Fribourg, 1896); ZENNER, Die Chorgesänge im Buch der Psalmen (Freiburg im Br., 1896); ZENNER AND WIESMANN, Die Psalmen nach dem Urtext (Münster, 1906); KAUTZSCH, Die Poesie und die poetischen Bücher des Alten Testaments (Leipzig, 1902); BRIGGS, Psalms (New York, 1906); BICKELL, Metrices bibl.

About this page

APA citation. Drum, W. (1911). Parallelism. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11473a.htm

What is parallelism in Hebrew?

There are three major types of parallelism in Hebrew poetry: synonymous parallelism, antithetic parallelism, and synthetic parallelism.

What is Synthetic Parallelism?

Synthetic parallelism synthesizes two or more poetic lines. In such parallelism, successive lines build on and intensify the first line. Proverbs 6:16-19, wherein the list of things God hates expands over the course of the verses, illustrates synthetic parallelism.

What does synonymous parallel mean?

A synonymous parallel says the same thing in different ways in order to convey its teaching. Though it is not from one of the Wisdom Books, Jesus’ prayer in Matthew 6:13—“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”—exhibits synonymous parallelism.

How does understanding the different biblical genres work?

Understanding how the different biblical genres work will help us avoid misinterpretation, thereby improving our ability to find the wisdom that God is showing us in His Word. Our Creator commends the careful study of His Word (2 Tim. 2:15), and this careful study is essential for building the knowledge that is necessary for true wisdom. Getting a grasp of the basic, sound principles of biblical interpretation is a must for discipleship.

How does biblical parallelism impact a statement?

Biblical Parallelism Increases the Impact of a Statement. Biblical parallelism draws attention to a thought and focuses on that thought before moving on. It reinforces a thought into our consciousness. The repetition helps the reader to hold on to the thought being expounded.

What is parallelism in Hebrew poetry?

Types of Parallelism in Hebrew Poetry: Poetic language in the psalms is set within the structure of biblical poetry. The most common and repeated structure is parallelism. In other words, biblical poetry consists of a distinctive type of sentence structure and it is called parallelism. Biblical poetry is predominately written in this verse form ...

What are the different types of parallelism in Hebrew poetry?

Nevertheless, I generally see seven types of parallelism in Hebrew poetry. 1. Synonymous Parallelism. Synonymous parallelism is the most common type of Hebrew parallelism. The second part of a synonymous parallelism simply repeats or restates the main idea of the first part. To put it another way, the second line repeats or restates ...

What pattern does alternate parallelism use?

The alternate parallelism employs the ABAB pattern. The third part repeats the first part and the fourth part repeats the second part. The alternate parts may be either synonymous or antithetic.

How does the second part of a climatic parallelism complete the first line?

In a climatic parallelism the second part completes the first by repeating part of the first line and then adding to it.

What is parallelism in writing?

Parallelism describes the recurrent use of a relatively short sentence-form that consists of two (couplets) or more (triplets) brief clauses or phrases.

What is the antithetical parallelism?

The antithetical parallelism states a truth in the second part that contrasts the idea in the first part. The contrast impacts the reader by stating the direct opposite.

What is parallelism in literature?

In contrast to the strictly grammatical view of parallelism, in rhetoric and literature parallelism can do much more than just create a pleasing and grammatical sentence structure. Writers use parallel grammatical elements within one sentence or, more broadly, between and among different sentences in a paragraph, for effect: to emphasize ideas or themes, suggest connections, or highlight contrasts, all while adding rhythm to the structure of their expression.

Where does parallelism occur?

Parallelism occurs frequently in poetry and prose, from ancient Hebrew poetry to contemporary fiction.

Why Do Writers Use Parallelism?

Parallelism is an important tool at any writer's disposal, and can be used for a variety of purposes:

What is parallelism in speech?

Here’s a quick and simple definition: Parallelism is a figure of speech in which two or more elements of a sentence (or series of sentences) have the same grammatical structure. These "parallel" elements can be used to intensify the rhythm of language, or to draw a comparison, emphasize, or elaborate on an idea.

Why is parallelism so easy to read?

Parallelism is everywhere because it's one of the rules of grammar that makes ideas (both simple and complex) easier to understand.

What type of parallelism is Winston Churchill famous for?

Another specific type of parallelism is anaphora. This figure of speech involves the repetition of at least one word at the beginning of successive clauses or phrases. In one of Winston Churchill's most famous speeches during World War II, he makes stirring use of anaphora:

What are some examples of parallelism?

The following well-known adage is an example of parallelism: "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.". The grammatical structures of the first and second sentences parallel each other. Some additional key details about parallelism:

Where is parallelism found in the Bible?

Parallelism is found throughout the Bible, particularly in psalm verses and proverbs. One use of this literary device in Biblical poetry and phrasing is to create synonymous lines in which an idea is presented and then repeated by being rephrased with parallelism to reinforce or emphasize the meaning.

What is parallelism in literature?

In fact, the only requirement for parallelism as a literary device is the repetition of grammatical elements and/or structure in a written work–apart from strictly word or phrase repetition.

Why is parallelism important?

It’s important that writers use parallelism sparingly in order for it to be effective. Too much repetition of grammatical elements can distract and/or fatigue a reader.

What is the parallelism of Neil Armstrong?

One of the most well-known examples of parallelism is featured in Neil Armstrong’s statement, made as he stepped on the moon: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”. The structure of the two noun phrases in this sentence is similar due to the repeated use of “one.”. This engages the audience ’s attention and emphasizes ...

How is parallelism different from repetition?

However, repetition specifically features the intentional use of a word or phrase, two or more times in close proximity of each other. Parallelism can involve the repetition of words or phrases, but it also must reflect repetition of grammatical and/or structural elements. In fact, the only requirement for parallelism as a literary device is the repetition of grammatical elements and/or structure in a written work–apart from strictly word or phrase repetition.

What is the parallel relationship between the meaning of words and the truth?

With this loss of meaning, the truth is lost as well. This parallel relationship between the meaning of words and the truth indicates to the reader that there is no meaning or truth to generalities when it comes to war or peace.

How does parallelism help writers?

Parallelism allows writers to create a sense of relationship between words, phrases, and sentences, which then establishes relationships between things and ideas. This can be done through comparison or contrast, either within a single sentence or a group of sentences.

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