How to Read the BibleSýnishorn

Tip #5: Respect the Genre

“Roses are red…”

You know the next line, right? That’s because we recognize this as the first line of a poem, and we know what’s coming. You may have even used this line with a girl at some point in your life.

The challenge is when we read something and don’t understand what kind of writing it is. Because the Bible was written to different cultures long ago, we’re not always good at recognizing the types of literature (or “genre”) we’re reading.

Here’s a quick overview of what you may encounter in Scripture:

Narratives—books like Genesis, 1 Kings, or Matthew—tell stories. They’re not just designed to tell us what happened or even to teach us morals. Instead, they’re designed to teach us something about God and humanity.

The Law—books like Leviticus and Deuteronomy—is designed to reveal God’s character to us and provide guidance on God’s heart for how humans should live in that culture (with lessons for us, too).

Poetry—like Psalms or Song of Songs—gives creative expression to our experience and relationship with God.

Letters—books like Romans or Ephesians—are written to teach and address issues to particular people and churches.

Apocalyptic writing—like Revelation—reveals something about the world through visions and dreams full of symbolic meaning.

Learning to read each of these genres can take a lifetime, but learn as you go. Just keep in mind that there’s more than one kind of writing in the Bible, and go from there.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the varied types of literature in Scripture. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Reflection: Which is your favorite kind of writing in Scripture? Why?