The Catholic Bible is a collection of 73 books inspired by God, but not all of them are read the same way. Some are laws, others are stories, some are poetry, and others are apocalyptic prophecies.
Understanding the literary genres in the Bible is key to not misinterpreting it. In this article, we will explore the different genres of Holy Scripture, explain how to interpret them, and give biblical examples.
Genre of the Law (Pentateuch or Torah)
Books:
- Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy
These books contain historical narratives and laws given by God to the people of Israel.
Example:
“You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk” (Exodus 23:19).
Correct interpretation:
This was a ritual law that distinguished the Israelites from other nations. It is not a universal moral standard.
Historical Genre
Books:
- Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Tobit, Judith, Esther, 1 and 2 Maccabees
These books narrate the history of the people of Israel, their kings, wars, exiles and restorations.
Example:
“Samson went to Gaza and saw a prostitute there, and went in to her” (Judges 16:1).
Correct interpretation:
Just because the Bible tells something bad does not mean that it approves it. The story of Samson is not a model of life, but a story of his mistakes.
Wisdom and Poetry Genre
Books:
- Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus
These books contain poetry, proverbs, and philosophical reflections on God, life, and justice.
Example:
“The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1).
Correct interpretation:
This does not mean that heaven literally speaks. It is a poetic language to express the greatness of God in creation.
Prophetic and Apocalyptic Genre
Books:
- Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Baruch, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Revelation
The prophets rebuke, announce punishments, and promise salvation. Some use symbolic language and visions.
Example:
“The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls. She held in her hand a golden cup full of abominations” (Revelation 17:4).
Correct interpretation:
This woman is not literal, but a symbol of corruption and apostasy. Revelation is a book full of images that should not be taken literally.
Evangelical and Christian Narrative Genre
Books:
- Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts of the Apostles
The Gospels narrate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Acts describes the expansion of the early Church.
Example:
“If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away” (Matthew 5:29).
Correct interpretation:
Jesus does not literally command people to tear out their eyes. He uses hyperbole to emphasize the need to avoid sin.
Epistolary Genre (Apostolic Letters)
Books:
- Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2 and 3 John, Judas
These are letters written by the Apostles to Christian communities for doctrinal instruction and correction.
Example:
“A man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law” (Romans 3:28).
Correct interpretation:
Paul does not say that good works are useless, but that the Law of Moses does not save.
Apocalyptic genre
Book:
- Revelation
Example:
“The number of the beast is 666” (Revelation 13:18).
Correct interpretation:
This number represents a symbol, possibly the Emperor Nero, not a bar code or a microchip.
Conclusion: How to Read the Bible Correctly
- Don’t read the Bible flatly. Each book has a different genre and purpose.
- Not everything in the Bible is approved by God. Just because something is told doesn’t mean it’s good.
- The Bible uses literary figures. Not everything is literal: there are metaphors, hyperbole, and symbolism.
- Don’t interpret Revelation as if it were history or exact prophecy. It is a symbolic genre.
- If you understand this, you will avoid misinterpretations and be able to better defend your faith.
- Would you like to learn more about how to interpret the Bible?
Leave us your comments or visit our blog for more content on the Catholic faith. Share this article with other Catholics so they are not deceived by false interpretations!
