These examples show how Antithetic Parallelism functions in biblical language, rhetoric, poetry, prophecy, narrative, or theological imagery.
wise son / foolish son
The verse contrasts wisdom and folly through their opposite effects on father and mother.
Source: Draft analytic classification; verify before final publication — Wave 11 Hebrew poetry and wisdom forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against final site Bible text stream and Hebrew/Greek context before live publication.
hatred stirs strife / love covers offenses
Opposite dispositions are set against opposite outcomes.
Source: Draft analytic classification; verify before final publication — Wave 11 Hebrew poetry and wisdom forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against final site Bible text stream and Hebrew/Greek context before live publication.
way of righteous / way of wicked
The destiny of the righteous is contrasted with the perishing way of the wicked.
Source: Draft analytic classification; verify before final publication — Wave 11 Hebrew poetry and wisdom forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against final site Bible text stream and Hebrew/Greek context before live publication.
false balance / just weight
A dishonest commercial practice is contrasted with what pleases the LORD.
Source: Draft analytic classification; verify before final publication — Wave 11 Hebrew poetry and wisdom forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against final site Bible text stream and Hebrew/Greek context before live publication.
righteousness exalts / sin is reproach
National honor and shame are contrasted morally.
Source: Draft analytic classification; verify before final publication — Wave 11 Hebrew poetry and wisdom forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against final site Bible text stream and Hebrew/Greek context before live publication.
soft answer / harsh word
Opposite kinds of speech are set against opposite relational effects.
Source: Draft analytic classification; verify before final publication — Wave 11 Hebrew poetry and wisdom forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against final site Bible text stream and Hebrew/Greek context before live publication.
broad way / narrow way
Jesus contrasts two ways and their destinations in wisdom-like antithetical form.
Source: Draft analytic classification; verify before final publication — Wave 11 Hebrew poetry and wisdom forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against final site Bible text stream and Hebrew/Greek context before live publication.
evil hates light / truth comes to light
The two responses to light are placed in moral contrast.
Source: Draft analytic classification; verify before final publication — Wave 11 Hebrew poetry and wisdom forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against final site Bible text stream and Hebrew/Greek context before live publication.
evildoers cut off / waiters inherit land
The fate of the wicked is contrasted with the hope of those who wait for the LORD.
Source: Draft analytic classification; verify before final publication — Wave 11 Hebrew poetry and wisdom forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against final site Bible text stream and Hebrew/Greek context before live publication.
loves discipline / hates reproof
The contrast exposes the difference between wisdom and stupidity.
Source: Draft analytic classification; verify before final publication — Wave 11 Hebrew poetry and wisdom forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against final site Bible text stream and Hebrew/Greek context before live publication.
