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Genre guide

Interpret each passage according to its genre

Genre tells you what to notice and what mistake to avoid. Use these mini-guides while observing and interpreting.

Narrative

Watch setting, plot, conflict, dialogue, repeated actions, narrator comments, and turning points.

Write: what changes from start to finish?

Poetry and Psalms

Notice parallelism, imagery, emotion, repetition, contrast, and movement from complaint to trust or praise.

Write: what images carry the meaning?

Epistle

Trace argument flow, doctrine, commands, reasons, therefore statements, imperatives and indicatives.

Write: what truth grounds the command?

Prophecy

Check covenant setting, accusation, warning, promise, near/far horizon, imagery, and hope.

Write: what covenant issue is addressed?

Parable

Notice occasion, audience, question, reversal, main point, and response demanded.

Write: what is the main point, not every possible symbol?

Apocalyptic

Use interpreted symbols, Old Testament background, repeated patterns, and pastoral purpose.

Write: which symbols are explained by the text?

Wisdom

Look for general wisdom, contrast, consequences, fear of the Lord, and poetic compression.

Write: is this a general principle or an absolute promise?

Law

Observe covenant audience, command form, holiness concern, penalty, priestly/civil/moral setting, and fulfilment trajectory.

Write: what did this require then, and what principle carries forward?

Gospel

Track scene, dialogue, fulfilment, kingdom emphasis, conflict, discipleship, and response to Jesus.

Write: what does this reveal about Jesus and discipleship?

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