Narrative criticism — What is it?

from the old testament

• Narrative criticism can be useful when it shows how Israel’s Scriptures develop as a story of God’s plans. For example, Genesis highlights the LORD’s promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his descendants (Genesis 12:3), and the Exodus tells of God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery as a key part of His covenant relationship (Exodus 20:2). Later passages often reflect those events, illustrating how themes of promise, rescue, and covenant identity recur throughout Israel’s history (Deuteronomy 7:7–9; Psalm 106:6–12). Seeing these accounts as connected parts of a larger plan can help Christians understand God’s unfolding work in the Old Testament.
• While useful, the risk occurs when narrative criticism influences how the meaning is understood rather than reflecting it accurately. Because it seeks to connect everything to a larger story, it can extend passages beyond what the author intended or change texts that were never meant to function as narratives. For example, some narrative-critical readings view the laws in Leviticus as little more than symbols in the story of Israel’s identity, minimizing their role in teaching holiness and regulating worship. In this way, the details of the law are reinterpreted to serve a storyline instead of being understood within their own context. When that happens, the Bible becomes the servant of the method rather than the other way around. The Old Testament does indeed contain an overarching storyline, but it is based on real events with real meaning, and not every point belongs to the broader story of redemption.

from the new testament

• Narrative criticism can be helpful when it highlights how the New Testament presents Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s plan. The Gospels, for instance, portray Jesus’ life and ministry not as separate events but as the culmination of Israel’s story. Matthew emphasizes His descent from Abraham and David (Matthew 1:1), showing that He is the promised heir. Luke records Jesus’ explanation that Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms all pointed to His suffering and resurrection (Luke 24:27, 44–47). John describes Him as the Word made flesh, the One through whom all things were created and who reveals the Father (John 1:1–14).
• After Jesus ascended into heaven, Acts continues the story of the gospel by showing how it spreads from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Paul sees Israel’s earlier experiences as examples for Christian teaching (1 Corinthians 10:11). Hebrews explains the priesthood and sacrifices as shadows that are fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 10:1). In these ways, the New Testament writers themselves interpret the earlier Scriptures as part of a larger story that finds its fulfillment in Jesus.
• But the same caution applies here as in the Old Testament. Narrative criticism sometimes reshapes passages to fit its preferred storyline rather than understanding them in their original context. For example, certain readings treat parables as mere devices to advance the storyline of discipleship, downplaying their intended direct moral and theological messages. In doing so, the message of Jesus can be reinterpreted to serve a literary theme instead of His true intent. Therefore, narrative critical methods for reading Scripture must be used carefully, ensuring they do not stray from what Scripture actually teaches.

implications for today

When reading the Bible carefully, the priority is always to understand each passage within its own context. Ask what the author intended, how the scene fits into the book, and what it meant for the original listeners. This helps you avoid forcing outside ideas into the text and allows God’s Word to speak with its own voice.

At the same time, don’t miss seeing how individual passages also fit into the larger story of God’s plan. The Exodus demonstrates God's rescue of His people, sacrifices highlight the need for atonement, and the promises of kingship point to Christ as the eternal King. These themes run throughout Scripture and find their fulfillment in Jesus. This is because, from the beginning, God has been working through history to bring redemption in His Son.

How can you discern between valid narrative criticism and criticism that is leading you astray? Besides being well-versed in what Scripture actually says, studying in community will serve you well. The primary way of doing this is by discussing a question on meaning with mature Christians in your local church. Additionally, many questions have been addressed over the years, and therefore, a good, biblically sound commentary or topic-specific book may also be helpful. The Lord uses the believing community to deepen understanding and correct blind spots—you don’t need to try to understand Scripture alone!