What is the literary device of emblematic parallelism used in Hebrew poetry?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Parallelism is a poetic literary device that is used to strengthen an idea. Hebrew poetry in the Old Testament wisdom books, including Psalms and Proverbs, uses several forms of parallelism, including emblematic parallelism. Emblematic parallelism is constructed with a symbol or a metaphor (an emblem) that is placed side by side (in parallel) with its meaning.

Emblematic parallelism is also known as "parallelism of comparison" because it relies on similes or metaphors to draw a direct comparison between two things. This structure uses familiar, concrete imagery to illustrate abstract spiritual, moral, or practical truths, making complex ideas more vivid and memorable. It is distinct from synonymous parallelism, where the second line repeats the first with slight variation, and antithetical parallelism, where the second line contrasts the first.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Proverbs 25:11 uses emblematic parallelism to convey that words have the power to build up or tear down: "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver”
• In Proverbs 27:17, the emblem is iron, which becomes stronger and more useful when sharpened with another iron. This is compared to a person who becomes stronger and more useful when in a relationship with a friend: "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
• Proverbs 27:19 is another example of emblematic parallelism: "As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man." Just as water provides a reflection of our physical appearance, our heart reflects our true character. Regular self-examination is essential for spiritual growth.
• The psalmist writes, "As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God" (Psalm 42:1). Just as the deer instinctively seeks water, our souls are created to long for God. This longing is a natural part of our spiritual makeup and should be nurtured. Only God can quench our deepest spiritual thirst.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• While emblematic parallelism is associated with Hebrew poetry, similar figurative comparisons are in the prose writings of the New Testament. After the apostle Paul discusses the different spiritual gifts believers have, he writes in 1 Corinthians 12:12, “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” Despite whatever differences we may have, we are one in Christ.
• Jesus compares His followers to the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” and then says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:13, 14, 16).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The Greek philosopher Aristotle is credited with saying that metaphors are a sign of genius. That’s probably because such comparisons combine the beauty of figurative language while clarifying meaning. It’s really no surprise then, that such beauty and profundity would be part of God’s Word. The books of the Bible convey the truth cohesively, using different genres and figures of speech, including emblematic parallelism.

A simple simile or metaphor fosters a deeper comprehension of the truth God has revealed to us, resulting in worship, repentance, or greater faith. It’s also encouraging to think about God’s love for us in how He presented His Word: He could have conveyed the truth in the plainest of ways, but he conveyed it in beautiful poetry and prose that appeals to the heart as well as the mind.

Because biblical poetry is preserved accurately and consistently in ancient manuscripts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, readers can trust that such poetic parallels convey the intended meaning.

UNDERSTAND

• Emblematic parallelism in Hebrew poetry is a figure of speech that couples an image, metaphor, or simile (the emblem) in one line with its corresponding meaning in the second line.
• Emblematic parallelism is primarily found in the Wisdom books of the Bible.
• Figures of speech, such as emblematic parallelism, add beauty and clarity to the written text.

REFLECT

• How does recognizing emblematic parallelism change the way you read and meditate on verses in Psalms or Proverbs?
• When you memorize Scripture, how do the images and comparisons in emblematic parallelism help you with recall?
• How has figurative language in the Bible helped you better understand God’s truth or apply it to your life?

ENGAGE

• How can studying emblematic parallelism together help us appreciate both the beauty and depth of God’s Word?
• What do metaphors and similes in Scripture reveal about God’s desire to reach both the heart and the mind?
• How might the use of literary beauty in the Bible serve as a bridge for meaningful conversations with those who don’t yet believe?