Beyond the Surface: Literary Styles and the Depth of Scripture

We’ve all been there. A question arises, a doctrine seems perplexing, and we turn to the scriptures seeking clarity. But what if the very method we employ—the way we *read*—is hindering our understanding? The Brethren have consistently emphasized the importance of diligent study, and that diligence extends beyond simply parsing words. It demands a grasp of the literary tools wielded by prophets, ancient and modern.

The recent BibleProject video, shared among us, highlights a crucial principle: the Bible isn't a monolith. It’s a tapestry woven with diverse literary styles, each contributing uniquely to the overarching narrative. To treat it as a single, uniform text is to miss the brilliance embedded within.

The video rightly points out the prevalence of narrative (43%), followed by poetry (33%), and then prose discourse (24%). These aren’t mere classifications; they are lenses through which we must view the text. Narrative, with its inherent power to engage our emotions and illustrate principles through character and conflict, echoes the very way our minds process information. Think of the parables of Jesus—powerful lessons delivered through relatable stories. And what of the Book of Mormon? The stories of Lehi’s family, the rise and fall of Nephi’s brothers, the teachings of the Savior to the Nephites—all narratives designed to instruct and edify.

Then there’s poetry, often dismissed as something “difficult” to engage with. But poetry bypasses the logical, linear pathways of our minds, striking directly at the heart. Consider Isaiah’s prophecies, overflowing with metaphor and imagery—a language designed to awaken the soul and pierce the veil of worldly understanding. D&C 1:35 speaks of receiving revelation by the “spirit of prophecy,” and it's through poetic language that that spirit often communicates.

And finally, prose discourse—the logical arguments, the reasoned explanations, the deliberate constructions of thought. Think of the arguments presented in the Doctrine and Covenants, the careful explanations of priesthood authority, or Paul’s epistles, meticulously laying out theological foundations. These sections demand a different kind of engagement – a willingness to follow the chain of reasoning, to grapple with the logic, and to arrive at a considered conclusion.

The video rightly notes that most books blend these styles, creating a rich and layered reading experience. Recognizing the dominant style within a passage allows us to interpret it more accurately. Is it a historical account demanding careful scrutiny of its context? A poetic lament requiring a receptive heart? A logical argument necessitating careful consideration of its premises?

This isn’t merely an academic exercise. It's a spiritual necessity. Just as the Nephites struggled to understand the words of Samuel the Lamanite because they “did not understand the language” (Helaman 16:2), we can fail to grasp the meaning of scripture if we’re ill-equipped to interpret its literary forms. The iron rod isn’t just a physical structure; it’s a framework of understanding, and recognizing literary styles is a critical component of that framework.

The Restoration isn't just about new scripture; it's about a renewed understanding of existing scripture. President Benson taught us that we must study the scriptures “as if our very lives depended upon it.” Let us strive to do so with a sharpened awareness of the tools and techniques employed by those who penned the words of eternal life.