Is there any poetry in the New Testament?

Question

Much of the Torah (Old Testament) is written in poetry. Why is that?

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Answer 1

Oral traditions are easier to remember if they are poetic. The Bible was compiled, in part, from oral traditions.

Answer 2

No, there isn't though some of the authors had quite a way with descriptive wording. The New Testament is comprised of the Gospels, which is Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which is the same time period, the life of Christ, told by 4 different people. Then the letters to the churches, which chronicles the life of the early Christian church and then Revelations. The Old Testament has Psalms, Proverbs, and the Song of Songs (Soloman). Psalms was mainly written by King David and is a very personal accounting of his spiritual journey. Proverbs was written mainly by King Soloman and is likewise personal, though it is more bits of wisdom. Song of Soloman is also of course written by King Soloman and is a beautiful illustration of the sexual and spiritual relationship between a woman and man. It is rarely taught in the church b/c of it's sexual language, which is a shame. I hope that helps you understand the difference in the two.

Answer 3

The Apostle Paul seems to wax poetic here and there (Rom. 11:33-36), but the NT seems to be mostly prose letters written to the various churches from an apostle or elder. No lengthy psalms, just business.

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The psalms were actually songs used in worship. The early church probably used the Jewish worship songs until they began to write songs of their own -- which apparently came later, after the time of the Apostles. The cannon of the New Testament is composed of letters written by either the apostles themselves, or by people high up in the leadership of the original church. Anything written later would be considered part of the literature of the church, but it would not be considered part of the Bible.

Answer 4

#1 No

#2 Some of the OT is written in poetry. God inspired the words, so He would be the One to know.

Answer 5

Lots. It made it easier to memorize, and a lot of it was set to music at one time. Even modern songs are mostly poetry.

Answer 6

No there is not. The only poetry in the OT is Psalms and Song of Solomon.

Answer 7

Psalms and Song of Solomon is the only poetry/song type stuff.

Answer 8

Matt.6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 6:10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread. 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
John 14:14 In Jesus name.

Answer 9

I think that this is poetic. Matthew 5
3"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you

Answer 10

I bought "Luke" on CD, and it has a very nice poetic rhythm to it (unlike Matthew, Mark, or John).