Is the bible a homogeneous literary entity, or do we find a variety of literary forms and styles in the bible?

Question

give examples.

give several examples of the varieties of forms and style in the bible.

Answer 1

It contains MANY different literary forms, because it was written by many different people...some of whom were martyred for what they wrote, I might add.

Let's see:
Genesis was passed down from generation to generation.
Exodus was part genealogy, and part epic.
Leviticus and Deuteronomy were both books of law.
Numbers was an accounting of how many Israelites there were at the time.
There are other books that are legends, poetry, song, parables, proverbs, history, metaphor, and allegory. At times, from what I've read of the Bible, it might even combine several of the above into one book.

This is why the Bible is one of the most misunderstood books out there.

Answer 2

There's a great variety of literary styles in the bible. That's what one would expect since the bible is a collection of works written by many different people over a long period of time.

For example, bible scholars believe that the Book of Genesis has more than one author. Chapter 1 and chapter 2 each have distinctly different creation stories. In chapter 1 creation was an act of will. God said "Let there be light". In chapter 2 creation was a hands-on process. God formed Adam from mud and breathed life into his nostrils. Hebrew scholars tell us that the names of God are different in the two chapters and the writing style is very different.

Answer 3

With a single translation of forty different books, it is hard to find disparate styles of writing. But as for the concepts of the bible, such as the stories in Genesis and the religious laws, there is great variance. Some stories contradict each other, and many embellish the supposed miracles that earlier versions left out (such as Jesus' birth).

Answer 4

Well of course there are different styles. Different men emphasized different things, and their writing reflected this. For instance John, one of the closest friends of Jesus, wrote a personal account and it is easy to translate because John was not remarkably educated and wrote in only basic Greek. Mark, who was not one of the twelve disciples, writes a fairly impersonal biography. Luke, an educated physician, wrote about Jesus and his miracles, particularly for the poor and sick. Matthew, another educated person, and a tax collector, wrote about Jesus' relation with the Jewish priests and Roman officials, but since he was naturally disliked Matthew does not really give a very personal account, as if he wanted to remain anonymous. And Paul, a very educated Pharisee, but not one of the original followers of Jesus, does not write so much about the life of Christ but more about the meaning of Christ and also, since he was a Pharisee, Paul emphasizes purity and righteousness.

Answer 5

All you have to do to answer that question is open a Bible.

It's written in many different styles.