An Introduction to Biblical Genres and Form Criticism by Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.
Definitions and Modern Examples:
"GENRE" = a category or type of literature (or of art,
music, etc.) characterized by a particular form, style, or content.
There are many possible ways to classify or categorize human communications:
One could start by distinguishing between verbal and non-verbal
communications:
verbal communications (using words) could be oral (spoken &
heard) or written (reading & writing)
non-verbal communications could include signs & symbols, body-language,
etc.
The largest division of literary works is between poetry & prose;
but one could also consider rhetoric, film, drama, comedy, laws, etc. as
separate divisions.
One might also distinguish how or where the material is published:
such as books, journals, magazines, newspapers, newsletters, flyers, posters,
letters, etc.
There are many different large literary genres (whole books):
biographies, histories, technical manuals, textbooks, poetic anthologies,
legal codes, etc.
There are also many smaller genres or subgroups within each
of these larger categories:
for example, newspapers contain news articles, editorials, sports results, financial
reports, obituaries, comics, classified ads, movie reviews, etc.
"FORM CRITICISM" = the branch of biblical studies that classifies
the various literary genres, studies their features, and considers how
and where such forms were actually used in the "life setting" of the religious
communities.
Modern biologists classify plants and animals into different classes, orders,
families, genus, and species:
they describe each category in detail, and study how one genus or species
differs from another
they also consider how each genus or species interacts with and is affected
by its environment
Biblical scholars do similar things in classifying each biblical text as
part of a certain genre or sub-genre
they describe each genre or form, and study the characteristics that distinguish
one form from another
they also consider when and where ancient Jews and/or Christians first
used such materials
Major Genres within the Hebrew Bible
(Old Testament):
Foundational Myths & Legends - stories about the origins of
the world, the first generations of humans, or the early years of a nation, intended to provide a foundational
world-view upon which people base their communal and individual lives (Gen, parts of Exod, Num, Deut)
Legal Codes - collections of laws and instructions by which the people are to live
(Lev, parts of Exod, Num, Deut)
Genealogies - lists of inter-relationships between peoples, either
of successive generations or of different nations (parts of Gen, much of Num)
Annals - semi-historical narrative accounts of select events in
a nation's life, focusing especially upon political and military exploits
of its leaders, since usually written under royal sponsorship (Josh, Jdg, 1 &
2 Sam, 1 & 2 Kings, etc.)
Prophetic Books - collections of the oracles or words of
God spoken to the people through human intermediaries (prophets) and the
symbolic actions they perform at God's direction for
the people's benefit (Isa, Jer, Ezek, etc.)
Psalms/Odes/Songs - poetic lyrics of songs/hymns intended for communal worship and/or individual prayer (Ps)
Prayers/Laments - words addressed by people to God, esp. reflecting situations
of crisis or lament (Lam)
Proverbs - generalized sayings and aphorisms containing advice on
how to live well: "do good and avoid evil" (Prov)
Wisdom Literature - various types of inspirational stories that encourage people to live wisely (Job, Wis, etc.)
Apocalypses - symbolic narratives that interpret historical crises
through God's eyes to provide hope for a better future (Dan)
Major Genres within the New Testament:
Gospels - proclamations of the "good news" about Jesus intended
to establish and/or strengthen people's faith in him; quasi-biographical,
semi-historical portraits of the life, teachings, and actions of Jesus
(Mark, Matt, Luke, John)
Acts - a partial narrative account about the beginnings and the
growth of early Christianity; not a complete history of the early Church,
since it focuses only on the actions of a few missionary leaders (Acts)
Letters - real letters addressing practical and theological issues
relevant to particular communities (esp. Paul's)
Church Orders - collections of instructions for the practical organization
of religious communities (1 Tim, Titus)
Testament - a document that gives a dying person's last wishes and
instructions for his/her successors (2 Tim & 2 Peter)
Homily/Sermon - an exegetical sermon that cites and interprets older biblical texts
in reference to Jesus (Heb)
Wisdom Collection - a collection of general instructions on how
to live an ethical Christian life well (James)
Epistles/Encyclicals - more stylized works in letter format;
"circular letters" intended
for broader audiences (1 & 2 Peter)
Apocalypse - a vividly symbolic narrative that "reveals" God's views
about a historical crisis, in order to provide encouragement for a difficult
present and hope for a better future (Rev)
Additional Notes:
The above lists are not comprehensive, but include only the more
prominent categories of biblical literature.
There are many other smaller genres found within the various books;
For example, the NT Gospels contain narrative materials, discourse materials,
and some mixed genres;
Narrative genres include genealogies; narrator's introductions;
transitions & summary passages; miracle stories; call stories; conflict
or controversy stories; vision reports, etc.
Discourse genres include parables & allegories; hymns &
prayers; laws & legal interpretations; exhortations, short individual
sayings or proverbs; longer speeches, discourses or monologues, etc.
Mixed genres include longer narratives that contain extended dialogues,
and "pronouncement stories" or "apothegms" (short narratives that climax
in a short saying or proverb)
Many of these sub-genres can also be further sub-divided; for example:
"miracles" can include healings, exorcisms, restoration miracles, nature
miracles, etc.
"psalms" include enthronement psalms, processional songs, individual laments,
hymns of praise, etc.
For detailed form-critical analyses of some Healing Miracle
Narratives, click here.
There are many possible ways to classify or categorize human communications:
Genealogies - lists of inter-relationships between peoples, either
of successive generations or of different nations (parts of Gen, much of Num)
Gospels - proclamations of the "good news" about Jesus intended
to establish and/or strengthen people's faith in him; quasi-biographical,
semi-historical portraits of the life, teachings, and actions of Jesus
(Mark, Matt, Luke, John)