You wouldn't read a newspaper, a poem and a letter in the same way. Each kind of writing has its own style and purpose. The Bible is a library that contains many different kinds of writing, called genres. Recognising the genre of a passage is one of the most helpful skills for understanding it correctly.
1. Narrative (stories and history)
Where: Genesis, Exodus, Joshua to Esther, the Gospels and Acts.
Narrative tells what happened — the stories of Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus and the early church. About 40% of the Bible is narrative.
How to read it:
- Follow the plot: characters, setting, conflict and resolution.
- Remember that the Bible often describes what people did without approving it. David's sin with Bathsheba is recorded, not recommended.
- Ask what the story shows about God — he is the main character.
2. Law
Where: Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
These books contain commands God gave to Israel, including the Ten Commandments and laws about worship, sacrifice, justice and daily life.
How to read it:
- Remember it was given to Israel under the covenant at Sinai.
- Ask what each law reveals about God's character and values — holiness, justice, care for the poor.
- Read it in the light of the New Testament, which teaches that Jesus fulfils the law (Matthew 5:17). Some laws, such as sacrifices, find their fulfilment in Christ; their moral principles, such as love for neighbour, remain.
3. Poetry and songs
Where: Psalms, Song of Solomon, Lamentations, and many passages in the prophets.
Hebrew poetry uses parallelism and vivid images. See the wisdom and poetry books.
How to read it:
- Read slowly and notice images — God as rock, shepherd, shield.
- Don't read pictures too literally: when a psalm says God hides us "under his wings" (Psalm 91:4), it is a picture of protection.
- Let the psalms shape your prayers.
4. Wisdom
Where: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Job (and James in the New Testament).
Wisdom literature teaches how to live well in God's world.
How to read it:
- Proverbs are wise principles that are generally true, not guaranteed promises for every situation.
- Read wisdom books as a whole; Job and Ecclesiastes especially make sense only when read to the end.
5. Prophecy
Where: Isaiah to Malachi, and parts of other books.
Prophets spoke God's message to their generation: calling people back to God, warning of judgement and announcing hope.
How to read it:
- Learn the historical setting first — when and to whom the prophet spoke. See the major and minor prophets.
- Much of prophecy is poetry, full of images.
- Some prophecies were fulfilled in Israel's history; others point to Jesus and the future.
6. Gospel
Where: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
The Gospels combine narrative, teaching, parables and sayings to present the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
How to read it:
- Read each Gospel as a whole and notice its particular emphasis. See the four Gospels.
- Read the parables as stories with a point. See how to understand parables.
7. Letters (epistles)
Where: Romans to Jude.
Letters were written to particular churches and people to teach, correct and encourage.
How to read it:
- Read the whole letter to follow the argument.
- Ask what situation the writer was responding to.
- Notice the movement from teaching (what God has done) to application (how to live). See the New Testament letters.
8. Apocalyptic
Where: parts of Daniel and Ezekiel, and Revelation.
Apocalyptic writing uses dramatic visions, symbols and numbers to reveal God's victory over evil.
How to read it:
- Expect symbols; look for explanations within the book or elsewhere in Scripture.
- Focus on the big message: God reigns, evil will be defeated, God's people should stay faithful. See an introduction to Revelation.
A simple rule
Before interpreting any passage, ask: "What kind of writing is this?" Then read it the way it was meant to be read. Read more in how to interpret the Bible.