Leland Ryken - A Complete Handbook of Literary Forms in the Bible

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Coming from a world-renowned expert in the literary forms of the Bible and drawing on the expertise that can come only from a lifetime of college teaching, this marvelous new book will take its place as an essential reference work that should be in the library of everyone who seeks to study or teach the Bible in greater depth. Highly recommended.

Wayne Grudem, Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies, Phoenix Seminary

Here is a book, indeed, to keep at hand: it holds a permanent place by my Bible. Leland Ryken illustrates the interrelationship between meaning and form in a manner that is erudite, accessible, and illuminating. Learning about literary forms in the Bible deepens our understanding and appreciation of Scripture, and glorifies our God as Author of all.

Carolyn Weber, speaker; teacher; author, Surprised by Oxford and Holy Is the Day: Living in the Gift of the Present

This extremely useful book will be warmly welcomed by teachers, not only within churches, but also in college and university settings. A highly practical vade mecum for any serious reader of the Bible, for students of the Bible in its literary dimension it will become practically indispensable. Leland Ryken has made yet another superb contribution to our textual resources for biblical learning.

David Lyle Jeffrey, Distinguished Professor of Literature and the Humanities, Baylor University

Here is a reader-friendly handbook that will significantly enhance ones understanding of biblical reference materials and of the Bible itself. What a wonderful tool for pastors, laypeople, and students alike, who will now be able to benefit from Leland Rykens wise insights and marvelous literary skills. I heartily recommend this volume.

David S. Dockery, President, Trinity International University

A ready reference for scholars and general readers who wish to understand the Bible better and in its own terms, Rykens handbook needs to be on every serious Bible readers shelf and used often. A profoundly helpful resource.

Michael Travers, Late Associate Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Oklahoma Baptist University

In this essential handbook, Ryken guides us to a proper understanding of the many literary forms of Scripture. Pastors and all readers of the Bible will deepen their understanding of Gods Word if they read this book cover to cover and keep it nearby for future reference.

Tremper Longman III, Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College

Leland Rykens handbook is a well-conceived, concisely written, hugely helpful resource for students and teachers alike. Far from turning the Bible into mere literature, Ryken draws us deeper into the authoritative and inerrant truths of the Scriptures. Just as we cannot know Christ apart from his incarnation as Jesus of Nazareth, so we cannot fully know the Bible until we understand the literary forms in which it was written.

Louis Markos, Professor of English, Scholar in Residence, and Robert H. Ray Chair in Humanities, Houston Baptist University; author, Restoring Beauty: The Good, the True, and the Beautiful in the Writings of C. S. Lewis

Our kind Father has gone to great lengths to speak to us, yet sometimes our finite minds struggle to comprehend the complexities of his Word. This book will greatly enhance your ability to understand confusing passages, as well as see deeper richness in the old, familiar stories. Ryken helps you become more skillful at interpreting the Bible and knowing how to apply it accurately. The result will be a great increase in your love and admiration for our heavenly Father, who shares his heart with us in profound poetry, striking stories, colorful dialogue, and vivid imagery. Those who love Scripture, or want to love Scripture more, should read this book!

Barbara Duguid, author, Extravagant Grace

This is a genuinely helpful resource for all readers of the Bible, but it is an especially excellent reference for teachers and students of the Bible as literature. Rykens volume will help readers experience, enjoy, and understand the Bible in new ways. The breadth of entries is thorough and truly impressive. Individual entries are concise but include enough explanation and examples to successfully illustrate each literary form discussed. This book is written by an expert in literature and the Bible, and it shows.

David V. Urban, Professor of English, Calvin College

This uniquely useful and accessible handbook will be a favorite among the tools used by serious students of the Bible. In recent decades, attention to the literary structures of the Bibles various genres has become prominent. With all of the distractions of the modern world, study tools like this will help Christians to be imbued with the mind of Christ through his Word. I highly recommend this superb contribution to biblical studies.

Gregory Reynolds, Former Pastor, Amoskeag Presbyterian Church, Manchester, New Hampshire; author, The Word Is Worth a Thousand Pictures: Preaching in the Electronic Age; Editor, Ordained Servant: A Journal for Church Officers

A COMPLETE HANDBOOK of

LITERARY
FORMS

in the BIBLE

LELAND RYKEN

A Complete Handbook of Literary Forms in the Bible

Copyright 2014 by Leland Ryken

Published by Crossway

1300 Crescent Street

Wheaton, Illinois 60187

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher, except as provided for by USA copyright law.

Cover design: Dual Identity, inc.

Cover image: Dual Identity, inc.

First printing 2014

Printed in the United States of America

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway. 2011 Text Edition. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the King James Version of the Bible.

Scripture references marked RSV are from The Revised Standard Version. Copyright 1946, 1952, 1971, 1973 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.

All emphases in Scripture quotations have been added by the author.

Trade paperback ISBN: 978-1-4335-4114-8
ePub ISBN: 978-1-4335-4117-9
PDF ISBN: 978-1-4335-4115-5
Mobipocket ISBN: 978-1-4335-4116-2