Tempo An author can tell a story in many ways, from a variety of angles, and with different highlights. In biblical narratives, the narrator determines the tempo of the story based on the purpose of his writing. Thus, he will sometimes summarize a long period of time in one verse, while other times filling up entire pages with minute details about
Speech is a frequent act in biblical narratives. When we study a story, it is worth paying attention, not only to what is being communicated, but also to the intensity of communication and the way in which different protagonists engage in dialogue. We need to observe who speaks more, who talks less, and who is silent, as well as when the characters
Actions are the events that take place in a story, including the deeds of the actors and the natural processes. They are frequent and play a central role. The plot unifies all actions into a cohesive progression. J.P. Fokkelman suggests that we can “picture the plot as the course of the action, that is, the course of events in a story, as a traject
Indirect characterization is achieved through various story elements such as actions, speech, relational dynamics, figures of speech, and literary techniques. Thus, Gehazi’s run after Naaman to ask for money reveals his greed, Elijah’s fleeing discloses his fear, and Cornelius’ alms-giving habits portray him as generous. Elisha’s prayer depicts him
Many generations of Bible readers have found meaning through relating to Bible characters who share similar struggles and challenges, fight similar weaknesses, and fail and succeed time and time again in their own process of transformation. When we observe the Biblical characters closely, we gain a more intimate knowledge of them, and thus are able
Have you ever come across an interesting detail in the Bible and wondered why it was included? Or have you noticed repeated phrases and pondered the reasoning? Or maybe you have stumbled upon an intriguing plot and doubted its fitness in Scripture. The truth is, the Bible is full of all kinds of intriguing themes, styles, and characters, and none o
