Repetition and Other Linguistic Features
These are notes for an incomplete "Concept" page.
- Information is being added as the Bible Pages are added. In the end, everything will be compiled, further information added (as necessary), broken links connected, etc.
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Repetition
Repetition of a theme, fact or group of statements, is common in the Old Testament. At times, it may be used to emphasize important details. Or it may help a hearer of the Scriptures to remember important details in the text being read. Hebrew poetry, which often repeats the same concept in different ways, is another good example of the use of repetition.
In some instances, the repeated statement may include additional facts, as though the concept were being built to a climax. The absence of those details in the first mention of the concept should not be interpreted as an error on the part of the author!
In some places, the repetition is part of the beauty of the linguistic structure itself, something that many people today tend to overlook, especially those who are more "analytical" than "artistic." (some of the linguistic beauty is not always obvious once the text has been translated into another language.)
Another note... when we see repetition, we should enjoy it. Don't worry about trying to analyze it and discover hidden meanings and nuances in the words!
- See also: The Need for Reminders - Sometimes (not always), repetition may exist with the specific intent of helping us to remember something important.
Bible Pages with Comments Related to This Issue
Genesis 7:1-24 - Repetition across large sections of Scripture
- Several things mentioned here have already been stated in previous chapters - such as Noah's righteousness, and the need to take the animals on the ark. Even within this chapter, some events or details are mentioned more than once (sometimes with additional facts added).
Genesis 7:1-24 - Repetition within a small "unit" of lines
- Consider the statements about "prevailing waters" (v. 18-20, 24). There is a beauty in the linguistic structure of the account, as though things are reaching a climax: They prevailed (v. 18)... they prevailed exceedingly (v. 19)... they prevailed until everything died (v. 20+)... they prevailed (v. 24)... and then subsided (8:1+)...
Unless otherwise noted, all notes and comments are © by Dennis Hinks.
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