Biblical Studies: Structure, Origins, Interpretation, and Literary Forms

Vocabulary flashcards covering the structure of the Old and New Testaments, biblical formation stages, interpretive approaches, the six kinds of truth, and literary forms found in scripture.

Ta Biblia

The Greek phrase meaning "the books," from which the modern English word "Bible" is derived.

Old Testament

The 46-book section of the Bible (also known as the Hebrew Scriptures) written before Jesus that documents God's relationship with His chosen people and forms the basis of Judaism.

New Testament

The 27-book section of the Bible (also known as the Christian Scriptures) written after Jesus' death that covers His life, teachings, the early church, and Christian beliefs.

Pentateuch

Greek for "Five scrolls" (also known as the Torah), comprising the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Former Prophets

A category of Old Testament books—also called the "Historical Books"—consisting of Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, and 1 & 2 Kings, which follow Israel's history from the death of Moses to the fall of Jerusalem.

Latter Prophets

A collection of 15 Old Testament books consisting of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the 12 Minor Prophets, containing sayings and oracles about Israel's downfall and its salvation from exile.

Gospel

A term meaning "good news," referring to the four accounts (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that chronicle the life, teachings, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus.

Synoptic Gospels

The gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, called "synoptic" because the term means "Same Eye" or "having a common view of," reflecting their strong textual similarities.

Letters of Paul

Epistles written by the early church leader and missionary Paul to various Christian communities across the Roman Empire, addressing both Gentiles and Jews.

Acts of the Apostles

A New Testament book that documents the history of the early church following Jesus' crucifixion and traces its spread throughout the Gentile world.

Book of Revelation

The final book of the New Testament, written in the closing years of the first century, featuring an extended vision predicting the end of the world and the Second Coming of Jesus.

Oral History

The stage of biblical history where events, songs, and accounts were preserved and passed down through spoken word.

Written History

The stage of biblical development in which oral accounts and historical events were recorded into written texts.

Edited History

The phase of biblical formation where the best stories were collected, refined, and passed on by the church through Apostolic Tradition.

Literalist Approach

An interpretive perspective summarized as "God said it, I believe it, end of discussion," reading the text word for word and taking every sentence as exact fact.

Contextualist Approach

An interpretive method that understands the Bible as God's revelation by examining its true meaning in relation to time, culture, authorial intent, and literary context.

Scientific Truth

One of the six kinds of biblical truth, consisting of observations regarding the physical universe.

Historical Truth

One of the six kinds of biblical truth, consisting of records, memories, and accounts of past events.

Moral Truth

One of the six kinds of biblical truth, providing rules, guidance, and lessons about good and ethical behaviors.

Proverbial Truth

One of the six kinds of biblical truth, characterized by short, memorable sayings of common sense and practical wisdom.

Symbolic Truth

One of the six kinds of biblical truth, which utilizes poetic and figurative language to emphasize a deeper lesson.

Religious Truth

One of the six kinds of biblical truth, rooted in belief and faith regarding God's presence and actions in human lives.

Myth (Biblical Genre)

A sophisticated literary form that uses symbolism to communicate deeper, often religious truths and articulate matters that remain a mystery.

Prophecy

A biblical literary form defined as a prediction of future events delivered under divine inspiration.

Parable

A narrative literary form found in the Bible that is specifically designed to teach a moral or spiritual lesson.