The Art of Narrative Analogy: Identifying and Interpreting Parallel Passages in the Bible

by Seth D. Postell

In The Art of Narrative Analogy, Seth Postell offers a literary approach for understanding the relationship between the two Testaments, and between various biblical narratives, that is more sensitive to the verbal meaning of the Old Testament than popular typological approaches. He argues that narrative analogy--the deliberate paralleling of characters, events, and themes across biblical texts--provides a more exegetically responsible and theologically fruitful method for understanding the Bible's unity and depth.

Drawing on extensive examples from the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, Postell reveals how scriptural authors employ parallels to illuminate theological truths and deepen narrative coherence. From the connections between Rahab and Lot to the analogies between Jonah and the calming of the storm in Mark's Gospel, he shows how these parallels invite readers into the Bible's grand theological narrative. Postell also integrates illustrations from modern storytelling, such as Star Wars, to demonstrate how analogy shapes meaning in both ancient and contemporary contexts.

Postell offers clear criteria for identifying narrative analogies, and practical guidance for interpreting them, making this volume an indispensable resource for students, pastors, and church leaders.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Faith

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2025

Reviews

[Michael Light · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the title of this book is a nod to a great series of books on how to analyze biblical narrative and poetry by Robert Alter. Unlike Alter's books, however, Postel's book is focused on one aspect of analyzing biblical narrative-and a crucial one at that-narrative analogy. That is, how the biblical authors intentionally replay scenes from other books with subtle differences to make their point. The ability to identify and understand authorial intent behind narrative analogy is of the utmost importance for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible. Fortunately, Postell's book is extremely accessible (again, unlike Alter), especially with its reliance on the Star Wars films and their own use of narrative analogy (yes, as a bonus, narrative analogy gives you a much deeper appreciation for lots of other literature and film as well). I had been doing narrative analogy as I had heard it done through the BibleProject podcast (also the source from which I heard of this book) time and time again, but Postell lays out a methodology for understanding narrative analogies that is not only extremely clear but as objective and scientific as any sort of literary analysis can be. In addition, the last half to two-thirds of the book are dedicated to showing how to identify the different types of narrative analogies that he listed at the beginning, even including screenshots from the Bible software he uses as he does it (although, oddly, he uses Accordance for his screenshots instead of the trade standard, Logos).

That being said, a few questions arise concerning narrative analogy:
- Since typology (which he distinguishes from narrative analogy) does not insist on reading the texts according to authorial intent, should we refrain from using it, although the New Testament does so many times (Galatians, Hebrews, and Peter are all big examples, but the list goes on)?
- Is there no room for narrative analogy without common words?
- Is the direction for narrative analogy that important? If it is, why would the Bible not include more evidence for dating various composite texts and sections of texts?

* One other complaint that would be reasonable for some readers. As someone who is decently familiar with biblical scholarship, Postell throws around a couple of terms that I wouldn't imagine the average reader would be familiar with (critical scholarship, etc.) without any explanation of the terms. It doesn't bother me, since I was familiar with them, but seems out of place in what is an otherwise very accesible book.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one reads The Lord of the Rings as a collection of one-liners, of timeless truths we can pluck from the text at will. There are some great ones in Tolkien’s magnum opus, but that’s not how it was written and not how to appreciate it best. We should read it as a story, a compelling narrative.

As readers of the Bible, we do not appreciate nearly enough that the Bible is also story. The Hebrew word for “ark,” for example, is found only in the story of Noah (Genesis 6–9) and Moses (Exodus 2). Both stories describe how the main character is saved from a watery death by a vessel covered in pitch. So we should ask, why does the author want us to read one story in light of the other?

Speaking of water, why are there so many similarities (and some differences) between the story of Jonah in the storm (Jonah 1) and Jesus in the storm (Mark 4)? What is the gospel writer trying to communicate? If we don’t pay attention, we may miss the point.

Seth Postell guides us into The Art of Narrative Analogy by showing us how to identify and interpret parallel passages—within a Bible book and between books. This is not the same as typology, which Postell defines as identifying “people, places, events, institutions, and so forth in the OT as divinely intended prefigurations of greater NT realities.” Typology is like narrative analogy in looking for similarities and differences. But narrative analogy focuses instead on authorial intent as evidenced by textual links.

Postell’s book intends to give Bible interpreters (especially those using original languages) the tools needed to find and interpret such parallels. His method is both practical and flexible. I especially appreciate his last step: “Maintain an Open Hand.” While it is clear the biblical authors use narrative analogy often, they usually don’t tell us why. They leave that for us to chew on and figure out. So even if we are pretty sure we know the reason, it is best to hold our conclusions with a degree of humility.

While the book is academic in its orientation, it will help any thoughtful reader of the Bible to see its larger, grander, richer story.

[Ellie Julio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this highly enough. If you have any interest in deeper reading and understanding of the structure of the Bible, particularly when it comes to the relationship between Old and New Testaments, this book provides an invaluable method for seeking out and interpreting authorial intention. The Star Wars analogies don’t hurt, either.

My only point of annoyance is that nearly all the main resources mentioned are unavailable in English. I cried actual tears when I realized I couldn’t source Grossman’s work! I am, however, looking forward to digging into the many other sources that are available to me as I continue on this scholarly journey with deep gratitude for Postell’s work.

[Nicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no doubt the work being done by Postell in this book will have major benefits for the church and individuals. With such a high view of Scripture, a passion to inspire faithful reading, as well as a heightened appreciation for following the beauty of Scripture’s design, Postell elaborates on a major missing component within current methods of interpreting Scripture. I’m indebted to Postell already and look forward to expounding my own knowledge of the Lord through His Word by way of incorporating narrative analogy, rather than the often abused or confusing nature of typology methods. Love his work as a right jumping off point and demonstration of why hermeneutics is so essential!

[Joel Aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Postell Nails it–

I sincerely hope this book becomes required reading for countless OT survey and Intro to Biblical Theology classes world wide

[Kyle Rust · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and really accessible compared to earlier works on the same subject.

I just wish that this book talks about the significance of reading these analogies in terms of theology.

[Daryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent and accessible introduction to narrative analogy, including numerous detailed examples from the beginning to the end of the Bible.