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Literarily: How Understanding Bible Genres Transforms Bible Study
Don’t just read the Bible literally—read it Literarily.
A lot of times, we treat Scripture like it’s all the same from Genesis to Revelation. After all, it only has one Author. Isn’t it just one big book, identical from beginning to end?
While it’s true that the Bible is unified, it is also diverse. The Bible can be grouped according to key categories, called genres, that help us to read and properly interpret the Scriptures. An understanding of these genres, and the literary themes and devices used within them, makes all the difference when encountering God’s Word.
Long-time Bible teacher Kristie Anyabwile discovered as she prepared her lessons that a single inductive approach doesn’t do justice to the variety of genres that make up the Word of God. Because Scripture is a collection of writings that spans 1,500 years, many literary styles are represented and each must be taken into account for the fullest understanding of God’s Word. Kristie shows you the immense value of studying the Bible literarily—that is, according to the literary style presented in a particular book, chapter, or passage. In Literarily, Kristie will take you through these eight distinct
LawHistoryProphecyPoetryGospelsEpistlesWisdomApocalypticThe Bible is an epic story that God has revealed to us through diverse genres and literary features. Its message and method are both meant to transform our hearts. Our goal as interpreters isn’t to meld the Scriptures into a bland conglomerate, but to recognize the multiple forms in which God’s Word comes to us. In so doing, we’ll encounter the ongoing story of Jesus’s redemption and learn how He calls His people to live in our complex world today.
A lot of times, we treat Scripture like it’s all the same from Genesis to Revelation. After all, it only has one Author. Isn’t it just one big book, identical from beginning to end?
While it’s true that the Bible is unified, it is also diverse. The Bible can be grouped according to key categories, called genres, that help us to read and properly interpret the Scriptures. An understanding of these genres, and the literary themes and devices used within them, makes all the difference when encountering God’s Word.
Long-time Bible teacher Kristie Anyabwile discovered as she prepared her lessons that a single inductive approach doesn’t do justice to the variety of genres that make up the Word of God. Because Scripture is a collection of writings that spans 1,500 years, many literary styles are represented and each must be taken into account for the fullest understanding of God’s Word. Kristie shows you the immense value of studying the Bible literarily—that is, according to the literary style presented in a particular book, chapter, or passage. In Literarily, Kristie will take you through these eight distinct
LawHistoryProphecyPoetryGospelsEpistlesWisdomApocalypticThe Bible is an epic story that God has revealed to us through diverse genres and literary features. Its message and method are both meant to transform our hearts. Our goal as interpreters isn’t to meld the Scriptures into a bland conglomerate, but to recognize the multiple forms in which God’s Word comes to us. In so doing, we’ll encounter the ongoing story of Jesus’s redemption and learn how He calls His people to live in our complex world today.
151 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2022
58 people are currently reading
964 people want to read
About the author
Kristie Anyabwile
13 books58 followersKristie Anyabwile is a North Carolina native and graduate of NC State University with a degree in history. She is a wife, mother, and homemaker who loves cooking, hospitality, reading, and long walks with her hubby. She and her husband, Thabiti, have been married 34 years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
April 7, 2023
A great (and short and sweet) introduction to the genres found in Scripture, and how understanding each one enhances our understanding of the passage we are reading and its place in the metanarrative. Would recommend!
March 3, 2022
This review is going to be on the shorter side (for me), not for lack of material, but just because the book is a survey of scripture, so it’s hard to summarize a summary. The premise of the book is that we should read scripture with the literary genre of each passage in mind as you read it. Or in Kristie’s words, “scripture should be read literally and literarily.”
Kristie breaks up each book and part of scripture into the categories of Law (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy), Old Testament Narrative (Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings, 1&2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther), Poetry and Wisdom (Psalms, most of Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon), Prophecy and Apocalyptic literature (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Lamentations, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obediah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Daniel, and Revelation), Gospels and Acts (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts), and Epistles (Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1&2 Peter, 1, 2, & 3 John, and Jude). Within these categories, Kristie has given further distinctions of stories, poetry, and speeches.
From there, Kristie’s survey of scripture looks at how each category or genre is meant to be read, how it was heard to the readers at the time, how it points to Christ, and how God can use these passages to make us more like him. At the end of each chapter, Kristie walks through an example of how to read each genre and asks questions to help the reader engage with the text and pull more out of it. She is also abundantly clear throughout the book that it’s important to be transformed by the Word, not just glossing through the words, if that makes sense.
Literarily is a book that I wish I had when I was younger and not as informed on the faith. If you have a friend that is new to the faith, the first things I would hand them is a copy of Literarily and a copy of Jackie Hill Perry’s Holier Than Thou. These books are really helpful to demystify some of the things that might be hard to grasp as we read scripture.
In a Q&A session about the book, Kristie did say that the book isn’t just meant to be read from beginning to end, but is also meant to be referenced repeatedly as you read scripture, especially when you have questions. This could also be a really good book to pair with Jen Wilkins’ Women of the Word and to have with a journal as you read.
In addition to new believers, I would say Christians age 12 and up would benefit from Literarily as a resource. The book is very accessible, yet academic in a way to explain a lot of Christian and literary concepts that are often not explained well to new and young Christians. Despite that, I would also say that mature believers can appreciate this book. It gave me a lot of food for thought. If you enjoyed Karen Swallow Prior’s book On Reading Well, this would be a book you would enjoy. So for these reasons, I’d give Literarily 5 stars out of 5!
Kristie breaks up each book and part of scripture into the categories of Law (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy), Old Testament Narrative (Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings, 1&2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther), Poetry and Wisdom (Psalms, most of Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon), Prophecy and Apocalyptic literature (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Lamentations, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obediah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Daniel, and Revelation), Gospels and Acts (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts), and Epistles (Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1&2 Peter, 1, 2, & 3 John, and Jude). Within these categories, Kristie has given further distinctions of stories, poetry, and speeches.
From there, Kristie’s survey of scripture looks at how each category or genre is meant to be read, how it was heard to the readers at the time, how it points to Christ, and how God can use these passages to make us more like him. At the end of each chapter, Kristie walks through an example of how to read each genre and asks questions to help the reader engage with the text and pull more out of it. She is also abundantly clear throughout the book that it’s important to be transformed by the Word, not just glossing through the words, if that makes sense.
Literarily is a book that I wish I had when I was younger and not as informed on the faith. If you have a friend that is new to the faith, the first things I would hand them is a copy of Literarily and a copy of Jackie Hill Perry’s Holier Than Thou. These books are really helpful to demystify some of the things that might be hard to grasp as we read scripture.
In a Q&A session about the book, Kristie did say that the book isn’t just meant to be read from beginning to end, but is also meant to be referenced repeatedly as you read scripture, especially when you have questions. This could also be a really good book to pair with Jen Wilkins’ Women of the Word and to have with a journal as you read.
In addition to new believers, I would say Christians age 12 and up would benefit from Literarily as a resource. The book is very accessible, yet academic in a way to explain a lot of Christian and literary concepts that are often not explained well to new and young Christians. Despite that, I would also say that mature believers can appreciate this book. It gave me a lot of food for thought. If you enjoyed Karen Swallow Prior’s book On Reading Well, this would be a book you would enjoy. So for these reasons, I’d give Literarily 5 stars out of 5!
July 22, 2022
Kristie encourages reading the Bible as literature. This involves having a grasp on the genres of the Bible as you move in to your study. She writes in a playful way, making this book easy to read. In fact, I was able to get through it in just a few hours.
I am a baby Christian and looking to dive deep in to my study of the the Bible and I find the idea of reading the Bible as literature much less daunting.
I am a baby Christian and looking to dive deep in to my study of the the Bible and I find the idea of reading the Bible as literature much less daunting.
April 24, 2023
I found this a helpful and thoughtful introduction to thinking about the literary genres of the Bible. Because I deal with literature and genres daily, I wanted it to go a little more in depth, but I think for a general audience it was a good introduction.
April 1, 2022
This book will give you a confident start if you're new to reading the Bible. Kristie writes in an accessible way that anyone can understand and she does so winsomely. So much is packed in this one little book. It's worth your time.
March 1, 2022
Kristie walks us through what the Bible is and how to read it according to its genre (the different type of writing within it), which ultimately leads us into a greater understanding of the Word of God and a deeper love for Christ! She is a long time @simeontrust instructor, and I’ve been so blessed by her writings and teachings over the years!
“… the Bible is, in part, a literary work and there is great value in studying it literarily, according to the literary style presented in a particular book, chapter, or passage.”
So if you are new to Bible study in general, or would like a guide to help you learn more about poetry, wisdom, narrative, or apocalyptic literature (etc) in the Bible… this book is for you! You can go order Kristie’s book today on Amazon 🎉
“… the Bible is, in part, a literary work and there is great value in studying it literarily, according to the literary style presented in a particular book, chapter, or passage.”
So if you are new to Bible study in general, or would like a guide to help you learn more about poetry, wisdom, narrative, or apocalyptic literature (etc) in the Bible… this book is for you! You can go order Kristie’s book today on Amazon 🎉
January 18, 2024
Helpful introduction to the various Bible genres.
September 26, 2023
Discover the richness of Scripture by reading it Literarily, not just literally. The Bible, though unified, encompasses diverse genres across its 1,500-year span. Bible teacher Kristie Anyabwile highlights the importance of understanding these genres, showcasing their unique styles in eight categories. From Law to Apocalyptic, each genre contributes to the epic story of God's revelation. Instead of homogenizing the Bible, embrace its multifaceted message and method, allowing it to transform your heart and guide your life in today's complex world.
This is an excellent overview of the main biblical literary genres and how their design enhances our understanding. I also really loved how the book included examples of how other forms of literature demonstrate the literary purpose. For example, some parts of apocryphal literature have similarities to fantasy. While this is not a how-to guide for inductive Bible study, it does a great job of providing simple background information for how to understand the Bible as a book. It’s not as in-depth as “How to Read the Bible for All its Worth,” but that’s the beauty of this little book. It’s an easy, accessible overview of biblical literary styles to help you engage more with Scripture.
I listened to the audiobook and it wasn’t anything special. I’d grab a physical copy or ebook instead.
Perfect for you if you like:
Bible study
Scripture context
Studying literature
Similar to:
How to Read the Bible for All it’s Worth by Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart
Grasping God’s Word by J. Scott Duvall & J. Daniel Hays
The Drama of Scripture by Craig G. Bartholomew & Michael W. Goheen
This is an excellent overview of the main biblical literary genres and how their design enhances our understanding. I also really loved how the book included examples of how other forms of literature demonstrate the literary purpose. For example, some parts of apocryphal literature have similarities to fantasy. While this is not a how-to guide for inductive Bible study, it does a great job of providing simple background information for how to understand the Bible as a book. It’s not as in-depth as “How to Read the Bible for All its Worth,” but that’s the beauty of this little book. It’s an easy, accessible overview of biblical literary styles to help you engage more with Scripture.
I listened to the audiobook and it wasn’t anything special. I’d grab a physical copy or ebook instead.
Perfect for you if you like:
Bible study
Scripture context
Studying literature
Similar to:
How to Read the Bible for All it’s Worth by Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart
Grasping God’s Word by J. Scott Duvall & J. Daniel Hays
The Drama of Scripture by Craig G. Bartholomew & Michael W. Goheen
March 14, 2022
What do Biblical genres have to do in helping you understand God’s Word? In Literarily, Kristie Anyabwile shows how understanding Bible genres will transform your Bible study.
An Epic Story Meant to Transform Hearts
The book opens by explaining that the Bible is an epic story meant to transform hearts. Anyabwile then takes you on a tour through the various Bible genres of Law, History, Prophecy, Poetry, Gospels, Epistles, Wisdom, and Apocalyptic literature. As an introduction to the genres, it is approachable and accessible.
Each chapter includes sections on explaining the genre and helping you understand it. After each chapter, there are “Transform Your Study” sections to help you put what you learned into practice. They are simple exercises, and I see them as the perfect place to center this book in a small group.
An Enthusiasm for Deeper Study
From The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to Muhammad Ali, Anyabwile uses pop-culture references to help you relate to the lessons. She writes in a personal, engaging style to keep you interested and excited about Bible study. Her warm and friendly enthusiasm for God’s Word comes through the book.
I most appreciated the chapter on Prophecy. Anyabwile makes things easy to understand, and I learned about the importance of judgment oracles, courtroom-type oracles, and deliverance oracles. And in the chapter on historical narratives, I was surprised to learn that “all of the churches that received his letters are mentioned in Acts, and were either places where Paul had visited, or longed to visit, at the time of his writing.”
Find More in God’s Word
The book ends with a brief chapter on context, giving another springboard for further study. Anyabwile reminds us that reading the Bible is primarily a spiritual exercise that uses the intellect, and that we would all benefit from studying the Bible in Christian community. I am motivated to find more in God’s Word, and this book will encourage you to do the same.
I received a media copy of Literarily and this is my honest review.
An Epic Story Meant to Transform Hearts
The book opens by explaining that the Bible is an epic story meant to transform hearts. Anyabwile then takes you on a tour through the various Bible genres of Law, History, Prophecy, Poetry, Gospels, Epistles, Wisdom, and Apocalyptic literature. As an introduction to the genres, it is approachable and accessible.
Each chapter includes sections on explaining the genre and helping you understand it. After each chapter, there are “Transform Your Study” sections to help you put what you learned into practice. They are simple exercises, and I see them as the perfect place to center this book in a small group.
An Enthusiasm for Deeper Study
From The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to Muhammad Ali, Anyabwile uses pop-culture references to help you relate to the lessons. She writes in a personal, engaging style to keep you interested and excited about Bible study. Her warm and friendly enthusiasm for God’s Word comes through the book.
I most appreciated the chapter on Prophecy. Anyabwile makes things easy to understand, and I learned about the importance of judgment oracles, courtroom-type oracles, and deliverance oracles. And in the chapter on historical narratives, I was surprised to learn that “all of the churches that received his letters are mentioned in Acts, and were either places where Paul had visited, or longed to visit, at the time of his writing.”
Find More in God’s Word
The book ends with a brief chapter on context, giving another springboard for further study. Anyabwile reminds us that reading the Bible is primarily a spiritual exercise that uses the intellect, and that we would all benefit from studying the Bible in Christian community. I am motivated to find more in God’s Word, and this book will encourage you to do the same.
I received a media copy of Literarily and this is my honest review.
April 21, 2024
The reason I wanted to read this book was for the purpose it was written: to be able to understand the different genres of the bible, so I can study God's Word more accurately in the way the authors intended.
I think Kristie Anyabwile did a great job! She clearly defined the genres and dove deep into the literary devices that marked each genre. I learned so much from her, and it made me feel like a student in an english class (which I thought was very fun)! Also, she did a great job of tying each genre study into the main theme of the bible as a whole: the beautiful, redemptive plan of Jesus Christ ♡
With that being said, I could not give this work 5 stars because (though I can't blame her) the author sprinkled in her Calvinistic theology, which I do not find biblical. I know soteriology is a hot topic debate within the Christian community, and I do not want to cause any division because this debate is a secondary issue. In fact, I would encourage anyone to read this work if they are interested in expanding their personal or group bible studies by understanding the biblical genres! However, I would also proceed with caution if you are not familiar with Calvinism or the different stances in the soteriology debate.
I think Kristie Anyabwile did a great job! She clearly defined the genres and dove deep into the literary devices that marked each genre. I learned so much from her, and it made me feel like a student in an english class (which I thought was very fun)! Also, she did a great job of tying each genre study into the main theme of the bible as a whole: the beautiful, redemptive plan of Jesus Christ ♡
With that being said, I could not give this work 5 stars because (though I can't blame her) the author sprinkled in her Calvinistic theology, which I do not find biblical. I know soteriology is a hot topic debate within the Christian community, and I do not want to cause any division because this debate is a secondary issue. In fact, I would encourage anyone to read this work if they are interested in expanding their personal or group bible studies by understanding the biblical genres! However, I would also proceed with caution if you are not familiar with Calvinism or the different stances in the soteriology debate.
March 1, 2022
I’ve grown up studying the Bible. I have done precept studies and inductive Bible studies for years, but Literarily is different. It’s been the tool I didn’t know I needed to help me unlock rich gems in the scriptures.
This book helps you understand Bible genres. Admittedly, before reading it, I had no idea how important this understanding would be. I didn’t know that understanding Bible genres affects hermeneutics. Kristie Anyabwile has written a book that is a true gift to the body of Christ. I appreciate that her writing style is very easy to understand and apply. I plan to have this book next to me while I’m studying scripture to help me ask the right questions and follow the authors train of thought and intended aim for their audience. I also plan to have extra copies on hand as I disciple others. It’s a real tool and resource to be read and reread.
Many years ago inductive Bible study tools grabbed me by the hand and taught me how to read the Bible. Now, many years later, Literarily has come along and grabbed me by the other hand and revolutionized my time in the word even more.
Ultimately, Literarily has helped me know God better and for that I am eternally grateful. I recommend this book for the most seasoned Bible scholars as well as beginners to Bible reading. No matter where you are in life I believe it will help you study and teach others how to study their Bibles.
This book helps you understand Bible genres. Admittedly, before reading it, I had no idea how important this understanding would be. I didn’t know that understanding Bible genres affects hermeneutics. Kristie Anyabwile has written a book that is a true gift to the body of Christ. I appreciate that her writing style is very easy to understand and apply. I plan to have this book next to me while I’m studying scripture to help me ask the right questions and follow the authors train of thought and intended aim for their audience. I also plan to have extra copies on hand as I disciple others. It’s a real tool and resource to be read and reread.
Many years ago inductive Bible study tools grabbed me by the hand and taught me how to read the Bible. Now, many years later, Literarily has come along and grabbed me by the other hand and revolutionized my time in the word even more.
Ultimately, Literarily has helped me know God better and for that I am eternally grateful. I recommend this book for the most seasoned Bible scholars as well as beginners to Bible reading. No matter where you are in life I believe it will help you study and teach others how to study their Bibles.
March 27, 2022
This book is a quick, easy introduction to the literary genres of Scripture. With a non-intimidating, conversational tone, Anyabwile makes the genres of the Bible easier to understand and helps the beginner find a footing for how to approach them - literarily.
Each chapter ends with a guided exercise to help the reader put the concepts she has explained into practice. The questions are neither too intimidating nor overly simplistic and would be excellent to use in group discussion, as well. I am also considering using this as a homeschool resource with my high school students to further their own understanding of how to rightly understand and apply the Scripture.
If a reader wants to go on to deeper reading and understanding of genres, the bibliography in the back is a treasure all of its own with great resources for further study.
As a women’s ministry director I’m always on the lookout for quality, yet approachable, tools to help women to become better students of the Word, and Literarily is a great one to add to the shelf!
Each chapter ends with a guided exercise to help the reader put the concepts she has explained into practice. The questions are neither too intimidating nor overly simplistic and would be excellent to use in group discussion, as well. I am also considering using this as a homeschool resource with my high school students to further their own understanding of how to rightly understand and apply the Scripture.
If a reader wants to go on to deeper reading and understanding of genres, the bibliography in the back is a treasure all of its own with great resources for further study.
As a women’s ministry director I’m always on the lookout for quality, yet approachable, tools to help women to become better students of the Word, and Literarily is a great one to add to the shelf!
December 19, 2023
Helpful and succinct guide to eight main literary genres contained in the "anthology" of Scripture. I would definitely hand this one to a teen with questions about "how to read the Bible" or somrone searching for a more than surface understanding of Scripture.
(If you have any kind of theology degree or training you're probably not going to find a whole lot here you haven't considered before but I don't mean that as a slight. This would be a good one in conjunction with Jen Wilkin's Women of the Word for training ladies' Bible study groups to read the Word themselves instead of pre-packaged topical studies.)
(If you have any kind of theology degree or training you're probably not going to find a whole lot here you haven't considered before but I don't mean that as a slight. This would be a good one in conjunction with Jen Wilkin's Women of the Word for training ladies' Bible study groups to read the Word themselves instead of pre-packaged topical studies.)
January 5, 2026
Literarily is a good overview of how understanding Bible genres can transform your Bible study. I would recommend it to someone who is beginning their devotional life and seeking more guidance, or to someone who wants a better understanding of Bible genres. Kristie has a simple approach, and I found it easy to read. It was also a fairly quick read.
July 6, 2023
The author does a great job breaking down the different genres of Scripture and how to study each book of the Bible with the genre in mind. This would be a great gift for new believers or believers who want to get more serious in their study of Scripture.
March 1, 2022
I have been a believer since I was a child and have been around / exposed to / read the Bible for many years; however, this book may have changed the way I look at Bible reading. Understanding the different types of literature contained within God's Word helps me to better understand what God is communicating to me through His Word. This book is written in such a way that a new believer could greatly benefit from it; however, it is also written such that a seasoned Christian can also learn and grow. That is probably the thing I appreciated the most about it - it is accessible and helpful to any and all levels of Biblical literacy. I appreciated the examples at the end of each chapter and exercises to work through in order to help solidify the concepts being learned. This is a book that I will definitely be revisiting often!
Read
June 30, 2023DNF :(
- poorly edited
- too basic for what I was looking for
- pop culture comparisons were cringe
- poorly edited
- too basic for what I was looking for
- pop culture comparisons were cringe
July 12, 2024
This book is a great, short introduction on how to understand genre and genre conventions in reading and studying the Bible.
March 15, 2022
Excellent explanation of the way to read scripture. It would be a perfect gift for a new believer or anyone who has only been exposed to small reading out of context.
March 7, 2023
Great guide on how to ready the different literary styles of the Bible. While reading all the way through is good, it’s probably better used as a guide to refer to when starting a new section of the Bible. Great instruction!
January 2, 2026
I love that more is being written on how to study, read, and appreciate the Bible both as literature and holy scripture. I had different expectations, though, for this book. I had expected more in-depth discussions. The use of pop-cultural illustrations like Easter eggs in films seemed a little jarring and didn’t really fit in with the rest of the book.
Probably this would be a good start for a young person, or someone unfamiliar with the Bible or ancient literature. The best sections of the book were at the end of each chapter. The author provides a “Transform Your Study,” which includes questions to answer or consider as you read specific Bible passages.
Probably this would be a good start for a young person, or someone unfamiliar with the Bible or ancient literature. The best sections of the book were at the end of each chapter. The author provides a “Transform Your Study,” which includes questions to answer or consider as you read specific Bible passages.
July 4, 2022
I enjoyed Literarily: How Understanding Bible Genres Transforms Bible Study by Kristie Anyabwile, but it is a harder book to review. Anyabwile gives an excellent idea of what's included in her book in the synopsis below.
First, Anyabwile has written a book that is engaging and informative, easy to understand, and would benefit anyone struggling to understand the Bible (preteens and adults).
"What became clear is that the Bible is, in part, a literary work and there is great value in studying it literarily, according to the literary style presented in a particular book, chapter, or passage."
Second, even though I have a master's degree in religious education, I still learned new stuff from this book. Quite a bit of the book was a review of things that I had already heard or learned; but I was thrilled by the new information I gleaned from this book.
"We can deepen our understanding of what God intends to communicate through His Word by learning to study the Bible according to its literary genres."
Third, I had never considered studying the Bible from a literary perspective but now understand the value of studying Scripture in this manner.
"The focus of this book is to help us understand the Bible literarily and while this literary understanding will serve as a guardrail to help us to yield to the authority of God's Word, we must also take time to understand the Bible in its cultural and historical contexts as well."
This is a quick read with lots of information. It's easy to take in smaller chunks as you have the time to read it. It is well-researched and would be great for anyone who wants to understand the genres of the Bible better.
Thank you to Moody Publishers for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
First, Anyabwile has written a book that is engaging and informative, easy to understand, and would benefit anyone struggling to understand the Bible (preteens and adults).
"What became clear is that the Bible is, in part, a literary work and there is great value in studying it literarily, according to the literary style presented in a particular book, chapter, or passage."
Second, even though I have a master's degree in religious education, I still learned new stuff from this book. Quite a bit of the book was a review of things that I had already heard or learned; but I was thrilled by the new information I gleaned from this book.
"We can deepen our understanding of what God intends to communicate through His Word by learning to study the Bible according to its literary genres."
Third, I had never considered studying the Bible from a literary perspective but now understand the value of studying Scripture in this manner.
"The focus of this book is to help us understand the Bible literarily and while this literary understanding will serve as a guardrail to help us to yield to the authority of God's Word, we must also take time to understand the Bible in its cultural and historical contexts as well."
This is a quick read with lots of information. It's easy to take in smaller chunks as you have the time to read it. It is well-researched and would be great for anyone who wants to understand the genres of the Bible better.
Thank you to Moody Publishers for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 19, 2025
I received a copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for a transparent review.
Literarily provides a birds eye view of the different genres in the Bible, their purpose, and how to study them.
The overview in general I found to be very helpful. It was great to have so many examples of the overarching genres, while also showing that many books of the Bible consist of multiple genres (like the gospels for example). We learn very quickly that the genre of each book requires us to approach it in specific ways and the author gives a multitude of tips for how to study each type.
I appreciate the emphasis put on the role genre plays in understanding the Bible in context.
The book reads as if it was written for an audience of youth/young adults. Each chapter begins with a personal story that I could absolutely see today's youth grabbing hold of them and being excited they could relate to them.
If you do choose to use the book to teach youth or people new to the literary styles in the Bible you may want to set aside some time to work through some of the definitions and examples used in the book. In my experience the average person isn't using this sort of literary language in normal discipleship - so being able to slow down and meet people at the very basic level would definitely be beneficial. I could see this being a great teaching text and healthy challenge for Sunday school classrooms!
If you're already familiar with the basics of poetry and literature, you're really well positioned to enjoy this book.
At the end of the day, there is plenty to be learned in the pages of Literarily.
I'm glad this conversation on genre (in the context of Bible Study) is happening!
Literarily provides a birds eye view of the different genres in the Bible, their purpose, and how to study them.
The overview in general I found to be very helpful. It was great to have so many examples of the overarching genres, while also showing that many books of the Bible consist of multiple genres (like the gospels for example). We learn very quickly that the genre of each book requires us to approach it in specific ways and the author gives a multitude of tips for how to study each type.
I appreciate the emphasis put on the role genre plays in understanding the Bible in context.
The book reads as if it was written for an audience of youth/young adults. Each chapter begins with a personal story that I could absolutely see today's youth grabbing hold of them and being excited they could relate to them.
If you do choose to use the book to teach youth or people new to the literary styles in the Bible you may want to set aside some time to work through some of the definitions and examples used in the book. In my experience the average person isn't using this sort of literary language in normal discipleship - so being able to slow down and meet people at the very basic level would definitely be beneficial. I could see this being a great teaching text and healthy challenge for Sunday school classrooms!
If you're already familiar with the basics of poetry and literature, you're really well positioned to enjoy this book.
At the end of the day, there is plenty to be learned in the pages of Literarily.
I'm glad this conversation on genre (in the context of Bible Study) is happening!
March 1, 2022
I was excited to read this book, but if I’m honest, I didn’t expect to learn as much as I did! As a long time Christian and graduate of a Christian college who took theology courses, I was primarily interested in reading the book as a refresher for discipling my children. However, I found myself frequently highlighting the text and experiencing many “aha!” moments as I worked my way through Literarily.
What I appreciate most about Anyabwile’s writing is the combination of detailed, complex content with approachable writing. You do not need a seminary degree to understand and learn from this book. The author makes no assumptions about her reader’s preexisting knowledge base and explains concepts in a beautiful, nonjudgmental manner. Her writing is engaged, educated, and purposeful without being condescending to the reader.
A fun surprise included in this book are guided self-study exercises at the end of each Biblical genre chapter, which would make this a great small group or Sunday School study. I look forward to working through the questions and applying the information I learned in each chapter.
Whether you’re a new Christian, lifelong Christian, or someone who simply wants to understand the Bible better as a literary work, this book is for you. It is relevant, approachable, and a relatively quick read. The author’s passion for helping others study the Bible jumps off the pages of this book and her passion for this topic inspired me to be more purposeful in my own Bible study.
*Disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book as a part of Moody Publishers' Literarily launch team.*
What I appreciate most about Anyabwile’s writing is the combination of detailed, complex content with approachable writing. You do not need a seminary degree to understand and learn from this book. The author makes no assumptions about her reader’s preexisting knowledge base and explains concepts in a beautiful, nonjudgmental manner. Her writing is engaged, educated, and purposeful without being condescending to the reader.
A fun surprise included in this book are guided self-study exercises at the end of each Biblical genre chapter, which would make this a great small group or Sunday School study. I look forward to working through the questions and applying the information I learned in each chapter.
Whether you’re a new Christian, lifelong Christian, or someone who simply wants to understand the Bible better as a literary work, this book is for you. It is relevant, approachable, and a relatively quick read. The author’s passion for helping others study the Bible jumps off the pages of this book and her passion for this topic inspired me to be more purposeful in my own Bible study.
*Disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book as a part of Moody Publishers' Literarily launch team.*
May 15, 2022
Because the Bible is a collection of sixty-three books, it is also a jumble of genres. It’s true that scripture tells one cohesive story, but the form or style of storytelling changes radically from book to book. While author Kristie Anyabwile advocates for a literal reading of the Bible’s commands and truths, she argues that we should also be reading Literarily, “according to the literary makeup of the book, chapter, or section of scripture we’re reading.”
In Old Testament books of the Law and Narrative and in the New Testament Gospels, it’s clear that the authors are telling a story with characters and a plot. The New Testament Epistles are letters, and for the most part, a straight forward reading suffices. However, with Poetry, Wisdom Lit, Prophecy, and Apocalyptic books and passages, wide use of metaphor and figurative language make it necessary for the reader to use discernment in understanding exactly what the author was trying to convey to his original audience.
Anyabwile offers a road map to heighten readers’ awareness of Bible genres alongside guidance on how to treat some of the trickier sections. Her style is accessible and her examples and stories are memorable. It’s clear that she holds a high view of scripture and is committed to the importance of women studying scripture for themselves with confidence.
The greater our skill in reading and comprehending the sacred text, the greater will be our ability to apply it to our lives–and this is an endeavor well worth our effort and a lifetime of practice!
Many thanks to Moody Publishers for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which is, of course, offered freely and with honesty.
In Old Testament books of the Law and Narrative and in the New Testament Gospels, it’s clear that the authors are telling a story with characters and a plot. The New Testament Epistles are letters, and for the most part, a straight forward reading suffices. However, with Poetry, Wisdom Lit, Prophecy, and Apocalyptic books and passages, wide use of metaphor and figurative language make it necessary for the reader to use discernment in understanding exactly what the author was trying to convey to his original audience.
Anyabwile offers a road map to heighten readers’ awareness of Bible genres alongside guidance on how to treat some of the trickier sections. Her style is accessible and her examples and stories are memorable. It’s clear that she holds a high view of scripture and is committed to the importance of women studying scripture for themselves with confidence.
The greater our skill in reading and comprehending the sacred text, the greater will be our ability to apply it to our lives–and this is an endeavor well worth our effort and a lifetime of practice!
Many thanks to Moody Publishers for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which is, of course, offered freely and with honesty.
August 1, 2022
“Literarily: How Understanding Bible Genres Transforms Bible Study” is one of the most unique handbooks for Scriptural study that I’ve read. Written by Kristie Anyabwile and published by Moody, this book is practical and thought-provoking, and also a lot of fun to read!
From Narrative to Poetry, Wisdom to the Gospels and Epistles, and everything in between, “Literarily” is not afraid of diving in and tackling every different type of writing included in the Bible. As we uncover how the different genres are meant to be pondered and applied, so much is revealed and becomes clear - it’s honestly amazing, what a difference this understanding makes!
The best feature of all about this book, in my opinion, is the opportunity at the end of each chapter to practice applying what we’ve learned. For example, to conclude the chapter about Poetry and Songs, we are given some guidelines for using Psalm 3 to work through some of the main principles we just learned about. Imagery, senses, wording and rhythm, comparison, and response are just some of the aspects touched on in this study tool example.
Without question, I recommend “Literarily” to anyone the least bit intrigued by the topic of Biblical genres. With a warm writing style, oodles of wisdom, and a user-friendly layout, Kristie makes this a book I will go back to time and again - and it is one that will continue to impact my study of God’s Word going forward.
I received this book courtesy of Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
From Narrative to Poetry, Wisdom to the Gospels and Epistles, and everything in between, “Literarily” is not afraid of diving in and tackling every different type of writing included in the Bible. As we uncover how the different genres are meant to be pondered and applied, so much is revealed and becomes clear - it’s honestly amazing, what a difference this understanding makes!
The best feature of all about this book, in my opinion, is the opportunity at the end of each chapter to practice applying what we’ve learned. For example, to conclude the chapter about Poetry and Songs, we are given some guidelines for using Psalm 3 to work through some of the main principles we just learned about. Imagery, senses, wording and rhythm, comparison, and response are just some of the aspects touched on in this study tool example.
Without question, I recommend “Literarily” to anyone the least bit intrigued by the topic of Biblical genres. With a warm writing style, oodles of wisdom, and a user-friendly layout, Kristie makes this a book I will go back to time and again - and it is one that will continue to impact my study of God’s Word going forward.
I received this book courtesy of Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 1, 2022
I received a copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
I really found this book interesting to read. I’ve read lots of bible study books but this is the first one I’ve seen about the types of books in the bible. I was aware that there were different genres in the Bible such as history, poetry, wisdom etc. However I hadn’t stopped to think much about what that means or why it’s important to be aware of.
The author is right – understanding Bible Genres DOES transform bible study. Is what you’re reading a speech or a story? The answer will determine how you read it and what you take away from it. Using context clues is important. Kristie goes over all of this and more.
The layout of the book is that each chapter is about a different genre. After a genre introduction, the biblical version of it is talked about. For example the poetry chapter starts with talk about poetry in general. The next section is What is Biblical Poetry? The chapter talks about poetry in a way I don’t remember every learning. These poetry terms are explained through the Bible. In the Transform Your Study of Poetry section we are shown how to read the poetry sections of the Bible to get the most out of it. This is the most helpful part of the book.
I recommend this book for those learning the Bible.
I really found this book interesting to read. I’ve read lots of bible study books but this is the first one I’ve seen about the types of books in the bible. I was aware that there were different genres in the Bible such as history, poetry, wisdom etc. However I hadn’t stopped to think much about what that means or why it’s important to be aware of.
The author is right – understanding Bible Genres DOES transform bible study. Is what you’re reading a speech or a story? The answer will determine how you read it and what you take away from it. Using context clues is important. Kristie goes over all of this and more.
The layout of the book is that each chapter is about a different genre. After a genre introduction, the biblical version of it is talked about. For example the poetry chapter starts with talk about poetry in general. The next section is What is Biblical Poetry? The chapter talks about poetry in a way I don’t remember every learning. These poetry terms are explained through the Bible. In the Transform Your Study of Poetry section we are shown how to read the poetry sections of the Bible to get the most out of it. This is the most helpful part of the book.
I recommend this book for those learning the Bible.
March 5, 2022
Literarily is a terrific, easy to read guide to the Bible's literary genres. Kristie starts each chapter with an engaging 'hook' that helps draw the reader into the rest of the chapter. She clearly and concisely explains what genres are, how the Bible contains a variety of genres, and why we should consider those genres as we study God's word. Her approach is upbeat-- she does not assume the reader knows anything, or everything, but she never condescends to the reader.
This book is a solid introduction to biblical genres and how to approach bible study 'literarily'. At the end of each chapter about a different genre, there are questions and exercises you can work through to help you 'build' those muscles. It would be a great book to work through in a small group or individually. Most importantly, though, Kristie encourages readers to equip themselves to know God's word FOR themselves, rather than assuming what others have taught or said. Because, the "purpose [of the Bible] is to reveal the mystery of Christ to a fallen world so that those who read it would have their hearts transformed." (p.33)
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.*
This book is a solid introduction to biblical genres and how to approach bible study 'literarily'. At the end of each chapter about a different genre, there are questions and exercises you can work through to help you 'build' those muscles. It would be a great book to work through in a small group or individually. Most importantly, though, Kristie encourages readers to equip themselves to know God's word FOR themselves, rather than assuming what others have taught or said. Because, the "purpose [of the Bible] is to reveal the mystery of Christ to a fallen world so that those who read it would have their hearts transformed." (p.33)
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.*
June 17, 2022
Many of us hear or read Scripture in bits and pieces: through references in a sermon, though a verse pasted at the top of a daily devotional, or perhaps in longer chunks through personal Bible reading or a small group Bible study. These practices can be valuable, but they don't always give us information that would enhance our understanding. Context and history matter - and so does genre, as Kristie Anyabwile reminds us in her engaging and helpful book. While those who've taken literature classes in school may be familiar with the way in which genre can inform the way in which a reader might approach a particular work, this isn't always part of the discussion when it comes to Bible reading - and it should be. Anyabwile offers a great explanation of why genre matters along with accessible explainers about each major genre found in Scripture (law, narrative, poetry, wisdom, prophecy, gospels, epistles, apocalyptic). Each chapter concludes with excellent research and discussion questions that would make excellent source material for Bible students looking to dig deeper into God's Word.
March 3, 2022
I used to be the Christian that didn’t know how to approach her Bible study. I would close my eyes, open my Bible randomly, and then just read to see what I get out of it. Needless to say, that didn’t work great for me!
I had the desire to read my Bible and decided to take classes, attend conferences, and just read more. We used a lot of big words like “hermaneutics”.
All that said, that takes a lot of work for the believer that simply wants to READ their Bible. I believe this book removes the barriers that keep believers from understanding the larger narrative of Bible, and, therefore, grow in their understanding of the mystery of the gospel.
Kristie comes to teaching with an incredible voice full of humor, understanding, and makes it so fun to learn about different genres within the Bible.
I highly recommend this for the nonbeliever who wants to see the Bible as literature, the new believer, a believer who’s just getting in Bible study, the well-seasoned reader, and any Bible teacher who wants to teach the grand narrative of the Bible.
I had the desire to read my Bible and decided to take classes, attend conferences, and just read more. We used a lot of big words like “hermaneutics”.
All that said, that takes a lot of work for the believer that simply wants to READ their Bible. I believe this book removes the barriers that keep believers from understanding the larger narrative of Bible, and, therefore, grow in their understanding of the mystery of the gospel.
Kristie comes to teaching with an incredible voice full of humor, understanding, and makes it so fun to learn about different genres within the Bible.
I highly recommend this for the nonbeliever who wants to see the Bible as literature, the new believer, a believer who’s just getting in Bible study, the well-seasoned reader, and any Bible teacher who wants to teach the grand narrative of the Bible.
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