Parallelismus

The primary structural feature of Hebrew poetry in which successive lines relate to each other in patterns of reinforcement, contrast, or development. Synonymous parallelism restates an idea: 'The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands' (Psalm 19:1). Antithetic parallelism contrasts ideas: 'For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction' (Psalm 1:6). Synthetic parallelism develops a thought: 'Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked, or stand in the way that sinners take, or sit in the company of mockers' (Psalm 1:1). Recognizing parallelism aids interpretation and appreciation of poetic texts.