An Introduction to Biblical Genres and Form Criticism
by Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D. 

Definitions and Modern Examples:

"GENRE" = a category or type of literature (or of art, music, etc.) characterized by a particular form, style, or content.

BooksThere are many possible ways to classify or categorize human communications:

"FORM CRITICISM" = the branch of biblical studies that classifies the various literary genres, studies their features, and considers how and where such forms were actually used in the "life setting" of the religious communities.
Major Genres within the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament):
Major Genres within the New Testament: Smaller Genres and Sub-Genres within the New Testament:

Click here for a printable PDF version of this webpage.

For detailed form-critical analyses of some Healing Miracle Narratives, click here.

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