Much of the book of Isaiah is written in various forms of Hebrew Poetry, especially Hebrew “Paralellisms” as they are called. Following is a list of various types of paralellisim, each of which can be found in Isaiah.
Climactic Parallelism
The next type of parallelism to discuss is climactic parallelism. This is a form of poetry in which part of one line, either a word or phrase, is repeated in the second and other following lines, until a theme is developed culminating in a main idea or statement.
This parallelism is often progressive like stairs that lead to or descend from a central point. The difference between composite and climactic parallelism is that the use of the same word grouping can be seen in each of the lines.
[tweetmeme https://byudchw.wordpress.com/deeper-understandings-of-isaiah/ only_single=false source=dchw]
Hebrew people wrote beautiful poetry.
Synonymous Parallelism
The most common form of parallelism used by our poetic prophets in the scriptures is called synonymous parallelism. This is a result of the theme on the first line being repeated in the second line but with slightly different words.
Antithetic Parallelism
Another form of parallelism is called antithetic parallelism. This is where the thought of the first part of the couplet contrasts with an opposite theme contained in the second part.
Emblematic Parallelism
Emblematic parallelism is another form of poetry that is used in the teachings of the scriptures. This is shown when two lines are compared by means of a simile or metaphor.
Synthetic Parallelism
Synthetic parallelism is where the second line completes or compliments the thought of the first. There are a variety of combinations that can be used in this form of poetic teaching. Some might include question-answer, proposition-conclusion, or situation-consequence.
Composite Parallelism
Another form used is called composite parallelism. This is exhibited when three or more phrases are used to develop a theme. It can be used to help define a term or give added attention to a concept that is being taught. Sometimes the central idea is expressed right up front and other times it is not, but the listener must still be able to organize his thoughts to a central theme for it to be composite parallelism.
Climactic Parallelism
The next type of parallelism to discuss is climactic parallelism. This is a form of poetry in which part of one line, either a word or phrase, is repeated in the second and other following lines, until a theme is developed culminating in a main idea or statement.
This parallelism is often progressive like stairs that lead to or descend from a central point. The difference between composite and climactic parallelism is that the use of the same word grouping can be seen in each of the lines.
Chiasmus
This type of parallelism is often called Chiasmus. This form of literary poetry is done when a pattern of words or ideas are stated and then repeated, but in reverse order. It is viewed in the shape of an hourglass figure with the focal point being in the middle. A Chiastic pattern can be found in as little as one verse, but can also cover several verses, whole chapters, and even groups of chapters. This method of teaching was a very common literary form used by Israelite poets and prophets.
All About Isaiah 