What is the main genre found in the Bible?

The primary genre found in the Bible is narrative. This is because much of the Bible tells the stories of individuals, communities, and the overarching history of God's people. Notably, books such as Genesis, Exodus, 1 and 2 Samuel, and the Gospels in the New Testament are structured as narratives, recounting events that shape the theological and moral framework of the Scriptures. These narratives not only convey historical events but also provide deep insights into the character of God, his relationship with humanity, and the moral lessons that are meant to be learned from those stories.

While poetry, prophecy, and wisdom literature are indeed important components of the biblical text, they often exist within the broader narrative context. For example, many of the poetic passages found in Psalms or the prophecies in Isaiah serve to enrich the narrative by expressing emotions and divine messages that are crucial for understanding the historical accounts. Nonetheless, the narrative is the foundational form that encompasses the unfolding drama of God’s plan for creation and redemption throughout the Bible.