Why Poetry in the Bible Matters?

By: Alter, Robert

In "Why Poetry in the Bible Matters," Robert Alter illuminates the profound impact of biblical poetry, revealing how its unique forms and evocative language have shaped theological and philosophical thought for millennia. This insightful exploration uncovers the rich historical and cultural contexts that enrich these ancient texts, demonstrating how poetry serves as a powerful medium for engaging with the divine and with the human experience. An essential read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of biblical literature.

Robert Alter is Emeritus Professor of Hebrew and Comparative Literature at the University of California, Berkeley. He has written extensively on literary aspects of the Hebrew Bible, and in 2018 he completed a translation with commentary of the Hebrew Bible.

Endorsements:

Robert Alter is among our generation's leading proponents of reading the Bible as literature. Having translated the entire Hebrew Bible with an eye toward preserving its style as an essential component of meaning, Alter is uniquely positioned to explain how biblical poetry works.
Carmen Joy Imes, Associate Professor of Old Testament, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, author of
Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters.

Many 21st century readers too easily dismiss or give-up on understanding the Bible's poetry and how it works. Robert Alter's discussion of why biblical poetry matters is nothing short of a rescue operation. The format of lecture combined with interview enhances the authenticity of the project.
Leland Ryken, Professor Emeritus of Wheaton College, author of A Treasury of Nature: Illustrated Poetry, Prose,
and Praise.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1624281052
• ISBN13: 9781624281051
• Release Date: December 2025
• Publisher: Iccs Press
• Length: 86 Pages
• Weight: 0.28 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 6.0" x 9.0"