Question

Explain the meaning of the following three parallel verses in terms of the parallelism used in each (see the above examples for guidelines).
1. It is he that hath made us, and we are his…
This parallel is synthetic because
2. We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
This parallel is emblematic because
3. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise.
This parallel is synonymous because

1.
2.
3.

Answer 1

Parallelism is a figure of speech used in biblical literature. Synthetic parallelism involves the completion or expansion of the idea of the first part. The reader feels impelled to complete the idea by stating that we are his sons, given that he hath made us and God is the Father. Emblematic parallelism makes use of comparison or symbols. Jesus Christ can be represented as the Good Shepherd and his people can be compared to his sheep. And synonymous parallelism refers to the repetition of words or to the use of similar words. "Enter into his" is present in both parts. In this last type of parallelism variations are minor.

Answer 2

Explain the meaning of the following three parallel verses in terms of the parallelism used in each  

1. It is he that hath made us, and we are his…

This parallel is synthetic because

2. We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

This parallel is emblematic because

3. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise.

This parallel is synonymous because

1. In synthetic parallelism the first part is complemented by the second, so in the first parallel verse, the second part complements the first part by stating that we are “his”, in the first part it is stated that we were “made” by him.

2. In the emblematic parallelism, the parallel verses are constructed with a metaphor. This type of parallelism shows us an image and its understanding. This parallel verse is emblematic because the word sheep illustrates the virtue of the beings that are guided by providence.  

3. In the synonymous parallelism, the two parts show a repetition in the two parts with different words. In this parallel verse “thanksgiving” and “praise” intend to say the same, it means be thankful for what expects you in the gates and in the courts of heaven.