Examples of Parallelism
Hebrew poets rhymed ideas, not the terminal sounds of their lines. This helps translators express Hebrew poetry in all the languages of the world. Two rhymed lines may be synonymous, expressing the same idea in different ways. An example is found in Psalm 9:9.
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble
Or the two rhymed lines may be antithetical, expressing opposite ideas, as in Psalm 1:6.
For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish
A third type of parallelism in a pair of rhymed lines synthesizes two different ideas. An example of synthesis is found in Job 11:18.
You will be secure, because there is hope;
you will look about you and take your rest in safety.
