STRUCTURAL LAWS

Law

Definition

Example

Causation

From Cause to Effect

Israel's disobedience (Habbakuk 1:2-4) results in God's judgment (1:5-11).

Climax

Events Progress Towards a Goal

The goal of giving the Law (Exodus 19-40) is God's indwelling of the tabernacle (40:34-38).

Comparison

Associates Similar Things G

King Jehoahaz's evil (2 Kings 13:1-9) is compared to King Jeroboam's evil (2 Kings 31:2; 1 Kings 12:25-14:20).

Continuity

Repeats Similar Words

Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7); Lost Coins (15:8-10); Lost Son (15:11-32)

Contrast

Associates Dissimilar Things G

The events during Herod's life (Matthew 2:13-18) are compared to the events after his death (2:19-23). G

Cruciality

Utilizes a Decisive Event

David's sin (2 Samuel 11:1-27) taints the rest of his life (2 Samuel 11:14 and following).

Explanation

Self-Interpretation of a Text

The "bread of life" sermon (John 6:22-59) explains the "feeding of the 5000" (6:1-14).

Generalization

From Specifics to General

Specifics in the life of Abraham and Rahab (James 2:21-25) illustrate the general statement that faith without works is dead (James 2:26).

Interchange

Alternating Elements

Hannah and Samuel and Eli and his sons are interchanged (1 Samuel 1-12).

Language

Change of Language

Daniel begins in Aramaic (Daniel 2-7) and later changes to Hebrew (8-12).

Introduction

Circumstances of the Revelation

Creation (Genesis 1-2) is the background for the Fall (3).

Particularization

From General to Specifics

A general statement concerning subjection (Ephesians 5:21) precedes specific examples in marriage, family, and vocations (5:22-6:9).

Problem Solving

Problem/Solution

Question/Answer

Disease/Remedy

Promise/Fulfillment

The problem of corrupting influence (Ephesians 5:15-16) is solved (5:17-6:9).

Proportion

Emphasis by Dedicated Space

In Luke, 30-years of the Lord's life are described in almost 4-chapters (Luke 1:1-3:20) but 6-days of His life are described in 4.5 chapters (19:29-23:54). Thus the emphasis in Luke on those 6-days (the Passion) is greater than the emphasis on the 30-years (pre-public ministry years).

Purpose

Self-Stated Purpose of Text

The purpose of 1 John 5:10-12 is given in 5:13.

Repetition

Repeats the Same Word(s) G

"Therefore . . . walk" is repeated 5 times in Ephesians 4:1-6:9. G

Substantiation

From Effect to Cause

A godly life (Ephesians 4:1-6:9) is brought forth by taking on the armor of God (6:10-20).

Summarization

Summarizes Thoughts

Details of Joshua's conquests (Joshua 6:1-11:15) are summarized in 11:16-12:24.