Is Abraham a Hero or a Warning? How Genre Makes or Breaks Your Bible Reading (Andy Judd) Ep. #202

The Biblical Mind

What if our biggest biblical misunderstandings come from reading the right words in the wrong way? In this episode, Old Testament scholar Dr. Andy Judd joins Dru Johnson to unravel the complex and often misused concept of genre in biblical interpretation. Drawing from his background in English literature and law, Dr. Judd explains how many theological debates, misreadings, and even dangerous interpretations arise not from misused Hebrew dictionaries—but from unspoken assumptions about genre.

Why do readers assume Abraham’s behavior is exemplary? Why do sermons treat biblical laws like modern legal codes? Why do people interpret apocalyptic visions as historical predictions? From Genesis to Judges, Paul’s letters to Revelation, Judd shows that failing to ask, “What kind of text is this?” is often where interpretation goes off the rails.

Blending humor, literary theory, and deep biblical insight, Judd offers practical ways to become better “travelers” in the ancient biblical world—learning to coordinate with texts the way we coordinate with traffic rules in a new country.

Andy Judd's personal website can be found here:
https://www.andyjudd.com/

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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:54 The Journey into Genre Studies
03:26 Misinterpretations and Conflicts in Biblical Genre
06:26 Understanding Narrative and Ethical Frameworks
10:18 The Role of Genre in Biblical Interpretation
12:39 Defining Genre: Conventions and Contexts
14:37 Cultural Contexts and Genre Navigation
18:35 The Boomerang Test: A Practical Approach to Genre
24:32 Deep Structures and Genre Regulation
28:08 Understanding Genre in Scripture
33:54 The Role of Genre in Biblical Interpretation
39:22 Biblical Law: A Unique Genre
43:56 The Social Function of Biblical Law
49:42 Wisdom and the Interpretation of Law