The Bible Designed to be read as Literature Volume I & II

The Bible Designed to be Read as Literature aims to liberate the biblical text from its conventional presentation and allow readers to engage with it as a work of literature. By removing the familiar chapter and verse notations, the editors create a reading experience that encourages immersion in the stories, poetry, and dramatic dialogues. The arrangement generally follows historical order, enhancing the sense of a continuous narrative unfolding across the Old and New Testaments. Special attention is paid to the literary form of each section: prose is presented in paragraphs, poetry in its rhythmic lines, and dramatic passages with clear speaker identification (as in Job and the Song of Songs). This design choice underscores the diverse literary artistry within the Bible. Furthermore, each book is prefaced with an introduction that provides valuable background information, including historical context, authorship considerations, and literary characteristics. This helps readers appreciate the nuances of each text within its original setting. This edition is not intended to replace scholarly or devotional study Bibles but rather to offer a unique approach that illuminates the Bible’s enduring power as a work of literature, appealing to both believers and those interested in its cultural and historical significance.