In | Inner-Biblical Parallels

Sometimes called synoptic (think synonym), certain passages in the Bible are very much like others. This category includes narrative accounts with different details and perspectives. (Compare passages in Kings and Chronicles or passages in the four Gospels.) 

Synoptic accounts may reflect a standard Semitic tradition called parallelism. In poetry and proverbs, parallelism is the repetition of words and phrases in a two-part thought to restate, extend or contrast the first statement. This common practice may also explain larger chunks of material that are placed side by side (Gen 1 & 2, Ex 14 & 15; Judg 4 & 5). Always assume that there is significance to the unique emphasis in each account, and look for that emphasis in the distinctions.