Love them or hate them, literary tropes are something readers love to discuss. Every reader has a trope they adore and a trope they abhor. Personal favorites of mine include rags-to-riches, the chosen one, and hidden identity. But can the Bible of all things have “tropes” in it? After all, it’s nonfiction!

Fiction mirrors real life, we must recall, and thus what in fiction is called tropes can and does occur in real life (for example, my parents’ romance could be considered the “opposites attract” trope). So of course the Bible can and does tell us about events that have the elements of some of our favorite tropes. Now, what are some examples?

In Joseph’s story, we see a favored son sold into slavery, get thrown into prison, then rise to become second-in-command of all Egypt who proceeds to hide his identity from his brothers when they come to land until he knows they are trustworthy. Does this sound familiar? You’ve got it: rags-to-riches, underdog, and hidden identity abound!

In David’s story, you have a shepherd boy who is chosen to become the next king of Israel while the current king is still on the throne, and how he rises to the top despite war, assassination attempts, and being hunted. While full of a lot of “tropes,” rags-to-riches and the chosen one is strong in David’s story.

In Esther’s story, a young woman is selected to become the wife of the King of Persia, becoming queen, and thus being forced to hide her identity as a Jew until she has to save her people. Some “tropes” we can spot from the onset are (again) rags-to-riches, peasant x royal, secret identity, and the reluctant leader. 

These are just a few examples of how different “tropes” can be found in the Bible! It’s a fun, fascinating way to look at the Word of God and can even be used as a tool to help pinpoint why we might like certain Biblical accounts more than others. 

So, what are some of your favorite tropes, and can they be found anywhere in Scripture? If so, feel free to tell us in the comments! Or you can tell us about your favorite Bible story and which “tropes” you think might be there–we’d love to hear it!