Psalm classification chart

MJ. Smith

One annoyance I have with Logos is its tendency to choose a single option that stresses one particular aspect and present it without mention of the alternative. For example, I would like to see multiple ways of classifying the psalms. Some of the options (from Perplexity):

Alternative Psalm Classifications

Hermann Gunkels's Extended Classification
While Gunkel initially proposed seven genres, he later expanded his classification to include more categories:

1. Hymns
2. Communal Laments
3. Royal Psalms
4. Individual Laments
5. Individual Songs of Thanksgiving
6. Wisdom Psalms
7. Mixed Types
8. Liturgies
9. Prophetic Psalms

Claus Westermann's System
Claus Westermann proposed a simpler classification based on the psalms' primary function:

1. Praise
2. Lament
3. Narrative

Sigmund Mowinckel's Cultic Approach
Sigmund Mowinckel focused on the cultic use of psalms and classified them according to their role in Israelite worship:

1. Enthronement Psalms
2. Royal Psalms
3. Psalms of Lamentation
4. Thanksgiving Psalms
5. Hymns
6. Wisdom Psalms

Walter Brueggemann's Theological Classification
Walter Brueggemann proposed a theological approach to psalm classification, focusing on the emotional and spiritual journey expressed in the psalms:

1. Psalms of Orientation
2. Psalms of Disorientation
3. Psalms of New Orientation

Form-Critical Approach
Some scholars use a form-critical approach, which examines the structure and literary features of the psalms:

1. Laments
2. Hymns of Praise
3. Songs of Thanksgiving
4. Royal Psalms
5. Wisdom Psalms
6. Liturgical Psalms
7. Historical Psalms

Jewish Classifications

Rabbinic Classification
In Jewish tradition, the Talmud and Midrash offer a classification system based on the psalms' authorship and historical context:

1. Psalms of Adam
2. Psalms of Abraham
3. Psalms of Moses
4. Psalms of David
5. Psalms of Solomon
6. Psalms of Asaph
7. Psalms of the Sons of Korah

Medieval Jewish Scholars
Some medieval Jewish commentators, such as Abraham ibn Ezra and David Kimhi, proposed their own classification systems based on content and purpose:

1. Prayers
2. Praises
3. Prophecies
4. Ethical Teachings
5. Historical Narratives

Historical Classifications

Early Christian Classification
Early Christian writers, such as Athanasius and Augustine, categorized psalms based on their perceived Christological significance:

1. Messianic Psalms
2. Penitential Psalms
3. Imprecatory Psalms
4. Hallelujah Psalms

Liturgical Classification
Throughout history, both Jewish and Christian traditions have classified psalms according to their liturgical use:

1. Daily Psalms (for specific days of the week)
2. Festive Psalms (for holidays and special occasions)
3. Penitential Psalms (for times of repentance)
4. Hallel Psalms (for praise and thanksgiving)

Modern Scholarly Approaches

Thematic Classification
Some modern scholars organize psalms based on their primary themes:

1. Creation Psalms
2. Covenant Psalms
3. Kingship Psalms
4. Zion Psalms
5. Torah Psalms

Linguistic and Structural Classification
Scholars focusing on linguistic features and structural patterns have proposed categories such as:

1. Acrostic Psalms
2. Alphabetic Psalms
3. Antiphonal Psalms
4. Pilgrimage Psalms (Songs of Ascents)

Canonical Approach
Some scholars, like Brevard Childs, emphasize the importance of studying the Psalter's final canonical form, leading to classifications based on the psalms' placement and relationships within the book:

1. Introductory Psalms (Psalms 1-2)
2. Concluding Psalms (Psalms 146-150)
3. Psalms of the Davidic Covenant (Psalms 89-106)

Theological Classifications

Eschatological Classification
Some scholars categorize psalms based on their eschatological content:

1. Messianic Psalms
2. Apocalyptic Psalms
3. Judgment Day Psalms
4. New Creation Psalms

Christological Classification
Christian theologians have identified psalms that they believe specifically point to Christ:

1. Psalms of Christ's Suffering
2. Psalms of Christ's Resurrection
3. Psalms of Christ's Kingship
4. Psalms of Christ's Priesthood

Literary and Structural Approaches

Rhetorical Classification
Based on the rhetorical devices used:

1. Chiastic Psalms
2. Parallelistic Psalms
3. Inclusio Psalms
4. Refrain Psalms

Numerical Classification
Some scholars have noted numerical patterns in the Psalter:

1. Psalms of Sevens
2. Psalms of Tens
3. Golden Ratio Psalms

Functional Classifications

Psychological Approach
Categorizing psalms based on the emotional or psychological state they express:

1. Psalms of Confidence
2. Psalms of Longing
3. Psalms of Despair
4. Psalms of Ecstasy

Pastoral Classification
Used in pastoral care and counseling:

1. Psalms of Comfort
2. Psalms of Guidance
3. Psalms of Healing
4. Psalms of Reconciliation

Historical-Critical Approaches

Redaction Criticism
Based on the theory of multiple editors of the Psalter:

1. Pre-Exilic Psalms
2. Exilic Psalms
3. Post-Exilic Psalms
4. Maccabean Psalms

Sociological Classification
Categorizing psalms based on their perceived social context:

1. Royal Court Psalms
2. Temple Cult Psalms
3. Wisdom School Psalms
4. Popular Piety Psalms

Mystical and Esoteric Traditions

Kabbalistic Classification
In Jewish mystical tradition, psalms are sometimes classified according to the Sefirot (divine attributes):

1. Psalms of Chesed (Loving-kindness)
2. Psalms of Gevurah (Strength)
3. Psalms of Tiferet (Beauty)
4. Psalms of Malchut (Kingdom)

Numerological Approach
Some esoteric traditions classify psalms based on numerological significance:

1. Psalms of Unity (associated with number 1)
2. Psalms of Duality (associated with number 2)
3. Psalms of Completion (associated with number 7)

NichtnurBibelleser

For example, I would like to see multiple ways of classifying the psalms.

Basically, I agree. Also given the vast number of examples of other possibilities. Are you referring to the Psalm Explorer Tool exclusively? I assume, not. But in which other Logos contexts are you missing said flexibyilty?