Promises 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 promises. Some of the options (from Perplexity):

Jewish Classifications

Rabbinic Classification
Traditional rabbinic literature often categorizes promises based on their recipients:

1. Promises to the Patriarchs
2. Promises to Israel as a Nation
3. Promises to Individuals
4. Universal Promises

Maimonides' Approach
Maimonides, in his philosophical works, implied a classification of promises:

1. Conditional Promises
2. Unconditional Promises
3. Allegorical Promises
4. Messianic Promises

Modern Jewish Scholarship
Contemporary Jewish scholars often classify promises thematically:

1. Land Promises
2. Covenant Promises
3. Redemption Promises
4. Blessing Promises

Christian Classifications

Covenant Theology Classification
This approach, common in Reformed theology, categorizes promises according to covenantal frameworks:

1. Adamic Promises
2. Noahic Promises
3. Abrahamic Promises
4. Mosaic Promises
5. Davidic Promises
6. New Covenant Promises

Dispensationalist Classification
Dispensationalist scholars often categorize promises based on their fulfillment:

1. Fulfilled Promises
2. Partially Fulfilled Promises
3. Future Promises
4. Typological Promises

Christocentric Classification
Many Christian theologians classify promises in relation to Christ:

1. Messianic Promises
2. Soteriological Promises (relating to salvation)
3. Ecclesiological Promises (relating to the Church)
4. Eschatological Promises

Historical Classifications

Patristic Classification
Early Church Fathers often categorized promises as:

1. Temporal Promises
2. Spiritual Promises
3. Eternal Promises

Medieval Scholastic Approach
Medieval Christian scholars sometimes classified promises according to the four senses of scripture:

1. Literal Promises
2. Allegorical Promises
3. Moral Promises
4. Anagogical Promises

Contemporary Scholarly Approaches

Form-Critical Classification
Based on the literary form of the promise:

1. Covenant Formulas
2. Oracle Promises
3. Prophetic Promises
4. Wisdom Promises

Socio-Historical Classification
Categorizing promises based on their historical context:

1. Pre-Exilic Promises
2. Exilic Promises
3. Post-Exilic Promises
4. Intertestamental Promises

Thematic Classification
Many modern scholars classify promises based on their primary themes:

1. Salvation Promises
2. Judgment Promises
3. Restoration Promises
4. Blessing Promises

Rhetorical Classification
Focusing on the rhetorical strategies employed:

1. Declarative Promises
2. Conditional Promises
3. Performative Promises
4. Symbolic Promises

Walter Brueggemann's Classification

Walter Brueggemann, in his work on Old Testament theology, proposes a classification based on the rhetorical function of promises:

1. Promises of Presence
2. Promises of Blessing
3. Promises of Land
4. Promises of Progeny
5. Promises of Deliverance

N.T. Wright's New Testament Promise Classification

N.T. Wright, focusing on New Testament promises, suggests:

1. Covenantal Promises
2. Kingdom Promises
3. New Creation Promises
4. Spirit Promises

Jon D. Levenson's Covenantal Approach

Levenson, a Jewish scholar, classifies promises within a covenantal framework:

1. Sinaitic Covenant Promises
2. Davidic Covenant Promises
3. Abrahamic Covenant Promises
4. New Covenant Promises

Craig L. Blomberg's Holistic Classification

Blomberg proposes a classification that spans both testaments:

1. Material Promises
2. Spiritual Promises
3. Relational Promises
4. Eschatological Promises

Gordon D. Fee's Pneumatological Classification

Fee, focusing on the role of the Spirit, suggests:

1. Promises of the Spirit's Presence
2. Promises of the Spirit's Power
3. Promises of the Spirit's Guidance
4. Promises of the Spirit's Transformation

Richard B. Hays' Intertextual Approach

Hays classifies promises based on their intertextual relationships:

1. Echoed Promises
2. Reconfigured Promises
3. Thematic Promises
4. Narratival Promises