I am constantly amazed by, and testing or playing with, ChatGPT-4. It is, believe it or not, a dab hand at Bible commentary, not that I recommend using it for that purpose. The point, however, is that its familiarity with the Bible is vast and encyclopedic.
So I asked it what bits of the Bible were skimmable, according to a certain fairly strict criterion.
I can hear all the eyebrows being raised in alarm. But before Bible defenders get too excited, let me give some background. Regular readers of this blog might have noticed that, on Sunday, I posted How to Read the Bible All the Way Through for the First Time. One of the questions I asked there concerned which parts of the Bible can be skimmed, on a first reading. I conceded that, indeed, on a first reading, it probably would be a good idea to skim, not skip, certain passages.
Testing ChatGPT-4
First, I tested whether GPT could handle the task. I had the following convo with the LLM:
I am interested in learning how in-depth your analytical knowledge of the Bible is.
In a Q&A, I recently wrote:
But can I skip certain really boring parts?
Skim, not skip, only your first time through, and only a few bits. Which bits? See below. If we’re talking about the same bits, then I hate to say it, but…yes. Your first time through, you can skim. Not skip.
What can you skim the first time through? Examples of “skimmable” texts include: genealogical lists, lists of tribal leaders and their censuses and cities, descriptions and re-descriptions of tabernacle and temple construction (and their furniture and priestly vestments), land allotments and boundaries, lists of cities, and detailed, repetitive descriptions of sacrifices. When you analyze texts, do not skip short passages (say, fewer than 12 verses). Analyze longer skimmable passages (i.e., multiple chapters in a row) to make sure your general characterizations are generally correct. For the shorter books, state in one line what the book is about, by way of explaining why nothing is skimmable, if nothing in it is skimmable.
I’m sure you have a concept of “skimmable” Bible parts. So here is my question: which chapters (list them) of Genesis are skimmable? List the chapter number(s) and the reason why. The answer might be “none” and there might possibly be only one or two.
The concept of “skimmable” parts of the Bible is subjective and can vary depending on the reader’s goals, religious beliefs, and interests in studying the text. However, if we’re considering parts of the Book of Genesis that might be considered “skimmable” based on the criteria you provided (genealogical lists, lists of leaders, etc.), then the following chapters might be candidates:
1. Genesis 5: This chapter contains the genealogy from Adam to Noah. It is a list of names along with the ages of the patriarchs at the time of their deaths.
2. Genesis 10: Known as the “Table of Nations,” this chapter lists the descendants of Noah’s sons (Shem, Ham, and Japheth) and the nations that arose from them.
3. Genesis 11:10-32: This section is another genealogical list, detailing the lineage from Shem to Abram (later renamed Abraham).
4. Genesis 36: This chapter is primarily a genealogical account of Esau’s descendants.
5. Genesis 46:8-27: This section lists the names of the people of Israel who went to Egypt.
These chapters primarily contain genealogical lists or similar content and may be considered “skimmable” if you’re reading the Bible for the first time and are looking to focus on narrative or doctrinal elements. However, it’s worth noting that even these “skimmable” sections have been the subject of extensive theological interpretation and study, and they do contribute to the overall understanding of the text.
Reader, I can assure you, based on my own repeated and extremely in-depth reading of Genesis (including these “skimmable” parts—would you believe I wrote a 20-page commentary on Gen 36?), that GPT does seem to grasp the concept of “skimmable” bits I am after. But it did make mistakes, which I had to fix one way or another.
Without further ado, here is ChatGPT-4’s list, which took me all of about an hour to extract.
And at the end, GPT will calculate the entire percentage that is “skimmable.” It’s lower than you might have thought.
Skimmable Bible Passages
This was generated by ChatGPT-4, but I looked over the entire output and frequently had it regenerate analyses when I found them incorrect.
Genesis
- Genesis 5: This chapter contains the genealogy from Adam to Noah. It is a list of names along with the ages of the patriarchs at the time of their deaths.
- Genesis 10: Known as the “Table of Nations,” this chapter lists the descendants of Noah’s sons (Shem, Ham, and Japheth) and the nations that arose from them.
- Genesis 11:10-32: This section is another genealogical list, detailing the lineage from Shem to Abram (later renamed Abraham).
- Genesis 36: This chapter is primarily a genealogical account of Esau’s descendants.
- Genesis 46:8-27: This section lists the names of the people of Israel who went to Egypt.
For Genesis, 5 out of 50 chapters could be considered “skimmable,” which is 10%.
Exodus
- Exodus 6:14-27: This section contains the genealogy of the Levite family, tracing the lineage of Moses and Aaron.
- Exodus 12:37-51: While not a genealogy, this section details some of the regulations and statutes concerning the Passover, which are reiterated later.
- Exodus 25-31 & 36-39: These chapters provide detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as the priestly garments. Most of this material is repetitive and focuses on construction details. However, there are key sections within these chapters that should not be skimmed, such as:
- Exodus 25:8-9, 40: Instructions for building the Tabernacle as a dwelling place for God, emphasizing the importance of following God’s design.
- Exodus 29:42-46: Describes the purpose of the Tabernacle as a place where God will dwell among the Israelites.
- Exodus 31:12-18: The Sabbath as a sign between God and Israel, given in the context of Tabernacle construction.
For Exodus, taking into account the non-skimmable portions within chapters 25-31 and 36-39, approximately 13 out of 40 chapters could be considered “skimmable,” which is 32.5%.
Leviticus
- Leviticus 1-7: These chapters provide detailed instructions for various types of sacrifices. While important for understanding Israelite worship, they are highly detailed and repetitive.
- Leviticus 11-15: These chapters focus on laws concerning ritual purity, including dietary laws, skin diseases, and bodily discharges. They are detailed and specific, which some readers may find less engaging on a first read.
- Leviticus 27: This chapter deals with vows and tithes, and it includes a lot of specific valuations that may be considered less essential for a first-time reader.
For Leviticus, 11 out of 27 chapters could be considered “skimmable,” which is approximately 40.7%.
Numbers
- Numbers 1: This chapter contains a census of the Israelite tribes.
- Numbers 3-4: These chapters list the duties of the Levites and the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites in particular.
- Numbers 7: This chapter describes the offerings made by the leaders of the tribes at the dedication of the Tabernacle. It’s repetitive, as each tribe offers the same gifts.
- Numbers 26: Another census of the Israelite tribes is taken in this chapter.
For Numbers, 4 out of 36 chapters could be considered “skimmable,” which is approximately 11.1%.
Deuteronomy
- Deuteronomy 14:22-29: This section contains details about tithing, which might be considered repetitive given the previous discussions on the subject in other books of the Torah.
For Deuteronomy, 1 out of 34 chapters could be considered “skimmable,” which is approximately 2.9%.
Joshua
- Joshua 12: This chapter lists the kings defeated by Moses and Joshua.
- Joshua 13-21: These chapters describe the division of the land among the tribes of Israel, including boundaries and cities.
For Joshua, 9 out of 24 chapters could be considered “skimmable,” which is approximately 37.5%.
Judges
- Judges 1:1-2:5: This section lists the territories conquered by each tribe, which is somewhat repetitive given the previous accounts in Joshua.
For Judges, 1 out of 21 chapters could be considered “skimmable,” which is approximately 4.8%.
Ruth
The Book of Ruth is a short narrative without sections that fit the “skimmable” criteria. It has only 4 chapters and is primarily a story, so one could argue that none of it is “skimmable.”
1 Samuel
None of the chapters in 1 Samuel fit the “skimmable” criteria you’ve provided. The book is primarily narrative and doesn’t contain genealogical lists, land allotments, or other elements you’ve identified as “skimmable.”
- 2 Samuel 24: This chapter contains a census taken by King David, which is a list of numbers of fighting men from various tribes.
For 2 Samuel, 1 out of 24 chapters could be considered “skimmable,” which is approximately 4.2%.
2 Samuel
- 2 Samuel 24: This chapter contains a census taken by King David, which is a list of numbers of fighting men from various tribes.
For 2 Samuel, 1 out of 24 chapters could be considered “skimmable,” which is approximately 4.2%.
1 Kings
- 1 Kings 4: This chapter lists Solomon’s officials, districts, and provisions.
- 1 Kings 6-7: These chapters describe the construction of Solomon’s Temple and his palace, including detailed descriptions of the furnishings.
For 1 Kings, 3 out of 22 chapters could be considered “skimmable,” which is approximately 13.6%.
2 Kings
None of the chapters in 2 Kings fit the “skimmable” criteria you’ve provided. The book is primarily narrative and doesn’t contain genealogical lists, land allotments, or other elements you’ve identified as “skimmable.”
1 Chronicles
- 1 Chronicles 1-9: These chapters are primarily genealogical lists.
- 1 Chronicles 21: This chapter contains another account of David’s census.
For 1 Chronicles, 10 out of 29 chapters could be considered “skimmable,” which is approximately 34.5%.
2 Chronicles
- 2 Chronicles 1: This chapter lists Solomon’s officials and leaders.
- 2 Chronicles 2-4: These chapters describe the preparations and construction of the Temple, including the furnishings.
- 2 Chronicles 26: This chapter contains a brief account of a census conducted during the reign of King Uzziah.
For 2 Chronicles, 4 out of 36 chapters could be considered “skimmable,” which is approximately 11.1%.
Ezra
- Ezra 2: This chapter contains a list of the exiles who returned to Jerusalem.
- Ezra 8:1-14: This section lists the heads of families and the number of men from each family who returned with Ezra from Babylon.
For Ezra, 2 out of 10 chapters could be considered “skimmable,” which is 20%.
Nehemiah
- Nehemiah 3: This chapter provides a detailed account of the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem, listing the various gates and the people responsible for each section.
- Nehemiah 7:6-73: This section contains a list of the exiles who returned to Jerusalem, similar to the list in Ezra 2.
- Nehemiah 11: This chapter lists the residents of Jerusalem and other towns, along with some of their leaders.
- Nehemiah 12:1-26: This section lists the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel.
For Nehemiah, 4 out of 13 chapters could be considered “skimmable,” which is approximately 30.8%.
Esther
The Book of Esther is primarily narrative and doesn’t contain sections that fit the “skimmable” criteria. It has 10 chapters, so one could argue that none of it is “skimmable.”
Job
The Book of Job is primarily a poetic dialogue that explores themes of suffering and divine justice. It doesn’t contain sections that fit the “skimmable” criteria. It has 42 chapters, so one could argue that none of it is “skimmable.”
Psalms
[Editor’s note: I asked GPT to “just identify those psalms that are repetitions or extremely similar to other psalms.”]
- Psalm 14 and Psalm 53: These two psalms are very similar in content, both describing the corruption of humanity.
- Psalm 40:13-17 and Psalm 70: Psalm 70 is almost identical to the concluding verses of Psalm 40.
- Psalm 108: This psalm is a combination of Psalm 57:7-11 and Psalm 60:5-12.
- Psalm 115 and Psalm 135: These psalms share similar themes and phrases, praising God and contrasting Him with idols.
- Psalm 18 and 2 Samuel 22: While not a repetition within the Book of Psalms itself, Psalm 18 is repeated almost verbatim in 2 Samuel 22.
These are examples of psalms that are either repetitions or extremely similar to other psalms. Given that there are 150 psalms, these similar or repetitive ones make up a small percentage, approximately 3.3%.
Proverbs
The Book of Proverbs is primarily a collection of wisdom sayings and doesn’t contain sections that fit the “skimmable” criteria. It has 31 chapters, so one could argue that none of it is “skimmable.”
Ecclesiastes
The Book of Ecclesiastes is a philosophical treatise exploring the meaning of life and doesn’t contain sections that fit the “skimmable” criteria. It has 12 chapters, so one could argue that none of it is “skimmable.”
Song of Solomon (Song of Songs)
The Song of Solomon is a poetic book that explores themes of love and doesn’t contain sections that fit the “skimmable” criteria. It has 8 chapters, so one could argue that none of it is “skimmable.”
Isaiah
- Isaiah 36-39: These chapters are narrative but are largely repeated in 2 Kings 18-20. They describe the Assyrian invasion of Judah and King Hezekiah’s actions during this period.
For Isaiah, 4 out of 66 chapters could be considered “skimmable,” which is approximately 6.1%.
Jeremiah
- Jeremiah 52: This chapter is a historical appendix that largely repeats material from 2 Kings 24-25, describing the fall of Jerusalem.
For Jeremiah, 1 out of 52 chapters could be considered “skimmable,” which is approximately 1.9%.
Lamentations
The Book of Lamentations is a collection of poetic laments for the destruction of Jerusalem and doesn’t contain sections that fit the “skimmable” criteria. It has 5 chapters, so one could argue that none of it is “skimmable.”
Ezekiel
- Ezekiel 40-42: These chapters provide detailed descriptions of the future temple, including its rooms, gates, and courts.
- Ezekiel 48: This chapter describes the division of the land among the tribes of Israel in the future restoration.
For Ezekiel, 4 out of 48 chapters could be considered “skimmable,” which is approximately 8.3%.
Daniel
The Book of Daniel is primarily narrative and apocalyptic literature and doesn’t contain sections that fit the “skimmable” criteria. It has 12 chapters, so one could argue that none of it is “skimmable.”
Hosea
Prophetic oracles focusing on Israel’s unfaithfulness. No “skimmable” sections. 0 out of 14 chapters, 0%.
Joel
Prophetic oracles about the Day of the Lord. No “skimmable” sections. 0 out of 3 chapters, 0%.
Amos
Prophetic oracles against social injustice and idolatry. No “skimmable” sections. 0 out of 9 chapters, 0%.
Obadiah
Prophetic oracle against Edom. No “skimmable” sections. 0 out of 1 chapter, 0%.
Jonah
Narrative about Jonah’s mission to Nineveh. No “skimmable” sections. 0 out of 4 chapters, 0%.
Jonah
Narrative about Jonah’s mission to Nineveh. No “skimmable” sections. 0 out of 4 chapters, 0%.
Micah
Prophetic oracles and promises of restoration. No “skimmable” sections. 0 out of 7 chapters, 0%.
Nahum
Prophetic oracles against Nineveh. No “skimmable” sections. 0 out of 3 chapters, 0%.
Habakkuk
Dialogue between the prophet and God about justice. No “skimmable” sections. 0 out of 3 chapters, 0%.
Zephaniah
Prophetic oracles about the Day of the Lord and judgment. No “skimmable” sections. 0 out of 3 chapters, 0%.
Haggai
Prophetic messages encouraging the rebuilding of the temple. No “skimmable” sections. 0 out of 2 chapters, 0%.
Zechariah
Visions and oracles about the restoration of Jerusalem and the coming Messiah. No “skimmable” sections. 0 out of 14 chapters, 0%.
Malachi
Prophetic oracles addressing Israel’s post-exilic problems. No “skimmable” sections. 0 out of 4 chapters, 0%.
New Testament (a discussion with the chatbot)
Nothing in the NT is skimmable, in my opinion. So I am sharing the (highly interesting) convo I had with GPT here.
I doubt much, if anything, is skimmable in the NT. Rather than constructing a long list of unskimmable books, explain why, in your opinion, the NT is generally unskimmable, according to my criteria. Also, if anything is skimmable by my criteria, then go ahead and list the passages.
The New Testament (NT) is generally unskimmable according to your criteria for several reasons:
1. Narrative Focus: Much of the NT consists of narratives that are crucial to Christian doctrine and belief, such as the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the early history of the Christian church. These narratives don’t contain the kinds of lists or repetitive descriptions that are considered “skimmable.”
2. Epistolary Nature: A significant portion of the NT is made up of letters (epistles) that are theological, ethical, or pastoral in nature. These letters don’t contain the types of “skimmable” material like genealogical lists or descriptions of temple construction.
3. Theological Depth: Even sections that might initially appear to be lists often have deep theological significance. For example, the genealogies in the Gospels are not merely lists of names but serve to establish Jesus’ lineage in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
4. Brevity: Many of the NT books are quite short, and even the longer ones are generally concise in their presentation of material. This leaves little room for the kinds of repetitive or detailed sections that might be considered “skimmable.”
5. Lack of Legal or Ritual Codes: Unlike portions of the Old Testament that contain detailed legal codes or descriptions of rituals and sacrifices, the NT has very few such sections.
6. Historical Context: The NT was written in a historical context where the temple no longer stood, and the focus had shifted from national Israel to the international Christian community. This shift also means fewer “skimmable” sections according to your criteria.
That said, there are a few sections that might be considered “skimmable” by your criteria:
Matthew 1:1-17: Genealogy of Jesus.
Luke 3:23-38: Genealogy of Jesus.
These are relatively short sections and are the closest to fitting your criteria for “skimmable” texts in the NT. of the text.
While I had to correct you here and there, I am generally impressed with your work. Now, to make sure you haven’t forgotten your previous work, I am going to feed you back your own work. Please calculate the percentage of the Bible that is “skimmable,” according to my criteria and your analysis (as corrected by me).
[Here I fed the chatbot its own work.]
Certainly, if we consider the New Testament as entirely non-skimmable, then the percentage of “skimmable” chapters in the entire Bible (Old and New Testaments combined) would be approximately 6.5%.
So there you have it, folks. According to ChatGPT-4, applying my criteria, 6.5% of the entire Bible is skimmable.
Have you read the other 93.5%?
If you think ChatGPT-4 (as edited by me) is incorrect about anything here, please let me know. It’s very possible that it is still incorrect; I did not check it very carefully. Just also know, in advance, that I agree with you if you think one should not skip anything, or even “skim” anything, on later trips through the Good Book. We are talking about people who are quite new to the Bible in all its depth.
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