Is the bible interesting from a literary point of view? Or is

Some of the character archetypes, conflicts, and themes in the Bible are used persistently throughout European literature. You've got to figure there's some enduring value there. If nothing else, it's valuable to read as source material for what you'll undoubtedly be reading elsewhere.

I'm a non-Christian and I still find a lot of Biblical narrative and poetry extremely evocative.

>>8929139
Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: The Bible is a foundation text for Western civilization and you're going to see references to it all over the place, even in works by non-Christians. Knowing what's in the text will be a great help to understanding these references. In addition, many parts of the Bible have stories or poems that are worth reading by themselves.

However, it is a very long book, and many portions of it are concerned with genealogies, ritual laws, lengthy allegorical prophecies, or other such matter which can make for dull reading. Here are the parts that are the most worthwhile as literature

Genesis, Exodus (up until the ten commandments, then it's Jewish legal minutiae), 1 and 2 Samuel (for the story of King David), Job, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jonah, All the Gospels, Acts. Romans, Revelation

As for versions, the King James Bible has a reputation of being the 'ultimate' from a literary perspective, but lots of people have their own favourite. If you want something with lots of notes, get the Oxford Study Bible

>>8929139
I find it interesting for literature mostly because of the amount of commentary it has spawned. I'd recommend Karl Barth's "Epistle to the Romans," which I knocked out last month, if nothing else.

>>8929207
When does it start gaining relevance in the western world? Currently reading ancient greek literature so it's unnecessary to read it right now but I'm planning to move on to roman literature this year and I'm not sure when I should get to reading it.

>>8931257
After Constantine converts pretty much. So around 300 AD.

>>8929207

Don't forget Paul. In terms of literary value 1 Corinthians is vastly more influential than the rest of the New Testament

>>8931265

>than the rest of the New Testament

should be

>than most of the New Testament

my bad

Read the Book of Job (King James)