My Ten-Year Anniversary

Today, May 16, 2016, marks the 10 year anniversary of Pattern Analysis. On that day ten years ago, I responded to God's calling to perform a verse-by-verse analysis of the entire Bible. In 2014, I read Jerome Walsh's Style and Structure in Biblical Hebrew Narrative, which opened my understanding of the Bible's literary structure. For two years, God nudged me to prepare that analysis of the Bible: validate what is useful in Walsh's manuscript, remove what is not useful, and add additional ideas as necessary. What He did not tell me was how long it would take (10+ years), nor how much time would be consumed (on average, possibly 10 hours per day).

Today I have completed nearly 95% of the Bible, have created dynamic software that presents my analyses, have placed a PDF of Pattern Analysis Methodology on the internet, and have a draft of another manuscript, Evidence of Holy Spirit Inspiration, with hopes of publication in early 2017.

I did not understand the significance of God's calling for this project. I thought it was to see if Walsh's methodology applied to the entire Bible, possibly with some modifications and additions. Ten years later, I now see that significance more clearly. There is substantial consistency in the resultant methodology, Genesis to Revelation. It is an environment where Bible students can enjoy the beauty of this biblical parallelism. And it is a tool where those skeptical about the authorship of the Bible can grasp that there is one inspiring voice, the Holy Spirit, for the entire Bible. That is my God, that is our Bible, and I am so very thankful I can be part of His project.

Today, on this anniversary, I am switching gears. If I am to make the claim that all Scripture is inspired by God, I must complete all Scripture. That is my 2016 summer project, the remaining 5% of the Bible. When finished, I hope to return to that manuscript, Evidence of Holy Spirit Inspiration. Right now, it is approximately 200 pages, 8" x 10" color. I intend to self-publish that work. You might pray for that completion.

Repentance in the Story of the Prodigal Son, Luke 15:1-32

What is the point of the three parables in Luke 15? Certainly, the return of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost prodigal son is significant. It is comforting to think that, if we somehow go astray, that we will be welcomed back. After all, our God is loving, gracious, and forgiving. Is that the point?

Pattern Analysis is the study of how units of biblical literature are organized and how they persuade. It applies consistently to the entire Bible. The structural organization can help understand the Holy Spirit's persuasions.

There are three parables in this literary unit, but there are four similar sequences: the sheep, the coin, the younger son, and the older son. Each of these four are organized into three parts, A, B, C:

• A – something was lost
• B – that something was resolved
• C – repentance and joy/celebration

This pattern of repetition is called a parallel symmetry: A-B-C-A′-B′-C′-A′′-B′′-C′′-A′′′-B′′′-C′′′. See Luke 15:1-32 for the full analysis. The last element is each sequence, in this case the four C elements, is often a point of persuasion. The joy of finding the lost sheep is akin to a sinner who repents. Likewise, the joy of finding the coin is like the sinner who repents. The return of the lost son is a picture of his repentance. I suggest that these three C elements add particular importance to the older son who did not repent. Instead, he was indignant and without grace.

For more information about Pattern Analysis, see Pattern Analysis Summary.

Pattern Analysis: February 9, 2026 Update

Of the Bible's 31,100 verses, 29,200 (94%) has been analyzed using the Pattern Analysis methodology. During the last four months, most of my time has been devoted to writing a new book, Evidence of Holy Spirit Inspiration. It is aimed at laypeople who might question the Bible's inspiration. I hope to see that book published later this year—the first draft is nearing completion.

94% — February 9, 2026
93% — October 17,2025
92% — September 23, 2025
91% — September 2, 2025
90% — August 13, 2025
89% — July 18, 2025
88% — June 7, 2025
87% — May 13, 2025
86% — April 26, 2025
85% — April 15, 2025
84% — February 17, 2025
83% — January 26, 2025
82% — January 22, 2025
81% — January 15, 2025
80% — January 1, 2025
75% — June 22, 2024
70% — April 19, 2024
65% — April 6, 2022
60% — September 29, 2020
  0% — May 16, 2016

My hope is to complete this analysis of the Bible in 2026. Click here to read more about Pattern Analysis.

I suggest that the implications associated with Pattern Analysis are significant. If one consistent yet complex model for Genesis to Revelation can be shown, that strongly suggests One underlying source behind the entire work, not forty individual authors. This is evidence, not proof, for One inspiration. Therefore we should not be picking and chosing what we like or dislike in the Bible, but instead we should come to grips with what that original source intended, the God who loves us so very deeply.

Comments, questions, and words of encouragement are appreciated.

Pattern Analysis: October 17, 2025 Update

A first draft of 28,900 (93%) of the Bible's 31,100 verses has been completed using the Pattern Analysis methodology. During the last three weeks, the books of Ezra and Nehemiah were finished, and the book of Luke was re-visited to check previous analyses. The strong consistency seen in the previous months has continued. Every verse fits this methodology—there are no extraneous verses.

93% — October 17,2025
92% — September 23, 2025
91% — September 2, 2025
90% — August 13, 2025
89% — July 18, 2025
88% — June 7, 2025
87% — May 13, 2025
86% — April 26, 2025
85% — April 15, 2025
84% — February 17, 2025
83% — January 26, 2025
82% — January 22, 2025
81% — January 15, 2025
80% — January 1, 2025
75% — June 22, 2024
70% — April 19, 2024
65% — April 6, 2022
60% — September 29, 2020
  0% — April 6, 2016

My hope is to complete this analysis of the Bible by April 2026. Click here to read more about Pattern Analysis.

I suggest that the implications associated with Pattern Analysis are significant. If one consistent yet complex model for Genesis to Revelation can be shown, that strongly suggests One underlying source behind the entire work, not forty individual authors. This is evidence, not proof, for One inspiration. Therefore we should not be picking and chosing what we like or dislike in the Bible, but instead we should come to grips with what that original source intended, the God who loves us so very deeply.

Comments, questions, and words of encouragement are appreciated.

Pattern Analysis: September 23, 2025 Update

A first draft of 28,600 (92%) of the Bible's 31,100 verses has been completed using the Pattern Analysis methodology. During the last three weeks, the book of Ezekiel was finished—a challenging yet very rewarding book. The strong consistency seen in the previous months has continued. Every verse fits this methodology—there are no extraneous verses.

92% — September 23, 2025
91% — September 2, 2025
90% — August 13, 2025
89% — July 18, 2025
88% — June 7, 2025
87% — May 13, 2025
86% — April 26, 2025
85% — April 15, 2025
84% — February 17, 2025
83% — January 26, 2025
82% — January 22, 2025
81% — January 15, 2025
80% — January 1, 2025
75% — June 22, 2024
70% — April 19, 2024
65% — April 6, 2022
60% — September 29, 2020
  0% — April 6, 2016

While I still hope to complete this analysis of the Bible by April 2026, I am being encouraged to submit an article about Pattern Analysis to a scholarly journal. If accepted, my desire is to gain wisdom from people with experience in this area. Click here to read more about Pattern Analysis.

I suggest that the implications associated with Pattern Analysis are significant. If one consistent yet complex model for Genesis to Revelation can be shown, that strongly suggests One underlying source behind the entire work, not forty individual authors. This is evidence, not proof, for One inspiration. Therefore we should not be picking and chosing what we like or dislike in the Bible, but instead we should come to grips with what that original source intended, the God who loves us so very deeply.

Comments, questions, and words of encouragement are appreciated.

Pattern Analysis: September 2, 2025 Update

A first draft of 28,300 (91%) of the Bible's 31,100 verses has been completed using the Pattern Analysis methodology. Concentration for the last month has been the book of Ezekiel as well as a review of previous analyses in the New Testament. The strong consistency seen in the previous months has continued. Every verse fits this methodology—there are no extraneous verses.

91% — September 2, 2025
90% — August 13, 2025
89% — July 18, 2025
88% — June 7, 2025
87% — May 13, 2025
86% — April 26, 2025
85% — April 15, 2025
84% — February 17, 2025
83% — January 26, 2025
82% — January 22, 2025
81% — January 15, 2025
80% — January 1, 2025
75% — June 22, 2024
70% — April 19, 2024
65% — April 6, 2022
60% — September 29, 2020
  0% — April 6, 2016

It is possible that this analysis of the Bible will be completed in April 2026, ten years after it was started. Two manuscripts are being written: Pattern Analysis Methodology, a detailed description of this approach for a more scholarly audience, and Evidence of Holy Spirit Inspiration for those in the congregations and beyond. Click here to read more about Pattern Analysis.

I suggest that the implications associated with Pattern Analysis are significant. If one consistent yet complex model for Genesis to Revelation can be shown, that strongly suggests One underlying source behind the entire work, not forty individual authors. This is evidence, not proof, for One inspiration. Therefore we should not be picking and chosing what we like or dislike in the Bible, but instead we should come to grips with what that original source intended, the God who loves us so very deeply.

Comments, questions, and words of encouragement are appreciated.

Pattern Analysis: August 13, 2025 Update

A first draft of 28,000 (90%) of the Bible's 31,100 verses has been completed using the Pattern Analysis methodology. Concentration for the last month has been the book of Job as well as a review of many previous analyses. The strong consistency seen in the previous months has continued. Every verse fits this methodology—there are no extraneous verses.

90% — August 13, 2025
89% — July 18, 2025
88% — June 7, 2025
87% — May 13, 2025
86% — April 26, 2025
85% — April 15, 2025
84% — February 17, 2025
83% — January 26, 2025
82% — January 22, 2025
81% — January 15, 2025
80% — January 1, 2025
75% — June 22, 2024
70% — April 19, 2024
65% — April 6, 2022
60% — September 29, 2020
  0% — April 6, 2016

Currently in the tenth year, this methodology has become more complete and comprehensive. Since 2020, modifications have been made about how the system works with a goal to complete a first draft of the entire Bible. At the same time, two manuscripts are being written: Pattern Analysis Methodology, a detailed description of this approach for a more scholarly audience, and Evidence of Holy Spirit Inspiration for those in the congregations and beyond. Click here to read more about Pattern Analysis.

I suggest that the implications associated with Pattern Analysis are significant. If one consistent yet complex model for Genesis to Revelation can be shown, that strongly suggests One underlying source behind the entire work, not forty individual authors. This is evidence, not proof, for One inspiration. It suggests that we should not be picking and chosing our way through the Bible, but instead we should come to grips with what that original source intended, the God who loves us so very deeply.

Comments, questions, and words of encouragement are appreciated.

Pattern Analysis: July 18, 2025 Update on Completion

A first draft of 27,700 (89%) of the Bible's 31,100 verses has been completed using the Pattern Analysis methodology. For the last month, the book of Isaiah was completed as well as a number of chapters from the book of Job. The strong consistency seen in the previous months has continued. Every verse fits this methodology—there are no extraneous verses.

89% — July 18, 2025
88% — June 7, 2025
87% — May 13, 2025
86% — April 26, 2025
85% — April 15, 2025
84% — February 17, 2025
83% — January 26, 2025
82% — January 22, 2025
81% — January 15, 2025
80% — January 1, 2025
75% — June 22, 2024
70% — April 19, 2024
65% — April 6, 2022
60% — September 29, 2020
  0% — April 6, 2016

Currently in the tenth year, this methodology has become more complete and comprehensive. Since 2020, modifications have been made about how the system works with a goal to complete a first draft of the entire Bible. At the same time, two manuscripts are being written: Pattern Analysis Methodology, a detailed description of this approach for a more scholarly audience, and Evidence of Holy Spirit Inspiration for those in the congregations and beyond. Click here to read more about Pattern Analysis.

I suggest that the implications associated with Pattern Analysis are significant. If one consistent yet complex model for Genesis to Revelation can be shown, that strongly suggests One underlying source behind the entire work, not forty individual authors. This is evidence, not proof, for One inspiration. It suggests that we should not be picking and chosing our way through the Bible, but instead we should come to grips with what that original source intended, the God who loves us so very deeply.

Comments, questions, and words of encouragement are appreciated.

Pattern Analysis: June 7, 2025 Update on Completion

A first draft of 27,300 (88%) of the Bible's 31,100 verses has been completed using the Pattern Analysis methodology. For the last month, the concentration has been on completing the book of Isaiah (nearly done). The strong consistency seen in the previous months has continued.

88% — June 7, 2025
87% — May 13, 2025
86% — April 26, 2025
85% — April 15, 2025
84% — February 17, 2025
83% — January 26, 2025
82% — January 22, 2025
81% — January 15, 2025
80% — January 1, 2025
75% — June 22, 2024
70% — April 19, 2024
65% — April 6, 2022
60% — September 29, 2020
  0% — April 6, 2016

Currently in the tenth year, this methodology has become more complete and comprehensive. Since 2020, modifications have been made about how the system works with a goal to complete a first draft of the entire Bible. At the same time, two manuscripts are being written: Pattern Analysis Methodology, a detailed description of this approach for a more scholarly audience, and Evidence of Holy Spirit Inspiration for those in the congregations and beyond. Click here to read more about Pattern Analysis.

I suggest that the implications associated with Pattern Analysis are significant. If one consistent yet complex model for Genesis to Revelation can be shown, that strongly suggests One underlying source behind the entire work, not forty individual authors. This is evidence, not proof, for One inspiration. It suggests that we should not be picking and chosing our way through the Bible, but instead we should come to grips with what that original source intended, the God who loves us so very deeply.

Comments, questions, and words of encouragement are appreciated.

Pattern Analysis: Countdown Towards Completion

A first draft of 27,000 (87%) of the Bible's 31,100 verses has been completed using the Pattern Analysis methodology. It has been a full time effort over 9+ years. Click here to read more about Pattern Analysis Methodology.

87% — May 13, 2025
86% — April 26, 2025
85% — April 15, 2025
84% — February 17, 2025
83% — January 26, 2025
82% — January 22, 2025
81% — January 15, 2025
80% — January 1, 2025
75% — June 22, 2024
70% — April 19, 2024
65% — April 6, 2022
60% — September 29, 2020
  0% — April 6, 2016

Currently in the tenth year, this methodology has become more complete and comprehensive. Since 2020, modifications have been made about how the system works with a goal to complete a first draft of the entire Bible. At the same time, two manuscripts are being written: Pattern Analysis Methodology, a detailed description of this approach for a more scholarly audience, and Evidence of Holy Spirit Inspiration for those in the congregations and beyond.

I suggest that the implications associated with Pattern Analysis are significant. If one consistent yet complex model for Genesis to Revelation can be shown, that strongly suggests One underlying source behind the entire work, not forty individual authors. This is evidence, not proof, for One inspiration. It suggests that we should not be picking and chosing our way through the Bible, but instead we should come to grips with what that original source intended, the God who loves us so very deeply.

Nearing Completion of the New Testament

I have today completed a first draft of 18,700 (60%) of the 31,100 verses in the Bible using the pattern analysis methodology. It has taken 4.5 years. Click here to read more about pattern analysis.

  0% — April 6, 2016
26% — May 6, 2017
30% — August 31, 2017
35% — January 21, 2018
40% — April 20, 2018
45% — October 24, 2018
50% — March 14, 2019
55% — March 29, 2020
60% — September 29, 2020

Possibly more important is that I am 98% complete with a first draft of the New Testament. There are eight chapters in 1 and 2 Corinthians that I have not yet analyzed. That 98% represents just the first draft.

In these 4.5 years, the methodology has become more complete and comprehensive. I have seen where some of my early analyses can and should be revised. The current model is a bit more mature. Maybe I am too much of a perfectionist, but I think that consistency to the model is important and should result in greater acceptance of this work. A second review should also reveal some corrections that were simply missed the first time.

I suggest that the implications associated with completing the New Testament are significant. If I can show one consistent yet complex model for Matthew to Revelation, I have then suggested there appears to be one underlying source behind the entire work, not eight individual New Testament authors. (I also have completed 47% of the Old Testament using this same model.) This is evidence, not proof, for one inspiration. It suggests that we should not be picking and chosing our way through the Bible, but instead we should come to grips with what that original source intended, the God who loves us so very deeply.

Fifty-five Percent (55%) Complete

Pattern analysis is the study of the thought process that the Holy Spirit used when He inspired the Bible. It attempts to answer the question, Can a model be created which provides consistent evidence that all Scripture was inspired by God using thematic organizations of the biblical text?

Through literary devices such as the chiasm, parallel symmetry, concluding summary, and substructures, I am seeing a very complex, unique and consistent method for presenting themes. There are forty literary devices in all. Each of the so-called ‘authors’ of the Bible, Moses, Malachi and Mark to name a few, demonstrate the use of these same literary devices. Strong evidence of one inspiring author.

Of the 31,100 verses in the Bible, I have today analyzed 17,100 which is 55%. It has taken nearly four years:

0% — April 6, 2016
26% — May 6, 2017
30% — August 31, 2017
35% — January 21, 2018
40% — April 20, 2018
45% — October 24, 2018
50% — March 14, 2019
55% — March 29, 2020

At least 25% of every book has been sampled and thirty-four have been completed. Overall that is 45% of the Old Testament and 82% of the New Testament. During the last year, I found it necessary to tweak the methodology in small ways which resulted in the modification of some of the previously completed analyses.

So far in my analysis of the NASB translation of the Bible, two verses appear to be randomly placed — these are not included in most Bible translations because they do not appear in the earliest copies of the Bible. Besides those two verses, all other verses participate in this well-organized thought process.

As mentioned in my last blog posting a year ago, my wife passed away in December 2018. Last year will likely go down as the most difficult year of my life. In the midst of my grief, I sold my house and relocated to a home near my daughter outside Harrisburg, PA. Loneliness was such a heavy burden upon me. That was 2019 and now we have a new year. I took off my wedding ring on January 1 as a statement that 2019 is gone. Praise the Lord! Back again to pattern analysis.

My short-term goal is to complete the gospels. I have completed a first draft of Matthew, Mark and John, as well as the first fourteen chapters of Luke. From there, I intend to update the two manuscripts, Pattern Analysis Handbook which presents the methodology and then the Pattern Analysis Findings which attempts to show how the methodology is applied in various situations.

Questions? Tom@ThomasBClarke.com

Pattern Analysis for Half of the Bible is Completed

Pattern analysis is the study of the thought process that the Holy Spirit used when He inspired the Bible. Through literary devices such as the chiasm, parallel symmetry, concluding summary, and substructures, I am seeing a very complex, unique and consistent method for presenting themes. There are forty literary devices in all. Each of the so-called ‘authors’ of the Bible, Moses, Malachi and Mark to name a few, reveal this same methodology. So far in my analysis of half of the Bible, every verse participates in this well-organized thought process. Using the NASB translation, there is no verse that is randomly placed.

Of the 31,100 verses in the Bible, I have today analyzed 15,600 which is 50%. It has taken nearly three years:

0% — April 6, 2016
26% — May 6, 2017
30% — August 31, 2017
35% — January 21, 2018
40% — April 20, 2018
45% — October 24, 2018
50% — March 14, 2019

At least 25% of every book has been sampled and thirty-one have been completed. Overall that is 43% of the Old Testament and 70% of the New Testament.

Three major things have happened during the five months since my last update in October. By far the most significant was last December when my wife Nancy passed away. During the time since, I have been confronted with how much she was my best friend. I knew that but what I'm saying is I miss her. She was an excellent woman who truly loved and depended upon the Lord despite her health issues.

In my April 2018 blog article, I announced I had started another manuscript entitled Pattern Analysis Findings. I hit a stumbling block shortly after that, so in November I picked that up again. That has been my focus for the last few months as I work through issues related to my wife.

My ability to identify literary structures has substantially improved since 2016. I find myself going back to those earlier efforts to review and potentially modify each as necessary. The third major thing has been the review of Genesis through Romans — that process is nearing completion.

To say I am 50% complete does not do justice to the effort that is still to come. Just as I have been reviewing my effort to date, others must come alongside to do the same. These would include both editors and scholars. Input from others is an essential component to an effort of this magnitude. It is exciting to see how the Lord is putting all this together.
Peace, Tom

Pattern Analysis Methodology Remains Essentially Unchanged

The Lord has given me a large project: to analyze the entire Bible using a methodology that I've named pattern analysis. I have now analyzed 14,000 of the 31,000 verses in the Bible which represents 45%. Here is my progress to date:
0% — April 6, 2016
26% — May 6, 2017
30% — August 31, 2017
35% — January 21, 2018
40% — April 20, 2018
45% — October 24, 2018

There are times, such as this moment composing this brief update, where I am in awe at what I am seeing. It is the same Bible that everyone reads but the increased clarity and strong locations of emphasis have made the text much more alive to me. I want to show it to others, yet because I am not complete, I feel released to only present some samples.

At least 20% of every book has been sampled and thirty have been completed. To date, 40% of the Old Testament and 60% of the New Testament has identified literary structures. Over 1,200 literary structures have been documented. Since April 2018, most of my analyses have been in the Old Testament. Still to date, every verse that has been analyzed fits within the model of pattern analysis. That is, pattern analysis continues to point to the belief that there is but one inspiring author of the Bible: the Holy Spirit.

The methodology that was outlined in September 2017 has basically remained—there have been only minor changes since that time. Most of my time since April 2018 has concentrated on the book of Proverbs. Pattern analysis does not replace the more classical exegesis methods, it supplements it. The book Pattern Analysis Handbook will define the methodology.