Form criticism is an approach to biblical studies that was originated by Old Testament scholar Hermann Gunkel (1862-1932). Though initially this form originated upon the principals of analyzing OT biblical text based upon literary types or genres, it (e.g. legends, hymns, laments) eventually it was used by NT scholars for literary criticism of the Gospels.

Form criticism operates on the premise that biblical text is derived from oral tradition, and that this tradition is multi-layered with each layer having a specific and purposeful meaning. Form criticism is also seen as a form of literary deconstruction - an attempt to discover or rediscover the original meaning and intent of the text. A good example of NT deconstruction would be to think about the Gospel message and what it says about the nature and teachings of Christ (as opposed to focusing on the miracles of Christ as being literal or metaphorical).

Form criticism begins by first identifying a text's genre or literary form (e.g. parable, lament, proverb) and then seeking the relatedness of that particular form to the social context in which it was written.