Use of Chiastic Structures in the Bible

[Guido]

I read that the Bible contains chiastic structures all throughout, and that by examining them, we can uncover a more clear sense of the text.

Can someone explain this to me?

 

[Baptist Believer]

I read that the Bible contains chiastic structures all throughout, and that by examining them, we can uncover a more clear sense of the text.

Can someone explain this to me?

Chiasms are a feature of ancient literature. They were an aid to memorization, as well as a way of emphasizing certain elements of a text. The Bible is full of them.

The important thing to remember is that we shouldn’t strain to find them or treat them as a “Bible code,” but we should be alert for them and take them into consideration when we find them.

Remember, since the Bible wasn’t written in English, they may often be obscured — especially by translations that are less literal and designed for easier reading.

Here are some resources:

From Got Questions

A more involved explanation

An index of possible chiasms in the Bible (some are dubious, IMO)

These structures are quite interesting and can enhance your understanding of the scriptures, but beware of overemphasizing this element of interpretation.

 

[Deacon]

A chiasm is simply an ancient form of outline
Recognize that for most of the history of the Scriptures they were transmitted orally (books or scrolls were rare). The chiastic structure provided a structure that aided both the listener and the reciter. There are a number of different types.

I’d recommend the late David Dorsey’s book, The Literary Structure of the Old Testament for a full explanation. Chiasms are found in both the Old and the New Testament. Sometimes they are obvious, other times less so. Dorsey provides a definition that helps to separate those that are real from those that are questionable.

The flood story is perhaps the most structured chiasm

Noah: the righteous man (6:9)

Noah’s sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth (6:10)

Earth filled with violence and corruption (6:11-12)

First divine address (1): earth to be destroyed (6:13)

First divine address (2): Noah to build Ark (6:14-22)

Second divine address (1): command to enter Ark (7:1-3)

Second divine address (2): 7-day wait for Flood (7:4-5)

7 days waiting for flood (repeated) (7:6-10)

Beginning of Flood and entry into Ark (7:11-15)

God shuts the door (7:16b)

40 days flood, waters increase (7:17a-18)

Waters prevail, mountains covered (7:19-20)

150 days waters prevails (7:21-24)

GOD REMEMBERS NOAH (8:1a)​

150 days waters abate (8:1b-5)​

Waters abate, mountain tops visible (8:5)​

40 days (end of) (8:6a)​

Noah opens window of ark (8:6b)​

Raven and dove leave ark (8:7-9)​

7 days waiting for waters to subside (8:10-11)​

7 days waiting for waters to subside (8:12-14)​

Third divine address: command to leave Ark (8:15-19)​

Noah builds an altar (8:20)​

God’s commitment to preserve the earth (8:21-22)​

Fourth divine address: covenant blessing and peace (9:1-17)​

Noah’s sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth (9:18-27)​

Noah: life and death (9:28-29

Rob

 

[Guido]

Did the Hebrews invent Chiasmus? Or did they get that idea from the Egyptian pyramids? Or did they, from that idea, invent the concept of the pyramids? I ask this because a pyramid seems in my mind to be a two dimensional geometric chiasmus.

 

[Baptist Believer]

Did the Hebrews invent Chiasmus? Or did they get that idea from the Egyptian pyramids? Or did they, from that idea, invent the concept of the pyramids? I ask this because a pyramid seems in my mind to be a two dimensional geometric chiasmus.

I doubt anyone knows who "invented" chiasmus. It was a common feature of ancient literature, Jewish/Christian or pagan. It's kind of like asking, "Who invented breakfast?"