Chiastic structure is a literary device that emphasizes parallel ideas. It follows a simple pattern, such as ABBA or ABA, and can have an infinite number of chiasmata. The term ring structure serves as a simple illustration for the workings of a chiastic structure. It has been used for centuries and can be seen repeatedly throughout the Bible.
A chiastic structure, also known as a ring structure or chiastic model, is a literary device used to emphasize parallel ideas. Chiasmata are considered a branch of form criticism. Examples of chiastic patterns can be seen in many books, including classics like The Bible and “Paradise Lost.”
Form criticism, which analyzes patterns in literature, is primarily used to study the Bible. The theory was originally established by Herman Gunkel in the early 1900s. This type of analysis, however, is not limited to Bible study. Biblical examples of chiastic structure include Ecclesiastes 11:3-12:2 and Matthew 23:11-12.
The chiastic structure follows a simple pattern; for example, ABBA or ABA. In the ABA form, the middle line, B, is emphasized. Occasionally the pattern is expanded, such as the ABCBA pattern, which again emphasizes the middle line.
In a chiasm, or chiasm, the root word is repeated, although its form changes frequently. For example, the word “run” could be repeated as “runner”, “run” or even “run”. This is evidenced in Matthew 23:11-12: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” The verbs “exalt” and “humble” are each used twice, but in two forms.
The pairs of chiasmata are connected to each other to form a chiastic structure. These chiasmata serve as bookends to the sentence or passage. Chiastic models can have an infinite number of chiasmata, as long as they follow the correct formula. A longer loop structure would follow the ABCDCBA or ABCDDCBA pattern.
The term ring structure serves as a simple illustration for the workings of a chiastic structure. In a chiasma, the model goes in a circle, or loop, from A to B and back to A again. This makes the chiasmata easy to see and use.
A chiasm is a fairly simple literary device and is used without being noticed. For example, the saying “Quitters never win and winners never quit” follows the loop structure. The word “quit” is represented by the letter A and “win” by the letter B, providing perfect ABBA structure.
Chiastic models have been used for centuries. Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche used this literary technique when he said, “Is man one of God’s mistakes, or is God one of man’s mistakes?” Like a real chiasma, the first half of the question makes a statement, and then the second half reverses that statement.
The ring structure can be seen repeatedly throughout the Bible. For example, William H. Shea believes that Daniel’s entire book follows the chiastic model of ABCCBA. In this example, each piece of the chiasm may be several sentences long. Similarly, some scholars consider the entire book of Genesis to be one giant chiasma.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
