Chiasm - Genesis 22:1-7

 



I am so energized. . . A few days ago, I read a post by Pastor Jay Jones, showing his analysis of a chiasm in the book of Revelation. 'Chiasm' was a new word to me. . . a new concept I had not heard of before.

Looking into it, it is a Hebrew writing technique. From a Google search:

Chiasm in Hebrew writing is a literary technique, also called inverted parallelism, where ideas or words are presented in a sequence (A, B, C) and then repeated in reverse order (C', B', A'), creating a mirror-like, X-shaped pattern (from Greek chi) for emphasis and cohesion, often highlighting the central point (C). It's common in the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) and other ancient texts, providing deeper meaning beyond simple parallel repetition.

A chiasm is a symmetrical presentation:

Concept 'A'
Concept 'B'
Concept 'C'
Concept 'C' mirrored
Concept 'B' mirrored
Concept 'A' mirrored

It can also take the format:

Concept 'A'
Concept 'B'
Concept 'C

Concept 'X'

Concept 'C' mirrored
Concept 'B' mirrored
Concept 'A' mirrored

With the central concept 'X', often being a key point.


Coming home tonight, listening to my audio Bible as I often do, I heard Abraham say to God, "Here I am" in Genesis 22:1, and then in verse 22:7, Abraham say to Isaac, "Here am I". I couldn't wait to get home to see if there was an associated chiasm with those paired bookend statements of Abraham.

I was very satisfied to see that my hunch was correct. I'm certain that this has been seen before by others, but it is so rewarding to me to discover something for myself.

I've attached a screenshot of the Excel workbook that I use for Bible study, showing my 'discovery'. . . This makes me smile.

There is a website devoted entirely to chiasm's:

https://www.chiasmusxchange.com/

No matter how deep you dive, there are always greater depths to God's Word. . .

I am continually amazed. . .
I once was convinced as an unbeliever, that the Bible was merely a collection of myths, and fairytales. . . I once was blind, but now I see. . .

I love You my God. . .
I thank You for Your Word. . .



Dave

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