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About Chiasms and Parallels and Associated Patterns --
A Brief Outline Sketch
 | Parallels: |
Frequency:
Parallelism is the most
frequent literary form.
Basic definition:
One statement matched by a
related statement.
Value:
Every parallel is a
cross-reference. By comparing correlating points, a richer understanding is
obtained than if the two points were considered separately.
Obvious example: (from Isaiah 28:13)
precept upon precept
precept upon precept
line upon line
line upon line
Notice repetition of concept.
Macrocosmic Parallel Application
Mormons in
general today are on a parallel with apostate Nephites in Book of Helaman, in
which the Lamanites became more righteous; this comparing in our day with what
is prophesied to be the case when the gospel is taken from the Gentiles and
given to the covenant people of Jacob.
 Extended
parallel form:
A
B
C
N
A
B
C
N
Parallels also listed in columns:
See simple example of an extra-chapter or "Hybrid"
Parallel (Hebrews 12 = II Nephi 9:17-38 Parallel)
| Chiasmus: |
Frequency:
Also replete in
scripture. Probably every verse is involved in some kind of chiasm.
Basic definition:
An inverse parallel--making a
series of points in one order and then making those same points in reverse
order
Value:
The chiasm exhibits all the
benefits of parallelism, inasmuch as it is made up of parallel statements.
The chiasm has the added benefit that it focuses on, and therefore
identifies, a central point, especially in the larger structures.
Simple Example: (e.g. 1 Nephi 13:42)
. . . . . . . . A. . The first
. . . . . . . . . . B. . shall be last,
. . . . . . . . . . B'. . and the last
. . . . . . . . A'. . shall be first
See: Animated
Chiasm/Parallel: "The first shall be last and the last shall be
first."
Macrocosmic Chiastic Application
Western world
Christians in general and Mormons specifically (both considered
"Gentiles" prophetically), who are the husbandmen for the second
coming, are on a parallel with the Jews, who were the wicked husbandmen at
the first advent of Christ.
| Grouping: |
Frequency:
Found in nearly every
larger structure.
Basic definition:
A set of points that parallels
another set of points, not necessarily in the same (extended parallel) or
reverse (chiastic) order.
Value:
Another form of
parallelism. Causes a set of points to be considered as a group rather than
as individual sets.
Example: (from the Declaration
of Independence Chiasm)
B(1) and to assume among the Powers of the Earth,
B(2) the separate and equal Station
B(3) to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them,
B(2)' and that as FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES,
B(1)' they have full Power
B(3)' to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances..., and
to do all other Acts and Things which INDEPENDENT STATES may of right
do.
| Omission: |
Frequency:
About once per
super-complex structure.
Basic definition:
A point in a text that
does not fit into the structure--being omitted from the structure.
Value:
The point that has no
correlation is emphasized in a dramatic way.
Example: (from 3
Ne. 26:9-11 chiasm)
[omission] unto their condemnation
| Number validation: |
Frequency:
Found in nearly every significant structure.
Basic definition:
The occurrence of significant numbers such as 3, 7, 12 or 40 in the
numbering of elements in a structure.
Value:
Significant numbers have meaning that might be reflected in the structure.
Some Numbers and Their Meanings
One = unity, wholeness
Two = witnesses
Three = Godhead, presidency
Four = man (four directions to which scattered; and from which
gathered).
Five = judgment (one hand of mercy; other hand of justice)
Six = carnal man
Seven = 3 + 4 = perfection/completion
Eight = transfiguration, graduation
Twelve = 3 X 4 = 5 + 7 = Israel/"he who prevails with
God"
Twenty-five = 5 X 5 = Davidic servant
Thirty-seven = Jesus
Forty = wilderness/probation; Moses
Sixty Six =
the word
| Variation: |
Frequency:
Every large structure.
Basic definition:
A unique arrangement/combination of the above literary forms.
Value:
Creates a "fingerprint" effect.
Example: (from the Alma 34 Chiasm)
. . . . . . . . . . F
. . . . . . . . . . . . G
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . H
. . . . . . . . . . F
. . . . . . . . . . . . G
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . H
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . H'
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . H'
. . . . . . . . . . . . G'
. . . . . . . . . . . . G'
. . . . . . . . . . F'
. . . . . . . . . . F'
by
Sterling D. Allan; Provo, Utah; July 15, 1992
Revised July 8, 2001
KEY
Word/Phrase Set Matches:
The following marking scheme is used to
highlight similarities between matching sets.
| Underlined,
green = identical, rare |
| Underlined = word-for-word |
| Und. Ital. = synonyms or
antonyms |
| Italics = similar |
| Bold Italics =
complementary |
| Bold / CAPS / Large =
emphasis |
| [brackets] = editorial additions |
Go to INDEX:
Chiasms and Parallels
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