I finished this lesson yesterday and other than some review material there was really only one major concept. The lesson looked at John 1:1-2 and introduced some basic translation. What was really interesting is the chiasmus structure used in this passage. I know that Hebrew makes use of it, and that it was popular in Latin as well. So I’ve been wondering where I can find more reading on chiasmus in Koine Greek; particularly in the NT, but also the LXX and apostolic fathers. I found one book that looks promising but I am wondering what books would you recommend that covers chiasmus in Greek?
May 15, 2008
May 15, 2008 at 10:39 pm
I know a guy whose pastor did his Master’s thesis on Chiasmus in the Bible. I can shoot him an email and see if his pastor can recommend some stuff from his research.
May 16, 2008 at 1:14 am
There is a book called “Listening to the Text: Oral Patterning in Paul’s Letters” by John D. Harvey. Harvey argues that because Paul’s letters were designed to be read aloud to churches, they include culturally-known devices that made oral communication effective, such as chiasmus – so he goes through all of Paul’s letters searching for “oral patterning” devices. I think he goes a bit far, finding chiasms everywhere – but it’s a useful book…. Of course it doesn’t deal with the LXX or early church fathers.
May 16, 2008 at 7:20 am
Nick,
That would be awesome! Thanks.
Matt,
I looked for that book but couldn’t find it anywhere after a quick search. It sounds interesting though.
May 16, 2008 at 7:54 am
Looks like it’s available for a paltry $1.74: http://www.amazon.com/Listening-Text-Patterning-Evangelical-Theological/dp/0801022002/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1210942356&sr=8-1
May 16, 2008 at 8:03 am
I agree with matt that some often find chiasms where ever they want to see them… but it was more of an oral culture in that day so there are chiasms, probably just not as many as some claim. Most technical commentaries note them when they show up.
May 16, 2008 at 1:32 pm
I was introduced to chiasms in seminary and found it delightful.
I also agree with the forced chiasms notion.
I can’t think of any book right now, Nathan.
May 16, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Thanks Matt, I went ahead and ordered a copy. It looks like it has some good intro material to chiasmus and other oral forms.
May 16, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Nathan: I emailed the guy last night. Now I’ll just have to wait and see if he responds (I haven’t talked to him in nearly two years).
May 16, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Thanks Nick.
January 29, 2009 at 9:23 pm
I have a few I’ve come up with if you’re interested. (Some think Philemon was written chiastically.)
January 31, 2009 at 8:52 am
I am interested, can you link them to me?