A "Sandwich" With Significance
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A chiasm is a literary device used in Scripture which is similar to Hebrew parallelism except that the lines are inverted. Named after the Greek letter “chi” (X), a chiasm forms an “X” pattern, with the most important thought embedded or "sandwiched" between two or more supporting phases. Parallel phrases are first introduced in order (A B) and then again in reverse order (B’ A’) to frame an important central point (X).
A classic example of the latter is found in 1 John 3:9.
What is the key point?
A whoever is born of God
___B does not sin
______X for his seed remains in him
___B’ and he cannot sin
A’ because he has been born of God
The Markan Sandwich
Some scholars describe the Gospel of Mark—the shortest of the four—as simple or naïve. However, other scholars recognize the complexity of Mark's work; in his story telling, Mark used the chiasm as a literary device more than nine times. The Gospel writer skillfully employs chiasms to sharpen his narrative. Where two seemingly unrelated and separate events appear, Mark has actually combined them deliberately to make a theological point.
Cleansing the Temple
The most significant example in Mark’s Gospel is the way he sandwiched Jesus' cleansing of the Temple (Mk 11:15-19) between his cursing of the fig tree and its’ subsequent withering (vv. 12-14 and 20-25). This chiasm reveals that Mark was strongly interested in associating these events in the minds of his readers.
An interpretation of the complete passage in Mark 11 from verse 11 through verse 25 is as follows: Just as the fig tree (a well-known symbol for Israel) was judged for not bearing fruit, so also the Temple (representing official Judaism) was cleansed and judged for not bearing the fruit of faithful worship. With this chiasm, Mark reveals that Jesus’ clearing of the Temple accomplished more than a purging of thieves and robbers. It was a prophetic act signifying Jesus’ unique christological authority to bring judgment upon the Temple and the nation.
Got Questions?
You may be interested in exploring these verses in greater depth. I often refer to GotQuestions.org’s website when I’m stumped with a Bible question. It’s easy to search and generally “spot on” theologically.
For instance, their article “Why Did Jesus Curse the Fig Tree” explains why Jesus and His disciples would be looking for fruit on the fig tree even if it was not in the main growing season. The article also discusses Israel’s spiritual deadness, despite all her sacrifices and ceremonies. The article warns that we must be mindful that God judges fruitlessness, and He expects that those who have a relationship with Him will “bear much fruit.”
Got Book?
GotQuestions.org has just published a new book, Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered. This 720-page volume by editor S. Michael Houdmann, offers “Answers to the Questions People Are Really Asking.” It comes with a general index and a topical index. The paperback version is available for $21.11 and appears to be chock full of good things. Check it out!
Written by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader
A chiasm is a literary device used in Scripture which is similar to Hebrew parallelism except that the lines are inverted. Named after the Greek letter “chi” (X), a chiasm forms an “X” pattern, with the most important thought embedded or "sandwiched" between two or more supporting phases. Parallel phrases are first introduced in order (A B) and then again in reverse order (B’ A’) to frame an important central point (X).
A classic example of the latter is found in 1 John 3:9.
What is the key point?
A whoever is born of God
___B does not sin
______X for his seed remains in him
___B’ and he cannot sin
A’ because he has been born of God
The Markan Sandwich
Some scholars describe the Gospel of Mark—the shortest of the four—as simple or naïve. However, other scholars recognize the complexity of Mark's work; in his story telling, Mark used the chiasm as a literary device more than nine times. The Gospel writer skillfully employs chiasms to sharpen his narrative. Where two seemingly unrelated and separate events appear, Mark has actually combined them deliberately to make a theological point.
Cleansing the Temple
The most significant example in Mark’s Gospel is the way he sandwiched Jesus' cleansing of the Temple (Mk 11:15-19) between his cursing of the fig tree and its’ subsequent withering (vv. 12-14 and 20-25). This chiasm reveals that Mark was strongly interested in associating these events in the minds of his readers.An interpretation of the complete passage in Mark 11 from verse 11 through verse 25 is as follows: Just as the fig tree (a well-known symbol for Israel) was judged for not bearing fruit, so also the Temple (representing official Judaism) was cleansed and judged for not bearing the fruit of faithful worship. With this chiasm, Mark reveals that Jesus’ clearing of the Temple accomplished more than a purging of thieves and robbers. It was a prophetic act signifying Jesus’ unique christological authority to bring judgment upon the Temple and the nation.
Got Questions?
You may be interested in exploring these verses in greater depth. I often refer to GotQuestions.org’s website when I’m stumped with a Bible question. It’s easy to search and generally “spot on” theologically.
For instance, their article “Why Did Jesus Curse the Fig Tree” explains why Jesus and His disciples would be looking for fruit on the fig tree even if it was not in the main growing season. The article also discusses Israel’s spiritual deadness, despite all her sacrifices and ceremonies. The article warns that we must be mindful that God judges fruitlessness, and He expects that those who have a relationship with Him will “bear much fruit.”
Got Book?
GotQuestions.org has just published a new book, Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered. This 720-page volume by editor S. Michael Houdmann, offers “Answers to the Questions People Are Really Asking.” It comes with a general index and a topical index. The paperback version is available for $21.11 and appears to be chock full of good things. Check it out!Related
1. Bible Study: The Markan Sandwich
2. Bible Study: The Chiasm of Noah’s Flood
Photos: MortGuffman & starrynight1 (Flickr)
Up Next—Humor: My New Diet Plan
Do you understand the literary function of
a chiasm?
2. Bible Study: The Chiasm of Noah’s Flood
Photos: MortGuffman & starrynight1 (Flickr)
Up Next—Humor: My New Diet Plan
Do you understand the literary function ofa chiasm?
5 COMMENTS:
I'm not sure I completely understand the chiasm concept, but I do find it fascinating. I love learning new things! Also, thank you so much for the link to Got Questions. I just went there and found an answer to something I was rather stumped on (women silent in the church).
Really very interesting. Thanks for throwing light in my darkness once again.
I LOVED this post! I have thought many times how fascinating and fun it would be to get a degree in theology. Too many times I know there points in the Bible I am missing. I am constantly in awe of our Bible. Thank you for teaching me the chiasm concept and for directing me to the GotQuestions.org website. I look forward to reading more of your posts! Thank you!
I do now! That was an awesome lesson! There is so much I feel I miss when studying scripture; those subtle influences. Thanks for the information.
April: I hope you study this concept a little more, because it will really open your eyes to the way many passages are structured.
Buffy: You're so welcome my friend. :~D
Jamie Kubik: You should do it! Get some classes in Theology. I found my THEO classes utterly fascinating--better than a Sunday sermon any day!
Kim: Glad you got it! Really the principle is pretty simple. It just takes a little application of those brain cells of ours... :~D
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