All Physics Faculty Publications

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

BYU Studies

Volume

43

Issue

2

Publication Date

1-1-2010

First Page

103

Abstract

Chiasmus is an inverted-parallel literary form that was employed by ancient Hebrew biblical writers, among others. An instance of this form, called a “chiasm,” presents two or more literary elements, and then restates them in reverse order. Short chiasms are not uncommon in literature. In some cases, the authors undoubtedly intended to use that form for literary effect (that is, by design); in other cases, the elements fell into that form without author intent (that is, by chance). In 1969, John W. Welch reported his discovery of many-element chiasms in the Book of Mormon,1 which Joseph Smith testified to have translated from plates written anciently by Hebrew descendants.

Comments

Originally published by BYU Studies in BYU Studies. Publisher PDF available for download through remote link.

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