What is chiastic structure? What is a chiasm?

TL;DR:

: A chiasm is a literary structure where ideas are presented and then mirrored in reverse to emphasize, clarify, or highlight a main point. Scripture employs chiasm at various levels—from individual sentences to entire sections—allowing readers to notice repetition, focus on the middle, and better remember the message.

what does the bible say?

A chiasm (also called chiasmus) is a literary device that presents a series of ideas which then repeat in reverse order. Chiastic structure is often shown with letters. For example, idea A is followed by idea B, then idea B is repeated, and finally idea A is repeated. The second set of letters has an apostrophe to distinguish them from the first. So, the letter representation of a chiastic structure might look like: ABB'A'.

The purpose of a chiastic structure is to emphasize, repeat, or clarify ideas. Sometimes, a central element, X, is placed between mirrored ideas, such as ABXB'A', highlighting the middle idea as the main point.

The name chiasm comes from the Greek letter chi, which looks like an X and symbolizes a crossing pattern. This device appears in both short sayings and longer passages. Examples are found throughout both testaments, including Mark 2:27; Matthew 6:24; Ecclesiastes 11:3–12:2; Genesis 6–9; Amos 5:4–6a; Isaiah 1:21–26; Joshua 1:5–9; Joel 3:17–21. Recognizing these patterns can help readers follow arguments and notice emphasis.

from the old testament

A large-scale chiasm appears in the flood account. At its center, Moses records, “But God remembered Noah” (Genesis 8:1). The structure is A: corruption → B: entry into the ark → C: rising waters → X: God remembers → C′: receding waters → B′: exit from the ark → A′: covenant. This mirrored pattern emphasizes that God’s mercy, not human strength, preserved Noah (Genesis 6–9).
Amos used a similar structure to emphasize the call to repent. He declared, “Seek me and live” (Amos 5:4), placing it between repeated warnings of judgment. The pattern goes A: warning → X: seek the Lord → A′: warning. This structure emphasizes that true safety is found only in seeking God (Amos 5:4–6).
Other Old Testament texts follow a similar pattern. Joshua 1:5–9 emphasizes commands of strength and God’s presence around the core duty of meditating on His law (A: promise of presence → B: command to be strong → X: meditate on the law → B′: command to be strong → A′: promise of presence), demonstrating that courage comes from obedience rooted in God’s nearness. Ecclesiastes 11:3–12:2 surrounds images of decline (A) with a call to remember the Creator (B), then returns to decline (A′), directing attention to what matters before trouble arrives. Joel 3:17–21 presents judgment (A) and blessing (B) around Zion’s future holiness (C), then circles back to blessing (B′) and judgment (A′), focusing readers on God’s ultimate victory.

from the new testament

Jesus and the apostles frequently taught using chiasm, employing mirroring to enhance contrast and highlight the central point.
One clear example is Jesus’ teaching: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). The pattern is A: Sabbath → B: man → B′: man → A′: Sabbath. The reversal highlights the point: the day exists for people under God, not the other way around.
Jesus also warned, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). The structure is A: exalts → B: humbled → B′: humbles → A′: exalted. The reversal itself teaches that God opposes pride but exalts the humble.
In all of these, the chiastic form makes the truth more memorable: what sits in the center, or at the turning point, is what God wants His people to understand.

implications for today

Recognizing a chiasm helps you slow down and ask what the author most wants you to see. When ideas repeat in reverse order, look for a central hinge or strong opening and closing lines; that is often where the emphasis lies. Not every repetition creates a chiasm, so hold patterns loosely and let the plain sense of the passage guide you. The goal is not to find clever literary devices but to understand the message more clearly and remember it longer.

How might you apply some of the chiasms discussed in this article? The mirrored pattern that reveals divided loyalty calls you to undivided devotion to God, with direct implications for your choices about money, time, and worship. The reversal linking humility with honor encourages you to take the lower place and trust God with the outcome. The flood narrative’s focus on remembered mercy urges you to put your hope in God’s faithfulness, especially when judgment and sorrow feel overwhelming.

When used properly, chiasm can guide your study, help set family devotions, and prepare you to share truth with a friend. Above all, let the structure support the message, so your heart is led to the Lord Himself, who gives rest, demands your whole allegiance, and lifts up the humble in His time.

understand

Chiasms present ideas in a mirrored order, often with the central idea being the main emphasis.
Chiasms appear throughout the Bible, from short sayings to large narratives, enhancing understanding and memory.
Identifying chiastic structure helps reveal the author’s intended focus and deepens our study of God’s Word.

reflect

How might noticing the central idea in a chiasm change the way you read and apply Scripture?
In what areas of your life could focusing on God’s central truths help you in the way you live?
How does understanding the literary structure of the Bible encourage you to trust its messages more fully?

engage

Why does the Bible use mirrored structures to communicate important truths?
How can recognizing chiasms improve the way we teach or share Scripture with others?
Which chiastic patterns in the Bible challenge or inspire you and why?