Chiasmus
From Theopedia
Chiasmus is a literary structure in which parallel terms or concepts are first introduced in order and then again in reverse order to make a point, often emphasizing the middle concept which either appears twice in succession (ABB'A') or only once (ABCB'A'). It takes its name from the from the Greek letter χ (chi), and is also called chiasm or chiastic structure.
An example
Ephesians 1:12-14
- A. to the end that we should be to the praise of his glory,
- B. we who had before hoped in Christ:
- C. in whom you also, having heard
- D. the word of the truth,
- D'. the gospel of your salvation,
- C'.in whom you also, having believed,
- C. in whom you also, having heard
- B'. you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, which is an earnest of our inheritance,
- B. we who had before hoped in Christ:
- A’. to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of his glory.
