Literary Devices: Chiasmus

A chiasmus is named after the Greek letter chi (X), because it revolves around a center passage or phrase. It requires a parallel structure where the first idea is parallel to the last idea. The center of this structure is meant to convey the important message. For example, in Genesis 9:6 we see a simple chiasmus that has instructed Jewish lawgivers on how to interpret the pronouncements of God.

(1) Whoever sheds

(2) the blood

(3) of man

(3) by man

(2) shall his blood

(1) be shed

The this structure informs the reader on what should be done in matters of murder. The central idea is that murder must be tried by a human court, instead of leaving it entirely up to divine punishment, as some religions may allow. Therefore, the Ancient Jews were required to set up proper courts to administer justice according to this simple chiasmus. This is just one example of a method the rabbis used to interpret the Law.