Introduction to Biblical Structure

WORKMEN OF TRUTH

Types of Biblical or Literary Structure ^©

There are some general principles that need to be considered in order to appreciate the arrangement of the members and their correspondence. Each of the subjects or "members" occupy separate paragraphs or stanzas. Keep in mind that each member may have within it other structures with corresponding members. To give you some perspective, what starts off as a telescopic view of the entire Bible will find each book of the Bible with its structure respectively, and these books are eventually divided and subdivided into their respective parts (structures) until you arrive at a microscopic view of all the verses and their detail.

In order to distinguish one member from another and for the sake of convenience and reference, we generally use Roman letters to distinguish a member and then italicize the same letter to identify its corresponding or contrasting member. Both upper and lower case Roman letters are used and sometimes Roman numerals. For example, "A" and "A", "d" and "d", "II" and "II", etc. When the alphabet is exhausted, it may be repeated or, in an attempt to avoid confusion, double, triple or quadruple Roman letters and italicized counterparts are used; for example, "aa" and "aa", "ggg" and "ggg", "zzzz" and "zzzz". An attempt has also be made to keep the corresponding members in-line vertically with each other. We believe these guidelines will become self-evident when viewing the examples provided on this web site.

There are two major types of biblical or literary structure and a third being a combination of the two. Before embarking on the examination of these types of structure, it is worthy of note to mention an important contribution to the principle of structure within the Bible per se. What I am referring to is the concept of Division. When we speak of Division, we are dealing with the dividing, separation or partitioning of the subject matter. This does occur within scripture and is an important feature to describe and understand. In a Division, each section is a part of the whole but stands by itself. Because it is a partition and can stand alone, it produces no repetition. We use the same Roman letter to demonstrate that each "member" is related to the whole of the subject and Roman numerals to separate or divide the "members" into their respective parts. We use the term "members" here because each portion or section deals with some aspect of the subject (that is, the whole) being considered or presented. Some examples follow that will demonstrate this feature and even though it does not produce true correspondence, it does contribute to the overall design of the Bible itself. In Job 18:1-21, we have a division of the subject matter of Bildad's second address to Job as follows;

N1 | The Reproof of Job. (vss. 1-4)

N2 | The Doom of the Wicked. (vss. 5-21)

Within this division, there is another divisionof the subject matter dealing with the doom of the wicked (vss. 5-21);

O1 | The Particular Aspects. (vss. 5-20)

O2 | A General Aspect. (vs. 21)

Another example of division is Psalms 40:1-17. Its subject matter is divided into three parts;

F1 | Deliverance by the LORD. (vss. 1-5)

F2 | Addressing the LORD. (vss. 6-10)

F3 | Prayer to the LORD. (vss. 11-17)

One more example should suffice, 2 Corinthians 5:-18-6:2. Its subject matter deals with "the ministry of reconciliation" and is separated into two parts;

R1 | The Ministry. Itself. (5:-18, 19)

R2 | The Ministers. Themselves. (5:20-6:20)

Returning to the different types of correspondence or biblical structure, we see that there are three with the third being just a combination of the two. These will be broken down and discussed individually. It is important to note that we will be using the term "series" in describing these different types of structures. By definition, a "series" is a group or number of similar or related things arranged in a row (not a sequence). Since we are examining the concept of repetition in the scriptures, when we refer to a series, we are describing the part or portion that occurs before the repetition begins to take place or when it takes place, as the corresponding part or portion. In other words, the series ends when the correspondence begins but the correspondence itself is also called a series. To put it a different way, instead of saying series, you could say "set". You have an initial set of words and a corresponding set of words. Take Isaiah 6:10 for example;

"Make the heart of this people fat,

and make their ears heavy,

and shut their eyes;

lest they see with their eyes,

and hear with their ears,

and understand with their heart"

This consists of two series and each series has three members.

"Make the heart of this people fat,

and make their ears heavy,

and shut their eyes;"

This is the first series. Remember a series consists of a group of related items arranged in a row. It ends when the corresponding verses begin. They form their own series. Thus, the second series consists of the three corresponding members.

"lest they see with their eyes,

and hear with their ears,

and understand with their heart"

You will notice that there is a change in the discourse that introduces the repetition and so we divide the one half from the other. The turning point (repetition) is what brings into view a new series. This is not designed to engender confusion. On the contrary, we use the term as there are oftentimes many members and the usage of the term helps to describe, in word form, the structure or pattern. The examples that follow in each instance will suffice to demonstrate this concept.

Alternate. This is when the members are repeated in an alternating fashion. There are three forms that "alternate" structures may take.

a. Simple Alternation. This is where there are two series with only two members for each series. The correspondence is between the first member of the first series and the first member of the second series. The second member of the first corresponds with the second member of the second series. For example, Prov. 8:22-31 speaks of wisdom being personified;

A| In eternity past. With the LORD. "The LORD possessed me".
(vs. 22)

B| Before the creation of man. "Before the earth was". (vss. 23-29)

A| In eternity past. With the LORD. "I was beside HIM". (vs. 30)

B| After the creation of man. "In the habitable part of HIS earth".
(vs. 31)

Another example can be found in Ezek. 36:26, 27-;

F |

"A new heart also will I give you, (vs. 26-)

G |

and a new spirit will I put within you: (vs. -26-)

F |

and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. (vs. -26)

G |

And I will put MY spirit within you," (vs. 27-)

b. Extended Alternation. This is where there are two series and each series has more than two members. In this form, the first member of the first series corresponds with the first member of the second series. Likewise, the second member of the first series corresponds with the second member of the second series. This pattern continues in the same manner with all the members of each series. For example, Phil. 1:12-26, dealing with the confidence of Paul as pertained to himself;

A | What Paul would have them know. "I would you should
understand". (vss. 12, 13)

B | Christ is preached. "Preach Christ...Christ is preached".
(vss. 14-18-)

C | Paul's rejoicing. "I therein do rejoice". (vs. -18)

A | What Paul knew himself. "For I know". (vs. 19)

B | Christ is magnified. "Christ shall be magnified". (vss. 20-25)

C | Their rejoicing. "That your rejoicing may be more abundant".
(vs. 26)

Another example can be seen in Matt. 24:45-51 in a parable regarding servants and service;

M \|	The faithful and wise servant. "A faithful and wise servant". (vs. 45-)

N |

His duties performed. "To give them meat in due season". (vs. -45)

O |

His lord's coming. "His lord when he cometh". (vs. 46)

P |

His reward. "Make him ruler over all his goods". (vs. 47)

M \|	The evil servant. "That evil servant". (vs. 48)

N |

His duties neglected. "Smite his fellowservants". (vs. 49)

O |

His lord's coming. "The lord of that servant shall come".
(vs. 50)

P |

His punishment. "Shall cut him asunder...portion with the
hypocrites". (vs. 51)

c. Repeated Alternation. This is where there are more than two series and can be subdivided into two different types (as listed below). Because we are dealing with more than two series, the letter designation of Roman letters, with and without italics is not sufficient. Instead, we will typically designate each series with a Roman letter and immediately follow with a Roman numeral (i.e., A1, A2, A3). This is done to preserve the correspondence between the series.

1) More than two series consisting of only two members in each series. In this instance, the first member of the first series corresponds with the first member of the second series, third series, fourth series, etc. The second member of the first series corresponds with the second member of the second series, third series, etc. on down the line. Take for example, Psalm 14, dealing with the depravity of man;

A1 |

The lawless. Their words. "They are corrupt...none that doeth good". (vs. 1)

B1 |

The LORD. HIS inspection. "Looked down from heaven...to see". (vs. 2)

A2 |

The lawless. Their deeds. "All gone aside...none that doeth good". (vs. 3)

B2 |

The LORD. HIS objection. "Workers of iniquity no knowledge...eat up my people". (vs. 4)

A3 |

The lawless. Their feelings. "they in great fear". (vss. 5, 6)

B3 |

The LORD. HIS intervention. "Bringeth back the captivity of HIS people". (vs. 7)

Another example to cite is 2 Thess. 3:6-15 where Paul gives a warning;

J1 |

Charge to the orderly. "Command you...withdraw yourselves from...disorderly". (vs. 6)

K1 |

The example of Paul and the brethren. "Behaved ourselves not disorderly...did not eat bread for naught". (vss. 7-9)

J2 |

Charge to the non-workers. "Commanded you...any...not work, neither...eat". (vs. 10)

K2 |

Instance of such. "Some...working not at all...busybodies". (vs. 11)

J3 |

Charge to the disorderly. "We command...with quietness they work...eat their own bread". (vss. 12, 13)

K3 |

The disobedient to be admonished. "Any man obey not...note that man...have no company...he may be ashamed". (vss. 14, 15)

2) More than two series consisting of more than two members in each series. In this instance, there is a combination of Extended and Repeated Alternation. There are more than two series (Repeated) and there are also more than two members in each series (Extended). The first member of the first series corresponds with the first member of the second series, third series, etc. The second member of the first series corresponds with the second member of the second series, third series, etc. The third member of the first series corresponds with the third member of the second series, and so forth. For example, in Psalm 24, David speaks about the Messiah as the Chief Shepherd in glory;

A1 |

Right to the earth. "Earth is the LORD's...HE hath founded it".
(vss. 1, 2)

B1 |

Question. "Who shall ascend...who shall stand?" (vs. 3)

C1 |

Answer. "He that hath clean hands...pure heart". (vss. 4-6)

A2 |

His own right. "King of glory shall come in". (vs. 7)

B2 |

Question. "Who is this King of glory?" (vs. 8-)

C2 |

Answer. "The LORD strong and mighty". (vs. -8)

A3 |

His right with His people. "King of glory shall come in". (vs. 9)

B3 |

Question. "Who is this King of glory?" (vs. 10-)

C3 |

Answer. "The LORD of hosts". (vs. -10)

Another example can be found in Acts 21:27-40 dealing with Paul in Jerusalem and the disturbance evoked;

R1 |

Riot. "When they saw him...stirred up the people". (vs. 27)

S1 |

Charge. "Crying out...this...man...teacheth". (vss. 28, 29)

T1 |

Paul seized. "All the city...moved...took Paul". (vs. 30)

R2 |

Chief captain intervenes. "Jerusalem...in an uproar...took soldiers...ceased beating Paul". (vss. 31, 32)

S2 |

Inquiry as to charge. "Chief captain...demanded who he was...had done". (vss. 33, 34)

T2 |

Violence of people. "He was borne...for violence of the people...crying, 'Away with him' ". (vss. 35, 36)

R3 |

Chief captain appealed to. "Paul...said unto...chief captain...'May I speak unto thee?' ". (vs 37)

S3 |

Inquiry about Paul. "Art thou not that Egyptian ... which ... madest an uproar". (vss. 38, 39)

T3 |

Silence of people. "Paul stood...beckoned...when there was made a great silence". (vs. 40)

2. Introverted. This is when the members correspond in such a way as to pivot around a central theme. This was called by the Greeks Chiasmos or Chiaston because the form or pattern this literary structure took was similar to the Greek letter Chi (X). In Latin, it is called Chiasmus or Decussata Oratio meaning to speak cross-wise (i.e., in the shape of the letter X). This would look something like this;

A     B
   \   /
    C
   /   \
B      A

The center or "crossing point" is the pivot around which the theme is centered. As you can see, it resembles the shape of the Greek letter Chi. In biblical structure, this example would be arranged as follows;

A \| ...
	B \| ...
		C \| ...
	B \| ...
A \| ...

This Introvertedor as we call it Introversion is by far the most common literary structure found in the Bible. In fact, it's method of presentation is so effective, only the most important and vital sections are arranged using this type of biblical structure. Bengel in his book on The Structure of the Books of the Bible makes the following observation regarding Introversion;

"its employment is never without some use: viz., in perceiving the ornament and in observing the force of the language; in understanding the true and full sense; in making clear the sound Interpretation; in demonstrating the true and neat analysis of the sacred text."

In this type of structure, there are two series. The first member of the first series corresponds with the last member of the second series. The second member of the first series corresponds with the second to the last member of the second series. The third member of the first series corresponds with the member that is third to the last in the second series and so on. To put it simply, if there are eight members with four members in each series, the first corresponds with the eighth, the second corresponds with the seventh, the third with the sixth, etc. Take for example, Psalm 36, a prayer and praise of the Messiah;

A |

The wicked. Their misdeeds. "Transgression of the wicked...words of his mouth...iniquity...deviseth mischief".
(vss. 1-4)

B |

The lovingkindness of the LORD. Declaration. "Thy mercy, O LORD...Thy faithfulness...Thy righteousness...Thy judgments". (vss. 5-9)

B |

The lovingkindness of the LORD. Prayer. "O continue Thy lovingkindness...and Thy righteousness to the upright". (vs. 10)

A |

The wicked. Their end. "Workers of iniquity fallen...cast down". (vss. 11, 12)

Another example is found in Luke 1:68-79, dealing with a prophecy given by Zacharias;

T |

Visitation. "HE hath visited and redeemed". (vs. 68)

U |

Salvation. "Raised up an horn of salvation". (vs. 69)

V |

Prophets. "He spake by the mouth...prophets". (vs. 70)

W |

Enemies. "Saved from our enemies". (vs. 71)

X |

The Covenant. "Perform the mercy...remember.. ...covenant" (vs. 72)

X |

The Covenant. "The oath which HE sware". (vs. 73)

W |

Enemies. "Delivered out of the hand of our enemies". (vs. 74, 75)

V |

Prophet. "Thou child...called the prophet of the HIGHEST". (vs. 76)

U |

Salvation. "Give knowledge of salvation". (vs. 77)

T |

Visitation. "The dayspring from on high hath visited us". (vs. 78, 79)

3. Complex or Combined. This is when the members of the structure exist in a combination of the other two types; Alternate (Simpleor Extended) and Introverted or Introversion. The variety in this presentation of the subject matter is quite Complex, hence the name. This arrangement could be likened to a peach; there is often a double arrangement, the one within the other, consistent and yet different (very much like the meat of the fruit and its pit; two distinct parts and yet both part of the peach). A few examples may suffice. Let's begin with Exodus 20:8-11, dealing with one of the ten commandments. This is both a Simple Alternation and Introversion;

A |

To be remembered and kept by man. "Remember the
sabbath ... keep". (vs. 8)

B |

o |

The six days for man's work. "Six days shalt thou labor". (vs. 9)

p |

Seventh for man's rest. "The seventh day...sabbath...not do any work". (vs. 10)

B |

o |

Six days for the LORD's work. "In six days the LORD made heaven...". (vs. 11-)

p |

Seventh for the LORD's rest. "The LORD...rested the seventh day". (vs. -11-)

A |

Sabbath blessed and hallowed by the LORD. "The LORD blessed the sabbath ... hallowed it". (vs. -11)

An example of an Introversion with an Repeated Alternation is John 12:37-43, dealing with unbelief and belief;

J |

Unbelief. "They believed not on Him". (vs. 37)

K |

m1 |

Isaiah. Citation. "Who hath believed our report". (vs. 38)

n1 |

Consequence. "They could not believe".
(vs. 39-)

m2 |

Isaiah. Citation. "Blinded their eyes...hardened their heart". (vss. -39-40-)

n2 |

Consequence. "Not see with their eyes...nor
understand with...heart". (vs.-40)

m3 |

Isaiah. Citation. "Said Isaiah when he saw His glory...spake of Him". (vs. 41)

J |

Belief. "Many believed on Him". (vss. 42, 43)

Another type of Complex or Combined structure is an Extended Alternation and Introversion found in 2 Corinthians 11:1-12:13, describing Paul's indirect vindication of himself;

Q |

R |

Apology for boasting. Solicitude for them. "Would...ye could bear with me a little in my folly". (11:1-4)

S |

Equality with other apostles. Not behind them in knowledge. "Not a whit behind ...chiefest apostles...not in knowledge". (11:5, 6)

T |

a |

Gratuitous preaching. "Preached...the gospel..freely".
(11:7-10)

b |

Why? Because I love you not? "Wherefore? Because I
love you not?" (11:11)

U |

False apostles. "False apostles...transforming themselves into...apostles of Christ". (11:12-15)

R |

Apology for boasting. Solicitude for himself. "No man think me a fool". (11:16-18)

S |

Equality with other apostles. Not behind them in sufferings. "Are they ministers of Christ?...in labors more abundant, in stripes ... in prison". (11:19-12:11)

T |

b |

Why? Because I wronged you? "The signs of an apostle...wrought among you ... wherein ye were inferior?" (12:12, 13-)

a |

Gratuitous preaching. "I myself was not burdensome". (12:-13)

A brief comment on the "positions of prominence". After identifying the type of structure and its correspondence, it should be observed that the design of the structure itself may emphasize a passage of scripture contained within it. In other words, each structure has its "position of prominence" or part that is to be emphasized. This is another divine guide as to what GOD desires to stand out or HE has determined to emphasize. For instance, structures that contain any of the three Alternate patterns (Simple, Repeated or Extended), find the position of prominence or emphasis generally on the final unit for each series. Structures that are Introverted or Introversion generally, but not exclusively, have the central member as the natural position of prominence or importance. With this particular type of structure, the emphasis is enhanced when the unit is unmatched (meaning it has no corresponding member); for example, a, b, c, d, c, b, a. The member "d" would stand out as the emphasis or climax of the subject matter. The "seven" fold or unbalanced/unpaired structure is quite common in the Hebrew scriptures. However, in the Introverted structure with an even number of members (all corresponding), the emphasis or prominence is generally at the beginning and ending of the structure rather than at the middle; for example, A, B, C, D, E, E, D, C, B, A. The members "A" and "A" would receive the bulk of the emphasis or importance. Some examples may suffice as a demonstration. The underlined and bolded line(s) hold the position of prominence;