"Syntactical Chiasmus"

Steven Craig Miller stevencraigmiller at home.com
Sat Jan 27 07:59:00 EST 2001


I've run across a syntactical phenomena which I call (for lack of a better 
description) a "Syntactical Chiasmus."

At Philemon 5, the NRSV translates: "because I hear of your love for all 
the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus," whereas a more literal 
translation might be: "because I hear of your love and faith[fulness], 
which you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints."

At Matthew 7:6, the CEV translates "Don't give to dogs what belongs to God. 
They will only turn and attack you. Don't throw pearls down in front of 
pigs. They will trample all over them," whereas a more literal translation 
might be: "Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls 
before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you" 
(NRSV).

(1) Does any of the major reference grammars mention or approve of this syntax?

(2) Are there any non-biblical examples of this syntax (such as might be 
found in classical Greek)?

(3) Are there any other biblical examples (in the NT or LXX) of this syntax?

(4) Does this syntax appear legitimate to you?

(5) Has there been any articles written which attempts to justify or 
discuss this syntax?

Any help on this issue will be greatly appreciated.

-Steven Craig Miller
Alton, Illinois (USA)

stevencraigmiller at home.com




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