Thursday, July 10, 2008

Chiasma in 1 Nephi 1:1-3

Donald A. Parry proposes the following chiasmus in 1 Nephi 1:1-3.

1 I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days.

2 Yea, I make a record in the language of my father, which consists of the learning of the Jews and the language of the Egyptians.

3 And I know that the record which I make is true; and I make it with mine own hand; and I make it according to my knowledge.

With versification removed:
I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days. Yea, I make a record in the language of my father, which consists of the learning of the Jews and the language of the Egyptians. And I know that the record which I make is true; and I make it with mine own hand; and I make it according to my knowledge.
The following is the proposed chiastic structure:

I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days;

Ayea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God,

Btherefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days.


CYea, I make a record in the language of my father,



Dwhich consists of the learning of the Jews


C'and the language of the Egyptians.

B'And I know that the record which I make is true; and I make it with mine own hand;
A'and I make it according to my knowledge.


The central unit being the learning of the Jews.

No comments: