Chiasmus in Mosiah 5:10–12

Title

Publication Type

Chart

Year of Publication

1999

Authors

Welch, John W. (Primary), and Welch, Greg (Primary)

Number

10-131

Publisher

Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies

City

Provo, UT

URL

https://byustudies.byu.edu/charts/10-131-chiasmus-mosiah-510%E2%80%9312

Terms of use

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Bibliographic Citation

Abstract

King Benjamin uses chiasmus several times in his great speech in Mosiah 2–5. In Mosiah 5:10–12 he emphasizes the central importance of taking upon oneself the name of Christ. In this concluding section of his speech, the people enter into a covenant with God and are called the children of Christ. They receive the name of Christ, which will never be blotted out, except by transgression. Transgression therefore receives the focus as the center of this chiasm, which stands at the center of this final section of the entire speech. Benjamin's skillful use of this literary form shows that he carefully and deliberately prepared his masterful oration.

Covenant

Chiasmus

Jesus Christ

Name

Inverted Parallelism

Transgression