From Gab
A. 1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us,
B. and let us run with patience the race* that is set before us,
C. 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame,
D. and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
C.’ 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
B.’ 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving*
A’. against sin.
* the Greek word for ‘striving’ is derived from the word for ‘race’.
Hi,
Okay I am new to this. I have seen elsewhere a Chiasm which just covers verses 1 and 2 – see below, sorry i have lost source.
having SEATED around us such a great cloud of witnesses
SETTING ASIDE every weight and entangling sin
with ENDURANCE
let us run the race THAT IS SET BEFORE US
fixing our eyes on the founder and
perfecter of our faith, Jesus
who for the joy THAT WAS SET BEFORE HIM
ENDURED the cross
DISREGARDING the disgrace,
and HAS TAKEN HIS SEAT at the right hand of the throne of God.
This places Christ at the centre with all eyes on him. By extending the Chaism to 4 verses it places the emphasis differently.
Can they both be right? Is the solution that the whole of vs 2 is central? is there a ‘rule’ which helps set the framing of the Chaism and therefore the focal point?
Many thanks,
Ian
Hi Ian and thanks for a very interesting comment. It looks to me as if both patterns are sound. Your proposal for verse 2 is a chiasm which makes up the first arm of a larger pattern. We have seen this on a number of occasions in the gospels. I wonder if the second arm has the following pattern;
Hebrews 12:3-4
A. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself,
B. lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
B’. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood,
A’. striving against sin.