Chiasm
Matthew 05:1–07:28
Matthew 05:1–07:282 matched frames4 pivots
Read down to the center, where the pattern turns; then rise back out through its mirror.
- A 4:25-5:2 Opening: Great multitudes followed him... And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
- B 5:3-16 Prologue of Blessings - Beatitudes: "Blessed are..." / Salt and Light: "Ye are the salt of the earth" and "Ye are the light of the world"
- C 5:17-7:12 Main Body - Righteousness of the Kingdom
- D 5:21-48 Six Antitheses - Exceeding the scribes' teachings: "Ye have heard... but I say unto you"
- E 6:1-18 Three Practices - Exceeding the scribes' practices: Alms, Prayer, Fasting done in secret
- F 6:19-7:11 Seeking God's Kingdom and righteousness: Treasures in heaven, serving God not mammon, seeking first the kingdom
- C 5:17-7:12 Main Body - Righteousness of the Kingdom
- B' 7:13-27 Epilogue of Warnings - Narrow gate, false prophets by their fruits, wise and foolish builders
- B 5:3-16 Prologue of Blessings - Beatitudes: "Blessed are..." / Salt and Light: "Ye are the salt of the earth" and "Ye are the light of the world"
- A' 7:28-8:1 Closing: The people were astonished at his doctrine... And when he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.