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Chiasm of Matthew 26

Chiasm of Matthew 26

By Peter Leithart

The opening episodes of Matthew 26 are organized in a fairly neat chiasm:

A. Passover, delivered up, chief priests, plot, 26:1-5 ( paradidomi , v 2; archiereus, v 3)

B. Woman  pours myrrh on Jesus, 26:6-7 ( muron , v 7)

C. Disciples complain: give to poor, 26:8-9 ( ptochos , v 9)

D. Jesus: She’s done a good deed, 26:10

C’. Poor always with you, 26:11 ( ptochos , v 11)

B’. Woman poured perfume to prepare for burial, 26:12-13 ( muron , v 12)

A’. Judas and the priests: chief priests, deliver, 26:14-16 ( paradidomi , vv 15, 16; archiereus , v 14)

Peter Leithart

Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.

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Your weekly digest for all things Theopolis.

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Theopolis is nearly 100% donor-supported. Consider joining us on our mission.