Word-Filled-Wednesday: Titus 2:3-5

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word
of God. (Titus 2:3-5)

Bible Chiasms are Like Oreos.
The Sweet Spot is in the Middle

One of the most fascinating literary devices found in the Bible is the chiasm. A chiasm is a short or long passage of Scripture which creates an “X” (Greek: chi) structure. Scholars have identified a chiasmic structure in long passages like the flood story in Genesis 6-9, and even whole books like the Gospel of Mark. You can see some much shorter examples at both these links. If you think of two spindles of a scroll with the parchment rolled up equally on each side, the midpoint of that scroll is like the midpoint of a chiasm.

In its simplest form, a chiasm is constructed of one or more lines of Scripture which march toward a pivotal center point, and then march away again. Like an Oreo cookie, each line above the sweet center is mirrored by a corresponding line below it. This technique draws attention to the middle, which is always the writer’s most important point.

Notice how the left side of an “X” is formed in the following example:

Oreo cookies are made of two dark chocolate biscuits, (C)
------The cookies are sandwiched together (B)
----------The white icing in the between them is perfection. (A)
------Many people like to pull the cookie sandwich apart (B’)
That way they get two chocolate cookies for the price of one! (C’)

Responding to the Call of Titus Two

If you’re a new reader at Chrysalis, you might not be aware that the main Scripture passage guiding this weblog is the classic passage from Titus 2:3-5. As an older woman, my passion and purpose is to pass on to you the good things that God has taught me over the years as a wife, Mom, and Bible student. Recently, I noticed that Titus 2:3-5 is also a chiasm. Let’s take a look:

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, (D)
-----not to be slanderers [gossips] (C)
----------or addicted to much wine (B)
--------------but to teach what is good. (A)
--------------Then they can train younger women to love husbands/children, (A’)
----------to be self-controlled and pure (B’)
-----to be busy at home and to be kind (C’)
and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word... (D’)

In chiastic structure, sometimes the key point is repeated. (See my previous discussion of Matt 7:6.) Note that in these verses, the key line about “teaching what is good” (A) is repeated in the line below, shouting out its importance (A'). The second line (A’) reveals that the emphasis of an older woman’s instruction should be training younger women how to love their husbands and children.

As a side note, it’s fascinating to compare Paul’s “curriculum” for older women in Titus 2, with his instruction to Timothy in regard to young widows. Apparently throughout the ages, we women have been tempted toward sensuality, unproductive speech (gossip) and shunning the hard work of raising a family:

“As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to. So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan. (1 Tim 2:11-15 NIV).

A Warm Welcome to Younger Moms

From time to time in my travels across the blogosphere, I come across a post written by a Christian Mom who is longing to be mentored by an older Titus Two woman. If you’re in that position, my heart goes out to you. Maybe you’ve been unable to establish that kind of relationship “IRL” due to a variety of factors. If so, let me extend my hand and welcome you to this blog. If you’re interested, you can read my complete bio here.

At Chrysalis, you’ll find a warm community, and food for thought on a variety of topics relevant to Christian Moms. Home of the Marriage Monday monthly meme, regular topics here include Bible Study (& WFW), Biography, Books, Homemaking, and Spiritual Growth. Nothing is taboo! Please introduce yourself in the comments. I try to respond to every comment either by email, or in my comment box. If you’re a blogger, I will also stop by to visit you before too long. Many regular readers know that I’m happy to correspond by e-mail and Facebook as well.

Stick around! I’d love to get to know you.

Related: Recommended Reading on Chiasmus

Join Amydeanne and the good folk over at the Internet Café for more Scripture and Word-Filled-Wednesday.

Photos: mare.bowe, IanHayhurst & Cartel82 (Flickr)

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