This is my attempt at the chiastic form, or mirror structure, of Genesis 3. I use The New American Bible, St. Joseph Edition, Imprimatur July 27, 1970. Please improve my analysis if you can. I claim some competence in English, not so much in theology, but my priest suggested I try my hand with Genesis 3.
Adam & Eve
From the tree of life in Eden the serpent tells Eve that she can eat the forbidden fruit. The serpent says she and Adam will be like gods. She eats and gives it to Adam. He eats.
Serpent
God speaks to the serpent. He says, “Because you have done this, you shall be banned from all the animals and from the wild creatures; On your belly you shall crawl, and dirt shall you eat all the days of your life.” The center of the chiasm is what God says next to the serpent. “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.”
Adam & Eve
To the woman He says: “I will intensify the pangs of your childbearing; in pain shall you bring forth children. Yet, your urge shall be for you husband, and he shall be your master.” Adam is banished and is settled east of Eden, and the cherubim are stationed to guard the tree of life.
Note 1: When Jesus addresses His mother as woman at the wedding in Cana, He is referring to the above passage from Genesis. Mary is the new Eve.
Note 2: Tortive Theater in England publishes Chiasmus Journal and hosts a short story contest every year. The maximum word count is 1001.
Adam & Eve
From the tree of life in Eden the serpent tells Eve that she can eat the forbidden fruit. The serpent says she and Adam will be like gods. She eats and gives it to Adam. He eats.
Serpent
God speaks to the serpent. He says, “Because you have done this, you shall be banned from all the animals and from the wild creatures; On your belly you shall crawl, and dirt shall you eat all the days of your life.” The center of the chiasm is what God says next to the serpent. “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.”
Adam & Eve
To the woman He says: “I will intensify the pangs of your childbearing; in pain shall you bring forth children. Yet, your urge shall be for you husband, and he shall be your master.” Adam is banished and is settled east of Eden, and the cherubim are stationed to guard the tree of life.
Note 1: When Jesus addresses His mother as woman at the wedding in Cana, He is referring to the above passage from Genesis. Mary is the new Eve.
Note 2: Tortive Theater in England publishes Chiasmus Journal and hosts a short story contest every year. The maximum word count is 1001.
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