The Literary Structure and Doctrinal Significance of Alma 13:1-9

Authors

James T. Duke, Brigham Young University

Keywords

Book of Mormon Books, Alma, Book of Mormon, Language, Chiasmus, Teaching

Abstract

Alma’s sermon at Ammonihah includes a remarkable passage (Alma 13:1–9) that contains a main chiasm as well as four shorter chiasms and four alternates. It also uses synonymia, cycloides, repetition, and an important Nephite idiom (rest). In addition, this passage explains the doctrine of the priesthood and the eternal nature of Christ in conjunction with the priesthood, and introduces the doctrines of a preparatory redemption and the rest of God.

BYU ScholarsArchive Citation

Duke, James T. (1996) "The Literary Structure and Doctrinal Significance of Alma 13:1-9," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies: Vol. 5: No. 1, Article 3.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jbms/vol5/iss1/3