Chiasm/Ring Composition/Inverted Parallelism (Mark 6:47-52)

• 1. Disciples & Jesus Separated (Mk 6:47)
  • 2. Wind Adverse (Mk 6:48a)
    • 3. Jesus Moves toward Them (Mk 6:48b)
      • 4. Disciples Afraid (Mk 6:49-50a)
    • 5. Jesus "I am" Fear Not (Mk 6:50b)
  • 6. Wind Cease (Mk 6:51)
• 7. Disciples & Jesus Still Separated (Mk 6:52)

This is a classic example of a well constructed ring composition template, chiasm or inverted parallelism.

• 7 semantic (relating to meaning in language or logic) units present a ideas which are then repeated backwards.
• 7 is the perfect biblical number, and this format is common to the OT and NT. 
• Ring composition often relates the center to the outside. The disciples are in focus in the beginning (1), the middle (4) and at the end (4). In the beginning (1) they are separated from Jesus. In the center (4) they see him and are afraid. At the end (7) they do not understand and are hard of heart.