Book of Mormon Poet
Poetry in the BoM

Chiasmus · Mosiah 5:10–12

The Name That Should Not Be Blotted Out

First chiasm found in the Book of Mormon, 16 August 1967

King Benjamin’s covenant speech has its center point in a single worry: that the name of Christ written in the heart might be lost. The first chiasm Welch marked in the German Book of Mormon is this one.

  1. A

    Whosoever shall not take upon him the name of Christ must be called by some other name.5:10

  2. B

    Therefore he findeth himself on the left hand of God.5:10

  3. C

    This is the name that I said I should give unto you.5:11

  4. D

    That never should be blotted out.5:11

  5. E

    Except it be through transgression.5:11

  6. E′

    Therefore, take heed that ye do not transgress.5:11

  7. D′

    That the name be not blotted out of your hearts.5:11

  8. C′

    I would that ye should remember to retain the name written always in your hearts.5:12

  9. B′

    That ye are not found on the left hand of God.5:12

  10. A′

    But that ye hear and know the voice by which ye shall be called, and also the name by which he shall call you.5:12

Why the form matters

Twelve elements, six and six. Those who will not take the name are found on the left hand; those who retain it hear the voice by which they shall be called. Transgression is the center point. The form itself is a warning not to reverse the covenant.