Bible Lexicons

Bullinger's Figures of Speech Used in the BibleBullinger's Figures of Speech

Coenotes; or Combined Repetition

The Repetition of two different Phrases: one at the Beginning and the Other at the End of successive Paragraphs

Cee´-no-tees. Greek, κοινότης (koinotees), sharing in common. The figure is so called when two separate phrases are repeated, one at the beginning and the other at the end of successive sentences or paragraphs.

When only words are thus repeated, the figure is called Symploce (q.v. [Note: Which see.] ), which is repeated Epanadiplosis.

It is a combination of Anaphora and Epistrophe; but, affecting phrases rather than single words.

The Latins sometimes called this figure (as well as Symploce) COMPLEXIO, combination.

Psalms 118:2-4.-This is clearer in the Hebrew, where the three verses begin successively with the words, "Let say," and end With the words, "for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 118:8-9.-

"It is better to trust in the Lord

than to put confidence in man:

It is better to trust in the Lord

than to put confidence in princes."

See also Psalms 118:15-16.-

"The right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly,

The right hand of the Lord is exalted:

The right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly."

In verses 10-12 there are three figures combined: There is Anaphora, in the repetition of "They compassed me" at the beginning of several clauses; Epistrophe, in the repetition of "In the name of the Lord I will destroy them" at the end; and in verse 11 we have Epizeuxis in "they compassed me" being repeated in immediate succession.

Psalms 136:1-3.-Where the three successive verses begin with the words, "O, give thanks," and end with the words "for his mercy endureth for ever."