Bible Lexicons

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

Epanodos; or Inversion

The Repetition of the same Words in an inverse Order (but same Sense)

E-pan´-o-dos is from ἐπί (epi), upon, ἀνα (ana), back, and ὁδός (hodos), a way, and means a way back again, or more simply a return.

After two, three, or more words have been mentioned, they are repeated, not in the same order again, but backward.

The Latins called it REGRESSIO, i.e., regression, and INVERSIO, i.e., inversion.

When propositions are inverted and thus contrasted, and not merely the words, the figure is called ANTIMETABOLE (see the next figure).

When only the subject matter is thus related it is called CHIASMUS (q.v. [Note: Which see.] ), though this may also be called an Epanodos. This we have given under Correspondence. When words or phrases are repeated in this inverse order it is called SYNANTESIS, a meeting together.

Genesis 10:1-31.-

a 1-. Shem,

b -1-. Ham,

c -1. and Japheth.

c 2-5. The sons of Japheth.

b 6-20. The sons of Ham.

a 21-31. The sons of Shem.

Exodus 9:31.-

a "And the flax

b and the barley was smitten,

b for the barley was in the ear,

a and the flax was bolled."

Isaiah 6:10.-

a "Make the heart of this people fat,

b and make their ears heavy,

c and shut their eyes;

c lest they see with their eyes,

b and hear with their ears,

a and understand with their heart."

Romans 2:14.-"Which have not the law (μὴ νόμον, mee nomon) … these having not the law (νόμον μὴ, nomon mee)." The figure, which does not appear in the English, shows us that in the former sentence we are to place the emphasis on the word "not," and in the latter on the word "law."

N.B.-The words "by nature" must be read with "who have not the law," and not with the verb "do." Gentiles by nature are not under the Law of Moses, yet they do many things unconsciously in accordance with it; and so far, they endorse it, and condemn themselves. The keeping of this law can no more save them than the law of Moses can save the Jews. All are under sin (3:9), the Gentile (chap. 1), the Jew (chap. 2), and all alike guilty before God (3:19).

2 Corinthians 1:3.-

a "Blessed be God,

b even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

b the Father of mercies,

a and the God of all comfort."

3 John 1:11.-

a "Follow not that which is evil,

b but that which is good.

b He that doeth good is of God;

a But he that doeth evil hath not seen God."

For further illustration see under Correspondence.