Deep Dive into Anadiplosis and Conduplicatio in the English Bible: Rhetoric in the Service of Revelation

The rhetorical figures of anadiplosis and conduplicatio are not merely stylistic ornaments in the English Bible but structural forces that shape theology and spiritual formation. Anadiplosis, the repetition of the last word of one clause at the beginning of the next, functions as a "tight-link" device. It transforms lists into causal chains, creating a "staircase" effect where one spiritual reality—such as patience—becomes the specific soil for the next. By functioning as a rhetorical hinge, anadiplosis physically portrays sanctification as a God-governed progression rather than a chaotic heap of virtues, pulling the reader’s ear forward through a logical sequence.

In contrast, conduplicatio functions as a force of concentration. By repeating a key word like "love," "grace," or "steadfast love" throughout a passage regardless of syntactic position, it establishes a "center of gravity." This device acts like a musical motif or a highlighter, ensuring that complex arguments or narratives orbit around a single, dominant theological reality. While anadiplosis moves the reader forward along a path, conduplicatio anchors the reader to a central truth.

The visibility of these inspired patterns depends heavily on translation philosophy. Formal-equivalence translations tend to preserve these "visible ladders" and "refrains," whereas dynamic-equivalence translations often obscure them by substituting synonyms or compressing clauses to smooth out the English style. When preserved, these devices serve a vital pastoral function: they provide mnemonic "hooks" that aid memorization, guide preachers in structuring sermons that mirror the text's logic, and train the believer’s mind to perceive the ordered causality and unmovable pillars of divine truth. Ultimately, they bind form and content to engrave the Word upon the conscience of the church.

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian

https://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730