Caveat: This presentation is a work in progressby Douglas Earl, who is nothing more than a personwho reads the information in this field of researchand either copies or extrapolates the informationto reach the conclusions listed in these presentations.They are subject to change and correction almostweekly and may or may not be correct. They certainly are not totally correct and are notthe thinking of any recognized LDS Church leader nordo they represent the position of the LDS Church.They only represent some of the thinking that isout there at this time and is currently being discussed.These presentations can be copied, changed and used so long as this caveat is understood and included.

Joseph SMITH the Prophet of the Restoration

D & C 124:1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Joseph Smith, I am well pleased with your offering and acknowledgments, which you have made; for unto this end have I raised you up, that I might show forth my wisdom through the weak things of the earth.

His Contemporaries His Contemporaries Wrote:Wrote:

Orson Pratt said about the Prophet’s schooling: “He could read and write a little, and that was about the amount of his educational acquirements.” JD 18:157

W.W. Phelps, a Canandaigua newspaper editor, said in a letter to E.D. Howe, Jan. 19, 1831 that Joseph Smith was certainly a person of limited abilities in common learning—but his knowledge of divine things, since the appearance of his book, has astonished many. (Phelps later joined the church)

Emma Said: “Joseph at that time of his life could neither write nor dictate a coherent and well worded letter; let alone dictating a book like the Book of Mormon” “He had neither manuscript nor book to read from” “If he had had anything of that kind he could not have concealed it from me.”“I am satisfied that no one could have dictated the writing of the manuscripts unless he was inspired; for, when acting as his scribe, your father would dictate to me hour after hour; and when returning after meals, or after interruptions, he would at once begin where he left off, without either seeing the manuscript or having any portion of it read to him. This was a usual thing for him to do. It would have been improbable that a learned man could do this; and, for one so ignorant and unlearned as he was, it was simply impossible.”

Joseph Smith Joseph Smith the Prophet of the Prophet of the Restorationthe Restoration

On April 5, 1829 Oliver Cowdery became the scribe of Joseph Smith in the translation of the Book of Mormon

The translation of the Book of Mormon began again, probably with the Book of Mosiah, April 7, 1829 and about 75 days later the entire translation was completed.

This Book was essentially written, start to finish, in 75 days.

Language of our FathersLanguage of our Fathers 1 Nephi 1:1-4: (1) Nephi, 1 Nephi 1:1-4: (1) Nephi,

having been born of goodly having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the taught somewhat in all the learning of my fatherlearning of my father;... ;...

(2) Yea, I make a record (2) Yea, I make a record in in the language of my fatherthe language of my father, , which consists of the which consists of the learning of the Jewslearning of the Jews and and the the language of the Egyptianslanguage of the Egyptians..When Nephi talks about the language of his

fathers, the father he is referring to is Joseph sold into Egypt—so the book is written in the language of the Egyptians.

The Learning of the JewsThe Learning of the Jews 2 Nephi 25:5 2 Nephi 25:5 yea, and my soul delighteth in yea, and my soul delighteth in

the words of Isaiah, for I came out from the words of Isaiah, for I came out from Jerusalem, and mine eyes hath beheld Jerusalem, and mine eyes hath beheld the things the things of the Jewsof the Jews, and I know that the , and I know that the Jews do Jews do understand understand the things of the prophets, and there the things of the prophets, and there is none other people that understand the things is none other people that understand the things which were spoken unto the Jews like unto them, which were spoken unto the Jews like unto them, save it be that they are save it be that they are taught after the manner taught after the manner of the things of the Jewsof the things of the Jews..Learning of the Jews: The Hebrew writers wrote in a

distinctive language style. They also wrote in a manner that the physical history teaches a spiritual principal, such as a parable or an allegory. The terms Hebrew parallelism and Chiasmus are used to define this style of writing.

Allegories

Parables

Hebrew ParallelismChiasmus

The Brass PlatesThe Brass Plates

In What language were the In What language were the brass plates brass plates written?written?

Mosiah 1:4

For it were not possible that our father, Lehi, could have remembered all these things, to have taught them to his children, except it were for the help of these plates (the brass plates); for he having been taught in the language of the Egyptians therefore he could read these engravings, and teach them to his children, that thereby they could teach them to the children, and so fulfilling the commandments of God, even down to this present time.

Joseph Smith was right, the language used was Egyptian , not only for the brass plates, but also Reformed Egyptian was used for the Gold Plates.

SEVERAL LANGUAGE SEVERAL LANGUAGE ISSUESISSUES

1.1. LLanguage of my fatheranguage of my father: which : which consists of the consists of the learning of the Jewslearning of the Jews and and the the language of the Egyptians language of the Egyptians (part of the larger (part of the larger ProtoAfricaAsiactic language group) ProtoAfricaAsiactic language group) ..

2.2. SEMITIC– This is the language group SEMITIC– This is the language group that comes from SHEM, one of the that comes from SHEM, one of the three sons of Noah. “three sons of Noah. “This family This family includes the ancient and modern forms of includes the ancient and modern forms of Akkadian, Amharic, Arabic, Aramaic, Akkadian, Amharic, Arabic, Aramaic, Ge'ez, Hebrew, Maltese, Phoenician, Ge'ez, Hebrew, Maltese, Phoenician, Tigre and Tigrinya among others.” Tigre and Tigrinya among others.” Wikipedia)Wikipedia)

3.3. Jews under the political domination of Jews under the political domination of the Egyptians for 3,000 years.the Egyptians for 3,000 years.

Hebrew Parallelism-The Hebrew Parallelism-The manner of the Jewsmanner of the Jews

Old Testament samples of Hebrew Couplets & ParallelismOld Testament samples of Hebrew Couplets & Parallelism

Isaiah 2:9 and 2 Nephi 12:9

The mean man boweth not down

The great man humbleth himself notIsaiah 5:20 & 2 Nephi 15:20

Wo unto them;

that call evil good and good evil

that put darkness for light and light for darkness

that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter

What Is a What Is a Chiasmus?Chiasmus?

And Why Was this form used, especially in Hebrew writings?

(or Jewish writings, written in Egyptian?)

Chiasmus—O.T.Chiasmus—O.T.

Psalms 3:7-8Psalms 3:7-8(a) Save me(a) Save me

(b) Oh my God(b) Oh my God(c) For thou hast smitten(c) For thou hast smitten

(d) all my enemies(d) all my enemies(e) On the cheekbone(e) On the cheekbone(e) The teeth(e) The teeth

(d) of the wicked(d) of the wicked(c) Thou hast broken(c) Thou hast broken

(b) To Yahweh(b) To Yahweh(a) The Salvation(a) The Salvation

Chiasmus-N.T.Chiasmus-N.T.

Matthew 6:24Matthew 6:24

(a) No man can serve TWO MASTERS(a) No man can serve TWO MASTERS

(b) for either he will HATE the one(b) for either he will HATE the one

(c) and LOVE the other(c) and LOVE the other

(c) or else he will HOLD TO the (c) or else he will HOLD TO the oneone

(b) and DESPISE the other(b) and DESPISE the other

(a) Ye cannot serve GOD and MAMMON(a) Ye cannot serve GOD and MAMMON

Chiasmus –Book of Chiasmus –Book of MormonMormon

HELAMAN 6:10HELAMAN 6:10

(a) the land SOUTH was called Lehi(a) the land SOUTH was called Lehi

(b) the land NORTH was called Mulek(b) the land NORTH was called Mulek

(c) which was after the son of (c) which was after the son of ZEDEKIAHZEDEKIAH

(c) for the LORD did bring (c) for the LORD did bring

(b) Mulek into the land NORTH(b) Mulek into the land NORTH

(a) and Lehi into the land SOUTH(a) and Lehi into the land SOUTHZedekiah= My Lord is righteous

No one at the Time of Joseph Smith understood this to be a form of writing, largely attributed to “after the manner of the Jews.”

(a) My Son, give ear to my word V. 1(a) My Son, give ear to my word V. 1

(b) Keep the commandments and ye shall prosper– V. 1(b) Keep the commandments and ye shall prosper– V. 1

(c) Do as I have done V 2(c) Do as I have done V 2

(d) Delivered fathers out of bondage v 2(d) Delivered fathers out of bondage v 2

(e) He surely did deliver them – V 2(e) He surely did deliver them – V 2

(f) Trust in God V 3(f) Trust in God V 3

(g) Supported in their trials V 3(g) Supported in their trials V 3

(h) I know this of God V 4(h) I know this of God V 4

(i) Born of God V 5(i) Born of God V 5

(j) Destroy the church of God V 6(j) Destroy the church of God V 6

(k) Lost the use of limbs V 10(k) Lost the use of limbs V 10

(l) Fear of presence of god V 14(l) Fear of presence of god V 14

(m) Pains of a damned soul V 16(m) Pains of a damned soul V 16

(n) Alma remembers one Jesus Christ V 17(n) Alma remembers one Jesus Christ V 17

(o) CHRIST WILL ATONE FOR THE SINS OF THE WORLD V 17(o) CHRIST WILL ATONE FOR THE SINS OF THE WORLD V 17

(n) Alma calls on one Jesus Christ v. 18(n) Alma calls on one Jesus Christ v. 18

(m) Joy as exceeding as was his pain V 20(m) Joy as exceeding as was his pain V 20

(l) Alma’s soul longed to be with God v. 22(l) Alma’s soul longed to be with God v. 22

(k) Regained the strength of his limbs V 23(k) Regained the strength of his limbs V 23

(j) Desire to bring souls to God V 24(j) Desire to bring souls to God V 24

(i) Born of God 26(i) Born of God 26

(h) The knowledge I have is of God V 26(h) The knowledge I have is of God V 26

(g) Supported under trials vs. 27(g) Supported under trials vs. 27

(f) Trust in Him– V 27(f) Trust in Him– V 27

(e) He will deliver me - V 27(e) He will deliver me - V 27

(d) Delivered fathers out of bondage–V 28(d) Delivered fathers out of bondage–V 28

(c) Know as I do know- V 30(c) Know as I do know- V 30

(b) Keep the commandments and ye shall prosper – V 30(b) Keep the commandments and ye shall prosper – V 30

(a) This is according to his word – V 30(a) This is according to his word – V 30

Chapter 36 of Alma

And Yet We Find It All through the Book of Mormon.

Here Are the Clues to a Great Here Are the Clues to a Great Mystery!Mystery!

When was the 1When was the 1stst Book of Nephi Written? Book of Nephi Written? Thirty Years After the Start of the Journey!Thirty Years After the Start of the Journey!

Why was it included in the Book of Mormon?Why was it included in the Book of Mormon? Martin Harris lost the 116 pages of the Book of LehiMartin Harris lost the 116 pages of the Book of Lehi

Did Mormon know why it was included?Did Mormon know why it was included? He said it was for a “wise purpose,” that he did not He said it was for a “wise purpose,” that he did not

know.know. Why is the phrase “my reign” included in the Why is the phrase “my reign” included in the

heading?heading? Because Nephi was “the King of his people” by the Because Nephi was “the King of his people” by the

time it was written time it was written Now Look at the Construction of the 1st Book of Nephi and See if you can figure out what happened.

The Book of 1The Book of 1stst Nephi: What do Nephi: What do you See?you See?

(a) Lehi’s dream leads him to Prophesy Warnings to the Jews - Ch 1(a) Lehi’s dream leads him to Prophesy Warnings to the Jews - Ch 1

(b) The DEPARTURE from Jerusalem – Ch 2(b) The DEPARTURE from Jerusalem – Ch 2

(c) Nephi accomplishes great FEAT, obtains brass plates Ch 3-5(c) Nephi accomplishes great FEAT, obtains brass plates Ch 3-5

(d) ISHMAEL joins the group with his daughters(d) ISHMAEL joins the group with his daughters

(e) THE TREE OF LIFE – Ch 8(e) THE TREE OF LIFE – Ch 8

(f) Lehi prophesies about the OLD WORLD & Christ Ch 10(f) Lehi prophesies about the OLD WORLD & Christ Ch 10

(g) NEPHI’s VISION OF CHRIST Ch 11(g) NEPHI’s VISION OF CHRIST Ch 11

(f) Nephi prophesies about the NEW WORLD & Christ – Ch (f) Nephi prophesies about the NEW WORLD & Christ – Ch 12-1412-14

(e) THE TREE OF LIFE (interpreted) - Ch 15(e) THE TREE OF LIFE (interpreted) - Ch 15

(d) Sons of Lehi marry daughters of ISHMAEL & ISHMAEL (d) Sons of Lehi marry daughters of ISHMAEL & ISHMAEL dies -Ch 16dies -Ch 16

(c) Nephi accomplishes a great FEAT by building a ship- Ch 17(c) Nephi accomplishes a great FEAT by building a ship- Ch 17

(b) The DEPARTURE from the Old World – Ch 18(b) The DEPARTURE from the Old World – Ch 18

(a) Nephi WARNS the Jews and quotes the PROPHECIES of Isaiah – (a) Nephi WARNS the Jews and quotes the PROPHECIES of Isaiah – Ch 19-22Ch 19-22

The reason that Nephi started 2nd Nephi was because this Chiasmus was done…

The 22 Chapters of 1The 22 Chapters of 1stst Nephi are a Chiasmus.Nephi are a Chiasmus.

During the first thirty years of the journey Nephi During the first thirty years of the journey Nephi had other troubles and he did not write his history.had other troubles and he did not write his history.

Besides, Lehi was the original leader and Lehi was Besides, Lehi was the original leader and Lehi was writing the history, the Book of Lehi.writing the history, the Book of Lehi.

Nephi did eventually write the 30 year history once Nephi did eventually write the 30 year history once he was the king.he was the king.

In the meantime, in the classic Hebrew tradition, In the meantime, in the classic Hebrew tradition, the history was recited, memorized, repeated, and the history was recited, memorized, repeated, and well known among the people, because it was well known among the people, because it was reduced to a form called Chiasmus.reduced to a form called Chiasmus.

The people knew this story by memory. This The people knew this story by memory. This was an oral tradition of the people.was an oral tradition of the people.

A Few Other Items A Few Other Items Unknown at the Time of Unknown at the Time of

Joseph SmithJoseph Smith That there were ruins and/or civilizations in That there were ruins and/or civilizations in

Mesoamerica. This did not come to light Mesoamerica. This did not come to light generally in North America until 1840, 11 generally in North America until 1840, 11 years after the translationyears after the translation

The names in the Book of Mormon were The names in the Book of Mormon were mostly new nouns in 1829, i.e. Korihor, mostly new nouns in 1829, i.e. Korihor, Pahoran, Paankhi, Ammon, Manti, plus Pahoran, Paankhi, Ammon, Manti, plus names ending in “ihah or iah.”names ending in “ihah or iah.”

The writings in the Book of Mormon are The writings in the Book of Mormon are Semitic (middle east- Egypt, Hebrew, etc) Semitic (middle east- Egypt, Hebrew, etc) and Joseph Smith did not know what that and Joseph Smith did not know what that meant.meant.

Semitic NamesSemitic Names

In the 75 days it took Joseph to In the 75 days it took Joseph to translate the Book of Mormon, translate the Book of Mormon, he came up with 183 new names.he came up with 183 new names.

““All or nearly all can be shown as All or nearly all can be shown as Semitic names (Nibley “Lehi in Semitic names (Nibley “Lehi in the Desert)the Desert)

Characteristics of Semitic Characteristics of Semitic LanguageLanguage

11. Semitic writing is recorded and read from right . Semitic writing is recorded and read from right to left.to left.

2. There are no capital letters.2. There are no capital letters. 3. There are no paragraphs3. There are no paragraphs 4. They use “Function words.” (“ands instead of 4. They use “Function words.” (“ands instead of

commas”)commas”) 5. They use the Cognate accusative “dreamed a 5. They use the Cognate accusative “dreamed a

dream”dream” 6. They use a connective word in numbering.6. They use a connective word in numbering. 7. Sentence structure “thy sins are forgiven 7. Sentence structure “thy sins are forgiven theethee” -” -

poor English but good Egyptianpoor English but good Egyptian 8. Semitic “idioms.” Like our “he gets under my 8. Semitic “idioms.” Like our “he gets under my

skin”skin” 9. Our “Junior” vs. the Semitic “the younger.”9. Our “Junior” vs. the Semitic “the younger.”

Semitic writing is recorded Semitic writing is recorded and read from right to left.and read from right to left.

Joseph said that when he was Joseph said that when he was translating the plates it was translating the plates it was awkward to move from right to awkward to move from right to left.left.

How would he have known that How would he have known that this is Semitically correct?this is Semitically correct?

It certainly was not known to him It certainly was not known to him at the time of the translation.at the time of the translation.

There are no capital letters.There are no capital letters.

Joseph Smith and his scribes did Joseph Smith and his scribes did not know which words to not know which words to capitalize.capitalize.

The original manuscript left The original manuscript left many proper names many proper names uncapitalized, including the uncapitalized, including the name Jerusalem.name Jerusalem.

There were no There were no paragraphs or paragraphs or

Punctuation MarksPunctuation Marks The original manuscript (translation) The original manuscript (translation)

had few separations. In fact, it was had few separations. In fact, it was basically one big long sentence.basically one big long sentence.

There were no paragraphs, and no There were no paragraphs, and no punctuation until they were added by punctuation until they were added by the typesetter John H. Gilbert, who the typesetter John H. Gilbert, who worked for Grandin Printing.worked for Grandin Printing.

This is Semitically correct.This is Semitically correct.

They use “Function words.”They use “Function words.” Consider the use of the word Consider the use of the word ANDAND: “But behold, a : “But behold, a

hundredth part of the proceedings of this people, yea, hundredth part of the proceedings of this people, yea, the account of the Lamanities the account of the Lamanities andand of the Nephites, of the Nephites, and and their wars,their wars, and and contentions, contentions, andand dissensions, dissensions, andand their their preaching, preaching, and and their prophecies, their prophecies, andand their shipping their shipping andand their building of ships, their building of ships, andand their building of temples, their building of temples, and and of synagogues of synagogues and and their sanctuaries, their sanctuaries, andand their their righteousness, righteousness, and and their wickedness, their wickedness, andand their murders, their murders, and and their robbings, their robbings, andand their plundering, their plundering, and and all all manner of abominations manner of abominations and and whoredoms, cannot be whoredoms, cannot be contained in this work.” Helaman 3:14contained in this work.” Helaman 3:14

To be Semitically correct, it had to contain 17 “ands.” To be Semitically correct, it had to contain 17 “ands.” We would have used one “and” and many commas.We would have used one “and” and many commas.

““andand it came to pass that he departed into the it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. wilderness. And And he left his house, he left his house, and and the land of the land of hishis inheritance, inheritance, and hisand his gold, gold, and hisand his silver, silver, and hisand his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were hishis family, family, andand provisions, provisions, and and tents, tents, andand departed into departed into the wilderness.” the wilderness.”

The “The “and’s and his’sand’s and his’s (pronouns) must be there to be (pronouns) must be there to be Semitically correct.Semitically correct.

They use the Cognate They use the Cognate accusativeaccusative

Another use of function words is Another use of function words is the use of the cognate accusativethe use of the cognate accusative—where the verb and noun are —where the verb and noun are matched.matched.

Many phrases in the Book of Many phrases in the Book of Mormon such as:Mormon such as:

““dreamed a dreamdreamed a dream.” or “.” or “worked a worked a workwork.”.”

The Semitic Numbering The Semitic Numbering SystemSystem

If Joseph Smith were writing a book he would If Joseph Smith were writing a book he would have said “and it was 427 years since Lehi left have said “and it was 427 years since Lehi left Jerusalem.”Jerusalem.”

The Semitic language would say “The Semitic language would say “And And it was 400 it was 400 andand 20 20 andand 7 years since Lehi left Jerusalem.” 7 years since Lehi left Jerusalem.”

““AndAnd it came to pass that two hundred it came to pass that two hundred and and seventy seventy and and six years had passed away, six years had passed away, andand we we had many seasons of peace; had many seasons of peace; andand we had many we had many seasons of serious warseasons of serious war and and bloodshed. Yea, and bloodshed. Yea, and in fine, two hundred in fine, two hundred and and eighty eighty andand two years two years had passed away, had passed away, andand I had kept these plates I had kept these plates according to the commandments of my fathers; according to the commandments of my fathers; andand I conferred them upon my son Amaron. I conferred them upon my son Amaron. And And I make an end.” Omni 1:3I make an end.” Omni 1:3

Semitic Sentence Semitic Sentence StructureStructure

In Enos 1:5 it reads “Thy sins are forgiven In Enos 1:5 it reads “Thy sins are forgiven thee.”thee.”

We would have more correctly written We would have more correctly written “Your sins are forgiven.”“Your sins are forgiven.”

In the Semitic language, the sentence In the Semitic language, the sentence would not mean anything without the would not mean anything without the “thee.”“thee.”

This might be poor English, but Joseph was This might be poor English, but Joseph was translating from the original language.translating from the original language.

The phrase “and it came to pass” is poor The phrase “and it came to pass” is poor English but good Egyptian.English but good Egyptian.

Semitic IdiomsSemitic Idioms Idioms are characteristic of languages and all Idioms are characteristic of languages and all

languages have them. Like “He gets under my languages have them. Like “He gets under my skin,” or “A poker face.”skin,” or “A poker face.”

Some Book of Mormon Idioms have Semitic Some Book of Mormon Idioms have Semitic meanings.meanings.

““He stretched forth his handHe stretched forth his hand” –he didn’t just ” –he didn’t just reach out. (Alma 32:7)reach out. (Alma 32:7)

Others: “Others: “Lowly in heartLowly in heart,” “,” “stiffnecked stiffnecked peoplepeople,” ,” FountainsFountains (a Semitic word for springs (a Semitic word for springs and streams) “and streams) “Many WatersMany Waters,” a Semitic word ,” a Semitic word for oceans, “for oceans, “turned aside their earsturned aside their ears,” ,” (meaning they forsook the Lord), “(meaning they forsook the Lord), “by the hand by the hand ofof” (meaning written by) and “” (meaning written by) and “having dwelthaving dwelt” ” (meaning came from)(meaning came from)

Junior & SeniorJunior & Senior

We refer to father and son of the We refer to father and son of the same name as Senior and Junior same name as Senior and Junior (Joseph Smith Sr. and Joseph Smith (Joseph Smith Sr. and Joseph Smith Jr.)Jr.)

There is no Junior or Senior in the There is no Junior or Senior in the Semitic language.Semitic language.

In the Semitic language, it is stated In the Semitic language, it is stated as “as “youngeryounger” or “” or “son ofson of” as “Alma, ” as “Alma, who was the who was the son of Almason of Alma” (Mosiah ” (Mosiah 28:20)28:20)

We Now Know So Much We Now Know So Much More About the Names of More About the Names of

the Book of Mormon the Book of Mormon Recently discovered lists of names that Nebuchadnessar brought back to Recently discovered lists of names that Nebuchadnessar brought back to

Babylon from Palestine show: “Babylon from Palestine show: “The name Aha, which a Nephite general The name Aha, which a Nephite general bestowed on his son, means ‘warrior’ and was borne by the legendary first bestowed on his son, means ‘warrior’ and was borne by the legendary first hero king of Egypt. Himni, Korihor, Paanchi, Pakumeni, Sam, Zeezrom, hero king of Egypt. Himni, Korihor, Paanchi, Pakumeni, Sam, Zeezrom, Ham, Manti, Nephi and Zenoch are all Egyptian hero namesHam, Manti, Nephi and Zenoch are all Egyptian hero names.” (D.H. .” (D.H. Thomas)Thomas)

PaankhiPaankhi was a popular Egyptian name in the seventh century B.C. but it was a popular Egyptian name in the seventh century B.C. but it was not known until the end of the last century.was not known until the end of the last century.

The most frequent theophoric (an element in a proper name which derives The most frequent theophoric (an element in a proper name which derives from a name for God, like EL) element in the Book of Mormon and from a name for God, like EL) element in the Book of Mormon and Egyptian names is Egyptian names is AMMONAMMON..

A large portion of Book of Mormon names end in A large portion of Book of Mormon names end in iahiah and and ihah ihah. . The same The same is true of Palestinian names of Lehi’s time but of no other.is true of Palestinian names of Lehi’s time but of no other.

The names that are not Egyptian, are Arabic, Hittite, or Greek. This The names that are not Egyptian, are Arabic, Hittite, or Greek. This corresponds with the purported origin of the book.corresponds with the purported origin of the book.

Lehi is a real personal name, unknown at the time of Joseph Smith.Lehi is a real personal name, unknown at the time of Joseph Smith. The Egyptian names even fall into the Old World statistical pattern with The Egyptian names even fall into the Old World statistical pattern with

an absolute predominance of the name an absolute predominance of the name AmmonAmmon, with , with Manti Manti second in second in order, and a heavy emphasis on names beginning with “order, and a heavy emphasis on names beginning with “PaPa” and high ” and high frequency of elements “frequency of elements “mormor” and “” and “horhor.”.”

““Word Prints” analysis- Show Word Prints” analysis- Show the Book of Mormon to have the Book of Mormon to have

had Several Writershad Several Writers There are 3 statistical techniques that make There are 3 statistical techniques that make

up the science of “up the science of “Word PrintsWord Prints.” 1) .” 1) Multivariate analysis of variants, 2) Cluster Multivariate analysis of variants, 2) Cluster analysis & 3) Discriminate or classification analysis & 3) Discriminate or classification analysisanalysis

This type of analysis was used to determine This type of analysis was used to determine who wrote the federalist papers and whether who wrote the federalist papers and whether new “Shakespeare” documents were actually new “Shakespeare” documents were actually written by him.written by him.

As applied to the Book of Mormon we find that As applied to the Book of Mormon we find that “26 major writers” have been identified.“26 major writers” have been identified.

The writings we attribute to Mormon are The writings we attribute to Mormon are 174,610 words or 65.1% of the book. Nephi 174,610 words or 65.1% of the book. Nephi wrote 54,688 or 20.4% of the Book.wrote 54,688 or 20.4% of the Book.

Joseph Smith said “I did not write that book. Joseph Smith said “I did not write that book. I translated that Book.”I translated that Book.”

““Word Prints” and the Book of Word Prints” and the Book of MormonMormon

““Not a single time does the word print of Not a single time does the word print of Joseph Smith ever correspond with the Joseph Smith ever correspond with the word print of Mormon.” (allexperts.com)word print of Mormon.” (allexperts.com)

““The chances that any one person living The chances that any one person living in the 19in the 19thth century wrote the Book of century wrote the Book of Mormon is greater than 100 billion to Mormon is greater than 100 billion to one.”one.”

““The chances that any combination of The chances that any combination of persons living in the 19persons living in the 19thth century wrote century wrote the Book of Mormon are over 10 billion the Book of Mormon are over 10 billion to one.”to one.”

The chance that any one writer of any The chance that any one writer of any time ever wrote the entire Book of time ever wrote the entire Book of Mormon is greater than 1 billion to one.”Mormon is greater than 1 billion to one.”

MORMON ABRIDGED THE MORMON ABRIDGED THE BOOKBOOK

65% of the Book of Mormon was his actual writing.

Was Mormon a “dot your I’s and cross your t’s” scholar or was he a general?

The Typos & Corrections in the Writing of the Book of Mormon Give Us a Major Witness

The word “rather” is used 32 times in the Book of Mormon

Several of these uses reflect Webster’s definition of rather as a word that means “more correctly speaking.”

What happens if you are writing the Book of Mormon on the gold plates and you make a mistake?

If Mormon engraved an incorrect character on a sheet of gold, he had no way of deleting that character and inserting the correct one. His potential problem of correcting errors was compounded because he engraved on both sides of the sheet of gold.

What if we look through the Book of Book for instances where corrections were made?The following passages were written by Mormon during the abridgement process:

Mosiah 7:8 And it came to pass when they had been in prison two days they were again brought before the king, and their bands were loosed; and they stood before the king, and were permitted, or rather commanded, that they should answer the questions which he should ask them.

Alma 2:34 And thus he cleared the ground, or rather the bank, which was on the West...

Alma 36:14 Yea, and I had murdered many of his children, or rather led them away unto destruction... (he hadn’t actually killed them)

Alma 50:32 Now behold, the people who were in the land Bountiful, or rather Moroni, feared that they would hearken to the words of Morianton...(here they changed the whole thought in mid sentence)

Alma 54:5 Behold, Ammoron, I have written unto you somewhat concerning this war which ye have waged against my people, or rather which thy brother hath waged against them, and which ye are still determined to carry on after his death.

These are just some of the examples of the use of rather to clear up an obvious error by the writer.

Mormon corrected his word choice errors in the following scriptures with the simple use of the word “or” as a way of introducing a correction and then finishing the sentence.

Mosiah 1:10 Alma 43:16 Mosiah 2:31 Helaman 4:22

Alma 43:18 Mosiah 7:1 Alma 44:23 Alma 19:19

Mosiah 7:18 Alma 45:13 Mosiah 11:18 Helaman 11:24

Alma 46:10 Mosiah 18:17 Alma 47:2 3 Nephi 1:29

Mosiah 22:6 Alma 49:3 Mosiah 25:2 3 Nephi 3:14

Alma 49:9 Mosiah 29:41 Alma 49:13 3 Nephi 7:1

Alma 4:19 Alma 52:25 Alma 6:3 3 Nephi 12:1

Alma 53:3 Alma 9:1 Alma 54:3 3 Nephi 28:37

Alma 10:14 Alma 54:6 Alma 11:1 Mormon 2:1

Alma 56:13-14 Alma 11:46 Alma 57:8 Alma 35:15

Alma 12:1 Alma 58:9 Alma 12:31 Alma 34:13

Alma 58:20 Alma 14:11 Alma 59:3 Alma 24:19

Alma 16:16 Alma 61:8 Alma 17:22 Alma 23:6

Alma 63:15 Alma 17:29 Helaman 2:13-14 Alma 22:19

Alma 18:37 Helaman 3:33 Alma 19:14 Alma 21:20

Here is an example, which just happens to be my favorite typo in the Book of Mormon

“And thus we see that, when these Lamanites were brought to believe and to know the truth, they were firm and would suffer even unto death rather than commit sin; and thus we see that they buried their weapons of peace, or they buried their weapons of war, for peace.” Alma 24:19

Clearly Mormon realized his error in speaking of “weapons of peace” when he should have used the wording “weapons of war,” which he correctly uses in many other places in the Book of Mormon.

So What?So What? What was What was Joseph Smith to do?Joseph Smith to do?

Oliver Cowdery dutifully recorded all the words of Joseph, including these facetious “whoopsies.”

They could have been corrected by Joseph Smith, or Oliver Cowdery.

These mistakes are evidence of: (1) the divine nature of the record itself, (2) the fact that it had multiple authors and (3) that Joseph Smith was a prophet translator.

Why?Why?The only place the The only place the

“whoopsies” occur is in “whoopsies” occur is in the writings of the writings of MORMONMORMON

!!!!!!They are not found among the books of the small plates of Nephi, which Mormon did not abridge.

They are not found among the writings of Moroni, or any of the other 23 contributors to the Book of Mormon.

The “whoopsies” represent a distinctive element in the writing style of Mormon—but of none of the other writers associated with the Book of Mormon including Joseph Smith. Ted D. Stoddard

Bronze Plates from 14 October 109 A.D. The plates are an official military diploma granting citizenship and retirement benefits to a Roman soldier, Marcus Herennius Polymita, and his family.

Finally, Joseph Smith and Metal Plates 5” x 7” (Book of Mormon 6 “ x 8”)

This is a picture of the box that Hyrum built to keep the golden plates in for Joseph 6”x6”x8”

Gold PlatesGold PlatesThese gold sheets date back to thelate 6th century BC and the inscriptions are the oldest historical source from pre-Roman Italy. Two of the gold sheets are in the Etruscan language, while the third is inPhoenician.

King of Caere bears historical evidence through a contemporary document, of the deep alliance between the Etruscans and the Carthaginians in the period of the great expansion of Carthage in the Mediterranean Sea. From this same period is the first Roman-Carthaginian treaty, which Polybius reported and dated to 509 BC.

Gold Plaque of Darius 600 BC

ConclusionsConclusions Joseph Smith was an instrument in Joseph Smith was an instrument in the hand of the hand of

the Lordthe Lord. (. (Hebrew Noun Construction styleHebrew Noun Construction style)) Though unlearned, he was used by the Lord, to Though unlearned, he was used by the Lord, to

bring the Book of Mormon and Gospel to the bring the Book of Mormon and Gospel to the earth through divine inspiration.earth through divine inspiration.

The prophet knew nothing personally of actual The prophet knew nothing personally of actual existing ruins or ancient civilizations in the existing ruins or ancient civilizations in the Americas.Americas.

The prophet knew nothing of Chiasmus, Hebrew The prophet knew nothing of Chiasmus, Hebrew dualism or the Hebrew (Semitic) manner of dualism or the Hebrew (Semitic) manner of writing.writing.

The world in 1829 lacked a knowledge of metal The world in 1829 lacked a knowledge of metal plates, word print analysis, how to interpret plates, word print analysis, how to interpret Egyptian hieroglyphs Egyptian hieroglyphs

Joseph Smith, The Prophet Joseph Smith, The Prophet of the Restorationof the Restoration

Over the last 176 years, Over the last 176 years, knowledge has come to the knowledge has come to the world, that was not available at world, that was not available at the time of the translation of the the time of the translation of the Book of Mormon, which helps us Book of Mormon, which helps us to appreciate the greatness of to appreciate the greatness of this man, Joseph Smith, the this man, Joseph Smith, the gospel he restored, and the gospel he restored, and the writings he made available to us.writings he made available to us.That’s It For

Now.

The Olive CultureThe Olive Culture

The 5The 5thth chapter of Jacob presents the chapter of Jacob presents the allegory of the tame and wild olive allegory of the tame and wild olive trees. The methods of horticulture are trees. The methods of horticulture are consistent with those used anciently in consistent with those used anciently in the near East. In the 1820’s there was the near East. In the 1820’s there was no olive culture in the United States. no olive culture in the United States. The first English translation of an The first English translation of an essay on olive horticulture was made in essay on olive horticulture was made in 1852 from a text originally written in 1852 from a text originally written in French in 1820.French in 1820.

Hebrew Construction & Hebrew Construction & SyntaxSyntax

The “Construct Noun Phrase:” The “Construct Noun Phrase:” The noun phrase consists of noun + of + noun, hence “The noun phrase consists of noun + of + noun, hence “the the

Garden of EdenGarden of Eden .”“.”“The Book of MosesThe Book of Moses” instead of Moses’ Book. “” instead of Moses’ Book. “the the

children of Israelchildren of Israel,” instead of Israel’s children. “,” instead of Israel’s children. “The hand The hand of the Lordof the Lord,” instead of the Lord’s hand.,” instead of the Lord’s hand.

The Book of Mormon follows this proper rendering of The Book of Mormon follows this proper rendering of Hebrew into English in such descriptions as “Hebrew into English in such descriptions as “the plates of the plates of brassbrass” or “” or “the plates of goldthe plates of gold,” never “the brass plates” of ,” never “the brass plates” of “the golden plates.” These modern equivalents are not “the golden plates.” These modern equivalents are not found in the text of the Book of Mormon. This provides found in the text of the Book of Mormon. This provides further proof of ancient origins.further proof of ancient origins.

Other examples: “Other examples: “the name of Christthe name of Christ,” or “,” or “the doctrine of the doctrine of ChristChrist,” rather than Christ’s name or Christ’s doctrine.,” rather than Christ’s name or Christ’s doctrine.

Also: “Also: “the beasts of the fieldthe beasts of the field” “” “the fowls of the airthe fowls of the air,” and ,” and ““the fishes of the seathe fishes of the sea,” (D & C 29: 24, 59:16),” (D & C 29: 24, 59:16)