Encyclopedia of Hebrew Language and Linguistics

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Hebraisms in the Book of Mormon
(763 words)

Adherents of the Church of Latter Day Saints believe that the Book of Mormon, first published in 1830 by Joseph Smith, is an English translation of an ancient revealed scripture, apparently written in Hebrew. The Book of Mormon, accordingly, is replete with Hebraisms, that is, reflections of Hebrew idioms or words, which do not suit the translation language, but which are perfectly normal in Biblical Hebrew.

Among the Biblical Hebrew features found in the Book of Mormon are the following:

Construct state: ‘plates of brass’ instead of ‘brass plates’; ‘works of righteousness’ …

Cite this page
Tvedtnes, John A., “Hebraisms in the Book of Mormon”, in: Encyclopedia of Hebrew Language and Linguistics, Edited by: Geoffrey Khan. Consulted online on 28 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/2212-4241_ehll_EHLL_COM_00000859>
First published online: 2013
First print edition: 9789004176423



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