Alma 37:27 - the first verse I read in my personal scripture study today. Saw the word "peradventure" & looked it up to see if there were any other times it was in the Book of Mormon. That's the only one! 😄 I am grateful for this knowledge about words appearing a single time in the Book of Mormon - I'm sure I'll see many more now! 🙏🏼
I just realized another word that is used only 1 time in all of the Standard Works & it comes from my favorite Book of Mormon scripture!: Alma 30:44 "... all things DENOTE there is a God ..." 🥰
He used Canker and Cankered. In Mormon 8:38 and Mosiah 8:11. Each has a different usage of the word. Meaning that he would have had to known all of the possible definitions of the word. This was a moving disquisition that I thoroughly enjoyed. (Which is usually applied to a written treatise, but you did a great job of applying it to video.)
Who said, the Book of Mormon is not only beyond his writing level but most likely beyond his reading level. Reasonable people know this, that is why deniers have to attribute it to other people. 🤷🏼♀️
Thank you, Brother Dunford, for always opening up additional ways to increase our testimony of the gospel and The Book of Mormon, and the Lord’s servant, Joseph Smith, Jr. I would like to add my testimony to yours, that he did, indeed translate the Book of Mormon by miraculous means, through God’s power. Another miracle that occurred in our family; my youngest son had trouble understanding words and sounds. He may have a form of dyslexia. By our nightly studies of the scriptures, he was able to learn to read and has a wonderful vocabulary himself now. I am so grateful for the work that the Lord has done through Joseph Smith, Jr. I dearly love him and I look forward to expressing my personal gratitude.
Jonathan Neville, in his book Infinite Goodness, shows links between phrases and vocabulary vocabulary in the Book of Mormon and the writings of Jonathan Edwards, a prominent theologian of the Enlightenment. In searching the works of J.E. online, I find frequent use of the word appellation. Also the word adieu. Here is an example: My very soul pants for the complete restoration of the blessed image of my sweet Saviour; that I may be fit for the blessed enjoyments and employments of the heavenly world. Farewell, vain world; my soul can bid adieu. As for gainsaying, 9n need look no farther than the New Testament: Romans 10:21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people. What is most likely is that Joseph saw the literal meaning of the Reformed Egyptian characters through the Urim and Thummim and translated that into the religious/sacred vocabulary which he possessed. In fact, the only part of the Book of Mormon that Joseph said was a literal translation is the title page. How would he know that if he was merely dictating the words?
No one is claiming that Joseph didn’t have access to those words, nor that no one in that day was using them. My claim is that those words were simply not in Joseph Smith’s vocabulary. To claim so is preposterous, if you’re familiar with Joseph’s other writings. Emma declared that at the time of the dictation he couldn’t have written a well worded letter; which is pretty apparent if you read his journal entries of that time period. If he had had those words in his vocabulary, they would show up in his other writings. They just don’t. The Joseph Smith Papers project has documented everything we have that he wrote and you just don’t find the vocabulary in his letters and other documents that you find in the book of Mormon. It is one of the great evidences that that book was divinely inspired. He could not have written it himself.
I agree that he didn't write it himself. But I don't think he just dictated word for word, but was the actual translator. Since we know he was an avid Bible reader and gainsaying is in the Bible, it is very likely that he know that word. He was even known to frequent the local book store in Palmyra, during the years of his convalescence, having a great interest in books there. I truly appreciate your dedication to the Lord and the Gospel and I wouldn't call any of your views preposterous.
First of all, he was NOT an avid reader in his youth. That would come much later as he grew into his role as prophet, but not before be began the translation. His mother said that he “seemed much less inclined to the perusal of books than any of the rest of our children, but far more given to meditation and deep study.” (History of Joseph Smith by His Mother by Lucy Mack Smith). I would love to know your reference that he “was…known to frequent the local book store in Palmyra.” That contradicts the statement of his own mother. Secondly, the Gospel Topic Essays state: “…the scribes and others who observed the translation left numerous accounts that give insight into the process. Some accounts indicate that Joseph studied the characters on the plates. Most of the accounts speak of Joseph’s use of the Urim and Thummim (either the interpreters or the seer stone), and many accounts refer to his use of a single stone. According to these accounts, Joseph placed either the interpreters or the seer stone in a hat, pressed his face into the hat to block out extraneous light, and read aloud THE ENGLISH WORDS THAT APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT.” That is the official position of the Church, approved by the First Presidency. Thirdly, no one has done more research on this topic than Royal Skousen. He states: “…all [the witnesses to the translation] seemed to believe that Joseph Smith actually saw words in English, and there is evidence in the original manuscript to support this idea.” He also shows that there is evidence in the Original Manuscript that Joseph was looking at about 15 - 20 words at a time. You should read his report: criticaltext.byustudies.byu.edu/translating-and-printing-book-mormon Fourthly, even if Joseph knew a few advanced words, how do you explain the thousands that appear in the Book of Mormon. THOUSANDS!! His just simply did not have that level of vocabulary. I have spent my life reading everything I can that he wrote. I know his words, especially his early writings. I love him dearly and deeply appreciate exactly who and what he was; as well as what he was not. The Lord deliberately chose an unlearned boy to bring forth this marvelous work and wonder. I am not attacking you, but to believe that these advanced words were in his 23 year-old vocabulary IS preposterous. It simply is. And that is the miracle of the translation.
Joseph and Oliver always said it was by Urim and Thummim, not by a seer stone. I prefer to go by their words to judge others. I appreciate all of your points. By the way, I have known the word appellation for many years and, outside of this comment, I can't think of when I've ever used it in writing and rarely in speech. God bless you, Brother. Let there be no contention among us.
Be careful saying that. In 1841, Josiah Jones reported that Oliver told him: “…a man named Joseph Smith Jr. who had translated it by looking INTO A STONE or two stones, when put into a dark place, which stones he said were found in the box with the plates.” (Opening The Heavens : Accounts Of Divine Manifestations (Bookshelf Ebook) by John W. Welch). Also, according to Wilford Woodruff’s journal (27 Dec. 1841), when Joseph showed him a seer stone, he -Joseph - referred to it as a “Urim and Thummim.”
Great video Bryce! I agree that the vocabulary of the Book of Mormon is fascinating and further evidence that this book is from God (not as important of course of getting a personal witness from the Holy Ghost). This idea goes even deeper than just the overall vocabulary comparison of Joseph and the whole Book of Mormon. The different authors within the book had different tones, word choice, and approaches to writing (they were closer to each other than they were to Joseph, but there are still many distinct styles of writing in the Book of Mormon). Even Nephi and his brother Jacob had different word choice in how they referenced God. What's very interesting is seeing how each prophet focused in their writing and how that complimented their message. Jesus' own choice of words is particularly profound as we think about His invitation to us to follow him. I came across this video earlier this week and it does a great job explaining these concepts: th-cam.com/video/nUhelZMBlsc/w-d-xo.html
But Oliver did not do any of the dictating. He was on the receiving end. Every witness that watched the translation process confirms that. There were often multiple witnesses in the room. All of the words in the book of Mormon came out of Joseph’s mouth, not Oliver’s. I would still argue that the vocabulary in the book of Mormon was beyond Oliver Cowdery’s vocabulary. I have read a great deal of Oliver Cowdery’s writings. none of them match the sublime language in the Book of Mormon. The errors in the original manuscript clearly show that whoever was writing the words was hearing the text, not generating the words. Since most of the manuscript is in Oliver’s handwriting, it is clear that Oliver was hearing and writing down what he heard, not generating. Also, he practiced law many years later, not before the translation. It was after his excommunication that he returned to Ohio and studied law.
I’d still go with circle of influence. My experiences don’t necessarily expand my vocabulary. Until I hear a new word used by someone else, usually repeatedly, I don’t add it to my vocabulary. Vocabulary is usually influenced, not experienced. I frequently use the word “undulation“ not because I experienced peaks and troughs in my life, but because I read The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis.
I disagree with this premise. He translated the BoM. The words he used were words that were already in his consciousness. Obviously he was inspired and certain words were brought to his mind, but he didn't just write words he was told to write. Otherwise he wouldn't have called himself a translator.
I believed that for a while, but I don’t anymore. It does not match what several of the witnesses claimed about the translating process, and it does not explain why he never used many of those words ever again. If they were in him, he would’ve used them in other sermons. He does not. I am convinced that there is just no way many of the words used in the book of Mormon were in his vocabulary. They came from somewhere else. No one would have described him as an unlearned man if the vocabulary in the Book of Mormon was his every day speech.
Thank you. You open so many doors to greater understanding.
Alma 37:27 - the first verse I read in my personal scripture study today. Saw the word "peradventure" & looked it up to see if there were any other times it was in the Book of Mormon. That's the only one! 😄 I am grateful for this knowledge about words appearing a single time in the Book of Mormon - I'm sure I'll see many more now! 🙏🏼
I just realized another word that is used only 1 time in all of the Standard Works & it comes from my favorite Book of Mormon scripture!: Alma 30:44 "... all things DENOTE there is a God ..." 🥰
@@tecumsehagreat word! There is an Easter video done just on that word alone. Beautiful.
@@aprilgriffin7126 Yes, I watched that, too! 😊
Awesome. Inspiring
Both the words appelation and adieu are french words that have caught my attention over the years
He used Canker and Cankered. In Mormon 8:38 and Mosiah 8:11. Each has a different usage of the word. Meaning that he would have had to known all of the possible definitions of the word. This was a moving disquisition that I thoroughly enjoyed. (Which is usually applied to a written treatise, but you did a great job of applying it to video.)
Who said, the Book of Mormon is not only beyond his writing level but most likely beyond his reading level. Reasonable people know this, that is why deniers have to attribute it to other people. 🤷🏼♀️
Thank you, Brother Dunford, for always opening up additional ways to increase our testimony of the gospel and The Book of Mormon, and the Lord’s servant, Joseph Smith, Jr. I would like to add my testimony to yours, that he did, indeed translate the Book of Mormon by miraculous means, through God’s power. Another miracle that occurred in our family; my youngest son had trouble understanding words and sounds. He may have a form of dyslexia. By our nightly studies of the scriptures, he was able to learn to read and has a wonderful vocabulary himself now. I am so grateful for the work that the Lord has done through Joseph Smith, Jr. I dearly love him and I look forward to expressing my personal gratitude.
Jonathan Neville, in his book Infinite Goodness, shows links between phrases and vocabulary vocabulary in the Book of Mormon and the writings of Jonathan Edwards, a prominent theologian of the Enlightenment. In searching the works of J.E. online, I find frequent use of the word appellation.
Also the word adieu. Here is an example:
My very soul pants for the complete restoration of the blessed image of my sweet Saviour; that I may be fit for the blessed enjoyments and employments of the heavenly world. Farewell, vain world; my soul can bid adieu.
As for gainsaying, 9n need look no farther than the New Testament:
Romans 10:21
But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.
What is most likely is that Joseph saw the literal meaning of the Reformed Egyptian characters through the Urim and Thummim and translated that into the religious/sacred vocabulary which he possessed. In fact, the only part of the Book of Mormon that Joseph said was a literal translation is the title page. How would he know that if he was merely dictating the words?
No one is claiming that Joseph didn’t have access to those words, nor that no one in that day was using them. My claim is that those words were simply not in Joseph Smith’s vocabulary. To claim so is preposterous, if you’re familiar with Joseph’s other writings. Emma declared that at the time of the dictation he couldn’t have written a well worded letter; which is pretty apparent if you read his journal entries of that time period. If he had had those words in his vocabulary, they would show up in his other writings. They just don’t. The Joseph Smith Papers project has documented everything we have that he wrote and you just don’t find the vocabulary in his letters and other documents that you find in the book of Mormon. It is one of the great evidences that that book was divinely inspired. He could not have written it himself.
I agree that he didn't write it himself. But I don't think he just dictated word for word, but was the actual translator. Since we know he was an avid Bible reader and gainsaying is in the Bible, it is very likely that he know that word. He was even known to frequent the local book store in Palmyra, during the years of his convalescence, having a great interest in books there.
I truly appreciate your dedication to the Lord and the Gospel and I wouldn't call any of your views preposterous.
First of all, he was NOT an avid reader in his youth. That would come much later as he grew into his role as prophet, but not before be began the translation. His mother said that he “seemed much less inclined to the perusal of books than any of the rest of our children, but far more given to meditation and deep study.” (History of Joseph Smith by His Mother by Lucy Mack Smith). I would love to know your reference that he “was…known to frequent the local book store in Palmyra.” That contradicts the statement of his own mother.
Secondly, the Gospel Topic Essays state: “…the scribes and others who observed the translation left numerous accounts that give insight into the process. Some accounts indicate that Joseph studied the characters on the plates. Most of the accounts speak of Joseph’s use of the Urim and Thummim (either the interpreters or the seer stone), and many accounts refer to his use of a single stone. According to these accounts, Joseph placed either the interpreters or the seer stone in a hat, pressed his face into the hat to block out extraneous light, and read aloud THE ENGLISH WORDS THAT APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT.” That is the official position of the Church, approved by the First Presidency.
Thirdly, no one has done more research on this topic than Royal Skousen. He states: “…all [the witnesses to the translation] seemed to believe that Joseph Smith actually
saw words in English, and there is evidence in the original manuscript to support this idea.” He also shows that there is evidence in the Original Manuscript that Joseph was looking at about 15 - 20 words at a time. You should read his report: criticaltext.byustudies.byu.edu/translating-and-printing-book-mormon
Fourthly, even if Joseph knew a few advanced words, how do you explain the thousands that appear in the Book of Mormon. THOUSANDS!! His just simply did not have that level of vocabulary. I have spent my life reading everything I can that he wrote. I know his words, especially his early writings. I love him dearly and deeply appreciate exactly who and what he was; as well as what he was not. The Lord deliberately chose an unlearned boy to bring forth this marvelous work and wonder. I am not attacking you, but to believe that these advanced words were in his 23 year-old vocabulary IS preposterous. It simply is. And that is the miracle of the translation.
Joseph and Oliver always said it was by Urim and Thummim, not by a seer stone. I prefer to go by their words to judge others. I appreciate all of your points. By the way, I have known the word appellation for many years and, outside of this comment, I can't think of when I've ever used it in writing and rarely in speech. God bless you, Brother. Let there be no contention among us.
Be careful saying that. In 1841, Josiah Jones reported that Oliver told him: “…a man named Joseph Smith Jr. who had translated it by looking INTO A STONE or two stones, when put into a dark place, which stones he said were found in the box with the plates.” (Opening The Heavens : Accounts Of Divine Manifestations (Bookshelf Ebook) by John W. Welch). Also, according to Wilford Woodruff’s journal (27 Dec. 1841), when Joseph showed him a seer stone, he -Joseph - referred to it as a “Urim and Thummim.”
Great video Bryce! I agree that the vocabulary of the Book of Mormon is fascinating and further evidence that this book is from God (not as important of course of getting a personal witness from the Holy Ghost).
This idea goes even deeper than just the overall vocabulary comparison of Joseph and the whole Book of Mormon. The different authors within the book had different tones, word choice, and approaches to writing (they were closer to each other than they were to Joseph, but there are still many distinct styles of writing in the Book of Mormon). Even Nephi and his brother Jacob had different word choice in how they referenced God. What's very interesting is seeing how each prophet focused in their writing and how that complimented their message. Jesus' own choice of words is particularly profound as we think about His invitation to us to follow him.
I came across this video earlier this week and it does a great job explaining these concepts: th-cam.com/video/nUhelZMBlsc/w-d-xo.html
Yes but Oliver Cowdery was educated and even practiced law. He helped with the translation of the Book of Mormon
But Oliver did not do any of the dictating. He was on the receiving end. Every witness that watched the translation process confirms that. There were often multiple witnesses in the room. All of the words in the book of Mormon came out of Joseph’s mouth, not Oliver’s. I would still argue that the vocabulary in the book of Mormon was beyond Oliver Cowdery’s vocabulary. I have read a great deal of Oliver Cowdery’s writings. none of them match the sublime language in the Book of Mormon.
The errors in the original manuscript clearly show that whoever was writing the words was hearing the text, not generating the words. Since most of the manuscript is in Oliver’s handwriting, it is clear that Oliver was hearing and writing down what he heard, not generating.
Also, he practiced law many years later, not before the translation. It was after his excommunication that he returned to Ohio and studied law.
Talmadge--circle of experience, not circle of influence.
I’d still go with circle of influence. My experiences don’t necessarily expand my vocabulary. Until I hear a new word used by someone else, usually repeatedly, I don’t add it to my vocabulary. Vocabulary is usually influenced, not experienced. I frequently use the word “undulation“ not because I experienced peaks and troughs in my life, but because I read The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis.
I disagree with this premise. He translated the BoM. The words he used were words that were already in his consciousness. Obviously he was inspired and certain words were brought to his mind, but he didn't just write words he was told to write. Otherwise he wouldn't have called himself a translator.
I believed that for a while, but I don’t anymore. It does not match what several of the witnesses claimed about the translating process, and it does not explain why he never used many of those words ever again. If they were in him, he would’ve used them in other sermons. He does not. I am convinced that there is just no way many of the words used in the book of Mormon were in his vocabulary. They came from somewhere else. No one would have described him as an unlearned man if the vocabulary in the Book of Mormon was his every day speech.
Also, the 1828 Webster’s dictionary for “translator:” One who renders into another language.
criticaltext.byustudies.byu.edu/translating-and-printing-book-mormon