I believe that I found an instance of mistranslation from 'mentalese': "Joseph understood that Book of Mormon passages could be improved and made several clarifications in subsequent additions [editions]". I am not aware of any emendations to the text by Joseph that added text thereto; hopefully I would have read of them in my studies by now.
Larry M. ScottAugust 4, 2013
As we examine the Book of Mormon text, we see some extraordinary indicators that the style of nested subordinate clauses totally foreign to modern English usage were commonplace in ancient Nephite. For example, 1 Nephi 1 or 3 Nephi 20. In the latter case the Savior himself uses language rich in nested clauses and explanatory subclauses that is very unusual as modern usage. This language is awkward to translate into modern English, because of its structural complexity. Yet it seems to indicate that the divine method of discourse was one in which such extraordinary detail expressed in numerous nested clauses and subclauses was common. In the case of if-then-else clauses the main if clause is sometimes repeated because the unusually long idea is a very complex grammatical structure. This seems to me a remarkable and little-noted feature of ancient Nephite and divine communication. It is somewhat reminiscent of modern programming languages in which nested clauses, rich in conjunctions and mathematical logic interspersed with subprograms play an important role in conveying meaning of a complex nature.
MerriwynJuly 23, 2013
@Vardell- are those 16th century idioms you refer to common KJV scriptural idioms? Attempting to mirror the KJV scriptural style which was prevalent at the time seems a likely reason for such instances.
Rosalind Hughes ThompsonJuly 14, 2013
Words are not just words in the Scriptures they are depths and levels unlocked by the Master Teacher and confirmed to our spirit by the Holy Ghost. The truths are sealed upon our souls to the depth and level we need at that time. In this sence then the Book of Mormon is alive and it is our resonsibility to so live that the Holy Ghost can open our eyes and our hearts to hear and know. Joseph gave us what he received from God and we each then take what we read and turn to God for the eyes of our understanding to be opened to receive the Witness of truth.
VardellJuly 11, 2013
Brother Ash,
Thanks for your article and opinions. I disagree with your conclusion though. You conclude that Joseph couldn't have seen words because they would have been too close? ? A top hat is pretty deep, and when i was 23 I could read VERY close to my eyes. Your theory of translation is virtually the same that B H Roberts proposed which Royal (as well as eyewitnesses) has cast doubt on. Also, Royal has shown that the English of the B O M is consistent with 16th century usage, even containing phrases that were completely archaic by Josephs time. There are words in there that Joseph could not have known. How do you account for that? I believe Royal is right when he concludes that it was a tightly controlled revelation, word for word from the Lord. I've always wondered has anyone done a comparison of Josephs vocabulary compared to the vocabulary of the B O M ? Roberts wouldnt accept a tight control because of the bad grammer. But we know the Lord gives revelation in the weakness of our language. And as I recall Stephen Ricks only reason for doubting the tight control theory is Josephs willingness to change what may have been a word for word revelation. But that doesn't hold water. Joseph changed LOTS of revelations. I'd appreciate your rebuttal. Thank you.
Forrest CuttingsJuly 11, 2013
This article is good for explaining translation difficulties and challenges - and it goes to show that each person who studies a prophetic work of history and teaching, such as the Book of Mormon, must acquire the spirit of prophecy for himself. This is not as hard as people generally assume. The spirit of prophecy is gained as one grows in his awareness of the consistent patterns of the Lord; for he is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Recognizing those patterns allows one to recognize the character signature of the Lord; thus, translating an ancient work would involve a consideration of word meanings, context, sentence structure, AND the character traits of the God of Israel. True, prophetic teaching must concord with those traits. The reason most people in the church don't have the spirit of prophecy, as the gospel requires of all members, is because the patterns of scripture have now taken a second seat, in priority, to church policy and tradition. As the church has departed more and more from the original truths of the Restoration, she has lost her sense of divine patterns and thereby the spirit of prophecy itself. Neither the membership nor the leadership who "sit in Joseph's prophetic seat" so to speak (see Matt. 23:2) are no in possession of the spirit of prophecy and revelation. A sad thing, indeed.
Jorge AlbarrJuly 11, 2013
Thanks, Brother Ash for your introduction and insights into this fascinating topic. I've read a lot of your LDS articles and I'm thankful for your explaining complex issues so clearly for us average readers to understand. Thanks a lot for !!
Steven S.July 11, 2013
Excellent article.
Sandy CatalanoJuly 11, 2013
No matter in what language you read the scriptures, the Holy Spirit will reveal the true meaning. I believe that the Lord also intended the scriptures to be personal revelation, applying the principles of what we read into centering our lives on Christ according to our capacity.
For example, When Nephi pleads with the Lord to "..burst these bands by which I am bound..."
Those "bands" could be an addiction, an abusive relationship, or simply a stupor of thought when praying for something we deem important in our lives.
I testify that the Book of Mormon is the work of the true and living God. I appreciate what all the ancient prophets did to preserve it for people of our day and to the first prophet of our dispensation, Joseph Smith.
Comments | Return to Story
Mark AllredAugust 14, 2013
I believe that I found an instance of mistranslation from 'mentalese': "Joseph understood that Book of Mormon passages could be improved and made several clarifications in subsequent additions [editions]". I am not aware of any emendations to the text by Joseph that added text thereto; hopefully I would have read of them in my studies by now.
Larry M. ScottAugust 4, 2013
As we examine the Book of Mormon text, we see some extraordinary indicators that the style of nested subordinate clauses totally foreign to modern English usage were commonplace in ancient Nephite. For example, 1 Nephi 1 or 3 Nephi 20. In the latter case the Savior himself uses language rich in nested clauses and explanatory subclauses that is very unusual as modern usage. This language is awkward to translate into modern English, because of its structural complexity. Yet it seems to indicate that the divine method of discourse was one in which such extraordinary detail expressed in numerous nested clauses and subclauses was common. In the case of if-then-else clauses the main if clause is sometimes repeated because the unusually long idea is a very complex grammatical structure. This seems to me a remarkable and little-noted feature of ancient Nephite and divine communication. It is somewhat reminiscent of modern programming languages in which nested clauses, rich in conjunctions and mathematical logic interspersed with subprograms play an important role in conveying meaning of a complex nature.
MerriwynJuly 23, 2013
@Vardell- are those 16th century idioms you refer to common KJV scriptural idioms? Attempting to mirror the KJV scriptural style which was prevalent at the time seems a likely reason for such instances.
Rosalind Hughes ThompsonJuly 14, 2013
Words are not just words in the Scriptures they are depths and levels unlocked by the Master Teacher and confirmed to our spirit by the Holy Ghost. The truths are sealed upon our souls to the depth and level we need at that time. In this sence then the Book of Mormon is alive and it is our resonsibility to so live that the Holy Ghost can open our eyes and our hearts to hear and know. Joseph gave us what he received from God and we each then take what we read and turn to God for the eyes of our understanding to be opened to receive the Witness of truth.
VardellJuly 11, 2013
Brother Ash, Thanks for your article and opinions. I disagree with your conclusion though. You conclude that Joseph couldn't have seen words because they would have been too close? ? A top hat is pretty deep, and when i was 23 I could read VERY close to my eyes. Your theory of translation is virtually the same that B H Roberts proposed which Royal (as well as eyewitnesses) has cast doubt on. Also, Royal has shown that the English of the B O M is consistent with 16th century usage, even containing phrases that were completely archaic by Josephs time. There are words in there that Joseph could not have known. How do you account for that? I believe Royal is right when he concludes that it was a tightly controlled revelation, word for word from the Lord. I've always wondered has anyone done a comparison of Josephs vocabulary compared to the vocabulary of the B O M ? Roberts wouldnt accept a tight control because of the bad grammer. But we know the Lord gives revelation in the weakness of our language. And as I recall Stephen Ricks only reason for doubting the tight control theory is Josephs willingness to change what may have been a word for word revelation. But that doesn't hold water. Joseph changed LOTS of revelations. I'd appreciate your rebuttal. Thank you.
Forrest CuttingsJuly 11, 2013
This article is good for explaining translation difficulties and challenges - and it goes to show that each person who studies a prophetic work of history and teaching, such as the Book of Mormon, must acquire the spirit of prophecy for himself. This is not as hard as people generally assume. The spirit of prophecy is gained as one grows in his awareness of the consistent patterns of the Lord; for he is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Recognizing those patterns allows one to recognize the character signature of the Lord; thus, translating an ancient work would involve a consideration of word meanings, context, sentence structure, AND the character traits of the God of Israel. True, prophetic teaching must concord with those traits. The reason most people in the church don't have the spirit of prophecy, as the gospel requires of all members, is because the patterns of scripture have now taken a second seat, in priority, to church policy and tradition. As the church has departed more and more from the original truths of the Restoration, she has lost her sense of divine patterns and thereby the spirit of prophecy itself. Neither the membership nor the leadership who "sit in Joseph's prophetic seat" so to speak (see Matt. 23:2) are no in possession of the spirit of prophecy and revelation. A sad thing, indeed.
Jorge AlbarrJuly 11, 2013
Thanks, Brother Ash for your introduction and insights into this fascinating topic. I've read a lot of your LDS articles and I'm thankful for your explaining complex issues so clearly for us average readers to understand. Thanks a lot for !!
Steven S.July 11, 2013
Excellent article.
Sandy CatalanoJuly 11, 2013
No matter in what language you read the scriptures, the Holy Spirit will reveal the true meaning. I believe that the Lord also intended the scriptures to be personal revelation, applying the principles of what we read into centering our lives on Christ according to our capacity. For example, When Nephi pleads with the Lord to "..burst these bands by which I am bound..." Those "bands" could be an addiction, an abusive relationship, or simply a stupor of thought when praying for something we deem important in our lives. I testify that the Book of Mormon is the work of the true and living God. I appreciate what all the ancient prophets did to preserve it for people of our day and to the first prophet of our dispensation, Joseph Smith.
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