BYU Studies Quarterly
Article Title
Shinehah, the Sun
Keywords
Book of Abraham, pharaoh, false gods, Shagreel, Joseph Smith, translation
Abstract
One of the astronomical terms defined in the Book of Abraham is Shinehah, which is said to be the sun (Abr. 3:13). Earlier in the Book of Abraham, the “god of Shagreel” is identified as the sun as well (Abr. 1:9). The context of these passages suggests that Shagreel is a West Semitic name or word while hinehah is an Egyptian name or word, although this is not explicit in the text.1 We do not know how Joseph Smith intended the word Shinehah to be pronounced; whether, for instance, shine-hah or shi-ney-hah or some other way. However it is pronounced, contrary to the claim made by some of Joseph Smith’s critics, there is evidence that Shinehah is an authentic ancient Egyptian word.
Recommended Citation
Smoot, Stephen O.; Gee, John; Muhlestein, Kerry; and Thompson, John S.
(2022)
"Shinehah, the Sun,"
BYU Studies Quarterly: Vol. 61:
Iss.
4, Article 24.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol61/iss4/24