Abstract

This thesis has been a study of possible lexical Hebraisms occurring in the Book of Mormon in the sections entitled "The Words of Mormon" through "Moroni." A Hebraism was defined as any word or phrase which appeared to be a literal rendering of a Hebrew lexicographic mode of speech, in that the English had a usage or connotation which was not normal; whereas, if translated literally into Hebrew it would represent standard usage.

Nearly two hundred such items were found, some one hundred twenty of which were discussed in the body of the thesis. Of these, nouns contributed over sixty examples, verbs more than thirty and the remainder were distributed among the rest of the parts of speech.

This accumulation of Hebraisms could be evidence either of Joseph Smith's exceptional ability to recall biblical wording while under the influence of the Holy Spirit or evidence of Hebraic wording in the original coming through in Joseph Smith's translation.

Degree

College and Department

Religious Education; Ancient Scripture

Rights

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