Keywords
Zeniff, Shilom, wordplay, šālôm
Abstract
The toponym Shilom likely derives from the Semitic/Hebrew root š-l-m, whence also the similar-sounding word šālôm, “peace,” derives. The first mention of the toponym Shilom in Zeniff’s record — an older account than the surrounding material and an autobiography — occurs in Mosiah 9:6 in parallel with Zeniff’s mention of his intention to “possess the land in peace” (Mosiah 9:5). The language and text structure of Mosiah 9:5‒6 thus suggest a deliberate wordplay on Shilom in terms of šālôm. Zeniff uses the name Shilom as a point of irony throughout his brief royal record to emphasize a tenuous and often absent peace between his people and the Lamanites.
Recommended Citation
Bowen, Matthew L.
(2018)
"“Possess the Land in Peace”: Zeniff’s Ironic Wordplay on Shilom,"
Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship: Vol. 28, Article 9.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/interpreter/vol28/iss1/9
