Book of Mormon/Metals/Ziff


"Ziff" in the Book of Mormon


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Question: Is the mention of the metal "ziff" in the Book of Mormon an anachronism?

"Ziff" is not an anachronism. Better yet, there is a Hebrew meaning for the word that makes sense

"Ziff" is a metal of uncertain identity. "Ziff" as a Hebrew word suggests two meanings, either "shining" or "to be plated." Sorenson suggests that this could be 'tumbaga' (a mixture of gold and copper which was both cheaper and lighter than gold), tin, or mercury.[1]



Notes

  1. Roy W. Doxey, "I Have A Question: What was the approximate weight of the gold plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated?," Ensign (December 1986): 64.