Book of Mormon/Anachronisms/Language/Greek words

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Criticism

  • Critics claim that the Book of Mormon cannot be an ancient work because it contains "Greek words" ("alpha and omega").

Source(s) of the criticism

Response

The Book of Mormon claims to be a "translation." Therefore, the language used is that of Joseph Smith. Joseph could choose to render similar (or identical) material using King James Bible language if that adequately represented the text's intent.

The words "alpha and omega" are as unlikely to be on the plates as the English word "sword" or "house"—these are translations.

All "alpha and omega" tells us is that there was some expression on the plates similar to "from A to Z," or "from first to last."

Only if we presume that the Book of Mormon is a fraud at the outset is this proof of anything. If we assume that it is a translation, then the use of Bible language tells us merely that Joseph used biblical language.

This absurd complaint is similar to another anti-Mormon favorite, the issue of the "French word" adieu in the Book of Mormon.

Endnotes

None


Further reading

Book of Mormon/Anachronisms/Language/Greek words

FAIR wiki articles

FAIR web site

  • FAIR Topical Guide:

External links

Printed material