And the One Pointed the Way: Issues of Interpretation and Translation Involving the Liahona

by Loren Spendlove

Overview

Abstract: In describing the operation of the spindles in the Liahona, Nephi's statement that "the one pointed the way" in 1 Nephi 16:10 is frequently taken to mean that one of the two spindles indicated the direction to travel. However, Nephi's apparent use of the Hebrew word האחד (ha'echad)1 may imply a different mechanism in which the direction was being shown when both operated as one. If so, there may be added symbolism of unity and oneness inherent in Nephi's and Alma's descriptions of the Liahona. Additionally, I provide a detailed analysis of words and phrases used by Nephi and Alma to describe the Liahona which potentially reveal intriguing Hebrew wordplay in the text.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940162253167
Publisher:	Interpreter Foundation
Publication date:	04/29/2021
Series:	Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship , #45
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Sales rank:	840,344
File size:	452 KB

About the Author

Loren Spendlove (MA, Jewish Studies, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem; PhD, Education, University of Wyoming; MBA, California State University, Fullerton; and BS, Finance, Brigham Young University) has worked in many fields, including academics and corporate financial management. A student of languages, he centers his research interests on linguistics and etymology.