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

TitleAnd the One Pointed the Way: Issues of Interpretation and Translation Involving the Liahona
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2021
AuthorsSpendlove, Loren Blake
JournalInterpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship
Volume45
Pagination1-36
KeywordsAlma the Younger; Language - Hebrew; Liahona; Nephi (Son of Lehi)
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) 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.
URLhttps://journal.interpreterfoundation.org/and-the-one-pointed-the-way-issues-of-interpretation-and-translation-involving-the-liahona/

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Scripture Reference

1 Nephi 16:10