And the One Pointed the Way: Issues of Interpretation and Tr

Title

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

Publication Type

Journal Article

Year of Publication

2021

Authors

Spendlove, Loren Blake (Primary)

Journal

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

Pagination

1-36

Volume

45 URL

https://journal.interpreterfoundation.org/and-the-one-pointed-the-way-issues-of-interpretation-and-translation-involving-the-liahona/

Terms of use

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Bibliographic Citation

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.

Journal

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 45 (2021)

Liahona

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

Title