Evaluating the Sources of 2 Nephi 1:13

Title

Evaluating the Sources of 2 Nephi 1:13–15: Shakespeare and the Book of Mormon

Publication Type

Journal Article

Year of Publication

2013

Authors

Smith, Robert F. (Primary)

Journal

Journal of Book of Mormon Studies

Pagination

98-103

Volume

22 Issue

2 URL

https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jbms/vol22/iss2/9

Abstract

The early and persistent claim that Joseph Smith quoted Shakespeare in the Book of Mormon fails to take into account the broader context of sources. Much closer parallels than Shakespeare are available in the Bible as well as in ancient Near Eastern literature. Indeed, the constellation of ideas about death expressed in 2 Nephi 1:13–15 fits that ancient Near Eastern context in several powerful ways—ways that belie the claim that Joseph Smith plagiarized Shakespeare.

Table of Contents

Journal

Journal of the Book of Mormon and Restoration Scripture 22/2 (2013)

Subject Keywords

Plagiarism

Authorship

Shakespeare, William

Smith, Joseph, Jr.

Bibliographic Citation

Terms of use

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