Review of Two New Theories about the Lamanite Mark Recently

Title

Review of Two New Theories about the Lamanite Mark Recently Presented in Two Different Forums

Publication Type

Journal Article

Year of Publication

2024

Authors

Jones, Clifford P. (Primary)

Pagination

155–164

Volume

61 URL

https://journal.interpreterfoundation.org/review-of-two-new-theories-about-the-lamanite-mark-recently-presented-in-two-different-forums/

Terms of use

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Bibliographic Citation

Abstract

T. J. Uriona has offered two new theories about the meaning of Nephi’s term “skin of blackness” in 2 Nephi 5:21. He suggests that Nephi’s term may indicate impending death and/or it may be a literal reference to diseased or deathly skin. Both theories are based on a motif in an ancient Neo-Assyrian treaty that curses people to have skin as black as pitch and crude oil. I submit that these two theories are inconsistent with the larger context in the Book of Mormon.

Ancient Near East

Skin Color

Skin of Blackness

Lamanites

Lamanite Mark

Lamanite Curse