BM-KJV and JE-Alma 39

Annotation of Alma 39 – preliminary

Alma 39 is a good example because it shows that a high percentage of its language is also KJV language. Few of the KJV words/phrases are not also found in Edwards, including the so-called "blended" passages.

The blue Book of Mormon words/phrases in the annotation are nonbiblical and also not found in Edwards. In some cases noted below, the nonbiblical language is close to Edwards (e.g., plural instead of singular). There are several examples in the Book of Mormon of paraphrased or misquoted passages from the KJV that are identical to paraphrased or misquoted KJV passages in Edwards' works.

The red words/phrases are nonbiblical Book of Mormon wording that are also found in Edwards' works as available on the Yale database, which includes most but not all of the 1808 edition, as well as material not included in the 1808 edition.

Purple are nonbiblical Book of Mormon words/phrases similar to Edwards.

Naturally, Edwards is not the only person who ever used this nonbiblical Book of Mormon terminology. English is a common language or we couldn't understand one another. But the ready availability of Edwards' works in Palmyra during Joseph's youth indicates that Edwards was a possible source for Joseph's vocabulary that he used when translating the plates.

Bold = KJV 

Blue = nonbiblical BofM/D&C/PGP w/o JE 

Red = nonbiblical BofM/D&C/PGP and JE 

Purple = nonbiblical BofM/D&C/PGP similar to JE

Chapter 39

Sexual sin is an abomination—Corianton’s sins kept the Zoramites from receiving the word—Christ’s redemption is retroactive in saving the faithful who preceded it. About 74 B.C.

1 And now, my son, I have somewhat more[1] to say unto thee than what I said unto thy brother; for behold, have ye not observed[2] the steadiness[3] of thy brother, his faithfulness, and his diligence[4] in[5] keeping the commandments of God[6]? Behold, has he not set a good example[7] for thee?

2 For thou didst not give so much heed[8] unto my words as did thy brother, among the people of the Zoramites. Now this is what I have against thee; thou didst go on unto boasting[9] in thy strength and thy wisdom.

3 And this is not all[10], my son. Thou didst do that which was grievous[11] unto me; for thou didst forsake the ministry[12], and did go over into the land of Siron among the borders of the Lamanites, after the harlot[13] Isabel.

4 Yea, she did steal away[14] the hearts of many[15]; but this was no excuse[16] for thee, my son. Thou shouldst have tended to[17] the ministry wherewith thou wast entrusted[18].

5 Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination[19] in the sight of the Lord[20]; yea, most abominable[21] above all sins[22] save it be the shedding of[23] innocent blood[24] or denying the Holy Ghost[25]?

6 For behold, if ye deny the Holy Ghost[26] when it once has had place in you[27], and ye know that ye deny it, behold, this is a sin which is unpardonable[28]; yea, and whosoever murdereth against the light and knowledge[29] of God, it is not easy[30] for him to obtain forgiveness[31]; yea, I say unto you, my son, that it is not easy for him to obtain[32] a forgiveness[33].

7 And now, my son, I would to God that ye had not been guilty of[34] so great a crime[35]. I would not dwell[36] upon[37] your crimes, to harrow up[38] your soul, if it were not for[39] your good[40].

8 But behold, ye cannot hide your crimes[41] from God; and except ye repent they will stand as a testimony[42] against you[43] at the last day.

9 Now my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake[44] your sins[45], and go no more after the lusts of your eyes[46], but cross yourself[47] in all these things; for except ye do this ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God[48]. Oh, remember, and take it upon you[49], and cross yourself in these things.

10 And I command you to take it upon you to counsel with your elder brothers in your undertakings[50]; for behold, thou art in thy youth, and ye stand in need[51] to be nourished[52] by your brothers. And give heed to[53] their counsel.

11 Suffer not yourself to be led away by any vain or foolish[54] thing[55]; suffer not the devil to lead away your heart again after those wicked harlots. Behold, O my son, how great iniquity[56] ye brought upon the Zoramites; for when they saw your conduct[57] they would not believe in my words.

12 And now the Spirit of the Lord doth say unto me: Command thy children to do good[58], lest they lead away[59] the hearts of many people[60] to destruction; therefore I command you, my son, in the fear of God, that ye refrain from[61] your iniquities;

13 That ye turn to the Lord[62] with all your mind, might, and strength[63]; that ye lead away the hearts of no more to do wickedly[64]; but rather return unto them, and acknowledge[65] your faults and that wrong which ye have done.

14 Seek not after riches[66] nor the vain things[67] of this world[68]; for behold, you cannot carry them[69] with you.

15 And now, my son, I would say somewhat unto you concerning the coming of Christ. Behold, I say unto you, that it is he that surely shall come to take away the sins of the world[70]; yea, he cometh to declare glad tidings[71] of salvation[72] unto his people.

16 And now, my son, this was the ministry unto which ye were called, to declare these glad tidings unto this people, to prepare their minds[73]; or rather that salvation might come unto them, that they may prepare the minds[74] of their children to hear the word at the time of his coming.

17 And now I will ease your mind[75] somewhat[76] on this subject[77]. Behold, you marvel why these things should be known so long beforehand[78]. Behold, I say unto you, is not a soul[79] at this time as precious[80] unto God as a soul will be at the time of his coming?

18 Is it not as necessary[81] that the plan of[82] redemption[83] should be made known[84] unto this people as well as unto their children?

19 Is it not as easy[85] at this time for the Lord to send his angel to declare these glad tidings unto us as unto our children, or as after the time of his coming[86]?

(Alma 39–39:19)

[1] NT (1) BM (6) JE (3)

[2] OT (1) BM (1) JE (10)

[3] BM (4) JE (25)

[4] OT (1) NT (9) BM (33) DC (9) JE (200+)

[5] “diligence in” BM (3) JE (30)

[6] “keeping the commandments of God” BM (10) DC (1) JE (2) JE: “They endure temptation and continue keeping the commandments of God through all difficulties and trials” paraphrasing: “Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

(1 Corinthians 7:19)

[7] BM (1) JE (20) JE: “that he might plant 'em there a noble vine, wholly a right seed, and set 'em out with good example , in the land where they were to have their settled abode” “When they don't set a good example , but rulers themselves are wicked and not conscientious in their lives” “How comes it to pass that when good examples are set, their influence is presently lost, and evil, notwithstanding, regains and maintains the possession? Noah was a just man, and set a good example : how came the generality of his posterity to embrace evil rather than good? Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were good men, and set good examples: how came their posterity ordinarily to walk contrary to their example? “

[8] BM (1) JE (1) JE: “I hope you will pardon me for giving so much heed to the report, as to write to you upon it.”

[9] NT (9) BM (6) DC (1) JE (100) JE: “ after what manner doth he triumph over them. not as men by boasting of his Own strength”

[10] BM (15) DC (2) JE (12) JE: “ I only am escaped alone to tell thee. But yet this is not all : see the second chapter, the seventh and eighth verses. How easily may a man be deprived of his substance,”

[11] OT (30) NT (8) BM (8) DC (8) PGP (2) JE (200)

[12] BM (1) JE: “and particularly, that God has forsaken the standing ministry”

[13] OT (36) NT (4) JE (50)

[14] OT (2) BM (1) JE (8) JE: “other things may steal away much of the heart”

[15] OT (1) BM (6) JE (8)

[16] BM (1) JE (50) JE: “ And so they wholly let this business alone, though indeed this is only an excuse for a slothful disposition and a love of their lusts and sinful courses. But this will be no excuse for them. “

[17] BM (1) JE (200)

[18] BM (5) DC (8) JE (25) JE (1808): “he ought to conduct himself as a minister of Christ, and one entrusted by him”

[19] OT (34) BM (2) PGP (1) JE (40)

[20] OT (77) NT (3) BM (7) JE (10)

[21] BM (4) JE (12) JE: “All wicked men do delight in filthiness; they love that which is above all things most abominable and most defiling to the soul.”

[22] BM (1) JE (1) JE: “The hatred and malice is directed against the very beauty and loveliness of the Godhead, so that the hateful and deformed nature of sin appears in this above all sins”

[23] “shedding of innocent blood” BM (1)

[24] OT (19) NT (1) BM (3) DC (10) JE (8)

[25] BM (2)

[26] BM (2)

[27] NT (1) BM (4)

[28] BM (2) JE (100) JE: “some of which, Christ teaches, committed the unpardonable sin against the Holy Ghost” Cf “Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.” (Matthew 12:31)

[29] BM (3) DC (1) JE (25) JE: “The commission of wickedness against light and knowledge has this tendency, to cause men to curse God in their hearts.”

[30] BM (2) JE (10) JE: “Now by a hard heart, is plainly meant an unaffected heart, or a heart not easy to be moved with virtuous affections, like a stone”

[31] BM (1) JE (5) JE: “to obtain forgiveness of sin and favor with God, their hearts must be to the place where God's name dwelt”

[32] “obtain a forgiveness” BM (1)

[33] BM (1) JE (1) JE: “in a sinner's justification at his conversion, there is virtually contained a forgiveness as to eternal, and deserved punishment

[34] OT (2) NT (4) BM (5) PGP 92) JE (100s)

[35] BM (1) JE (3) JE: “yet in this so great a crime , let him and them want burial” “ and so great a crime in it and so general in the world, is a good argument”

[36] BM (1)

[37] “dwell upon” OT (1) NT (3) BM (2) DC (30 Je (30)

[38] BM (5) Cf: “Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee?” (Job 39:10)

[39] “for your good” BM (1) DC (10) JE (10)

[40] NT (4) BM (2) DC (10) JE (55) JE: « as though he would direct you to what is most for your good”

[41] BM (1)

[42] BM (5)

[43] “testimony against you” BM (4) JE (1) JE: “rising up in judgment, and bearing testimony against you”

[44] BM (1) DC (1)

[45] “forsake your sins” BM (1) JE (12) JE: “if you will forsake your sins and with all your heart turn to God, you shall become some of God's peculiar people”

[46] BM (1) JE (1) JE: “Do we give our thoughts the reins to go where they incline, sometimes upon the pleasing objects of concupiscence and the lusts of the flesh; sometimes after the objects of covetousness and the lusts of the eyes” “some sell their souls for Gain to their Estates for the Object sale of the Lust of the Eyes”

[47] BM (2) JE (2) JE: “suffer what you will, you cannot be delivered from your wickedness without the converting grace of God. If you make ever so many prayers, that will not make your case less miserable unless God, by his mighty power, is pleased to give you a new heart. If you take ever so much pains in religion, and cross and deny yourself, and do or suffer ever so much, all will not avail without this.

[48] NT (4) BM (8) PGP (1) JE (20)

[49] BM (2) JE (2) JE: “that you should take it upon you to call God to an account”” dont you take it upon you to fix the End”

[50] BM (1) JE (10) JE: “He'll endeavor to hinder and clog him in any of his designs and undertakings , for no other reason”

[51] BM (6) JE (100+)

[52] BM (2) DC (1) JE (5) JE: “only by the gracious influences of that Spirit, and so to taste and be nourished by the kernel: hence this nucleus is called "the spirit" and the other is called "the letter,”

[53] OT (2) NT (1) BM (8) DC (6) JE (30) JE : « If therefore it be no more than suitable for us to give heed to retain what an earthly parent, or an earthly sovereign, speaks to us directing, commanding, [or] counselling of us, what earnest heed should we give not to let slip the things that we have heard, when [the] infinitely great God has spoken to us,”

[54] BM (1)

[55] “foolish thing” BM (1) JE (5) JE: “ Self-praise is spoken of, as by the wise man, as a foolish thing . Proverbs 27:2,”

[56] BM (6) JE (2) JE: “Pharaoh, in keeping the children of Israel, kept his sins, for his holding them in bondage was his great iniquity”

[57] BM (1) JE (20) JE: “you are not sensible how dangerous this your conduct is”

[58] OT (14) NT (13) BM (19) DC (5) JE (200)

[59] OT (1) BM (14) JE (8) JE: “he saw how wonderfully the gospel prevailed, lead away many people into the more remote corners of the earth”

[60] OT (1) BM (3)

[61] OT (1) NT (1) BM (3) DC (2) JE (30)

[62] OT (2) NT (2) BM (3) DC (1) JE (10)

[63] BM (1)

[64] OT (6) BM (7) DC (4) PGP (1) JE (20)

[65] OT (12) NT (4) BM (6) DC (4) JE (100s)

[66] BM (1) JE (4) JE: “Now all the worlds of good and bad are seeking after riches and pleasure”

[67] OT (1) NT (1) BM (12) JE (10)

[68] “vain things of this world” BM (2) JE (1) JE: “set upon the vain things of this world” “vain things of the world” BM (9) JE (1) JE: “by our wicked lives have sold for the vain things of the world”

[69] OT (13) BM (8) JE (50)

[70] BM (4) JE (1) JE: “Tis the Lamb of God alone that can take away the sins of the world “ paraphrasing “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)

[71] NT (4) BM (11) DC (10) JE (40) NT: « And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, (Acts 13:32)

[72] “glad tidings of salvation” BM (1) JE (2) JE: “Here was a prophet raised up to convince the people of sin before Christ comes, giving comfort and with the glad tidings of salvation, which we have account of in the Judges 6:11 and following verses.”

[73] BM (1)

[74] BM (2) JE (1) JE: “ John the Baptist was sent to prepare the minds of men for Christ's coming. “

[75] BM (1) JE (1) “this would raise a hope and would ease your mind of burthen”

[76] OT (15) NT (10) BM (43) PGP 91) JE (200)

[77] BM (1) JE (30) JE: “But this, with the rest of what I have offered on this subject of original sin, must be left to every candid reader to judge of, for himself”

[78] BM (1) JE (1) JE: “And is it credible that he should give such a direction—with such circumstances as would tend to lead Christians to suppose that Christ had so great a regard to the strict observation of the Jewish sabbath at that time as particularly to direct 'em so long beforehand to pray that they might not be interrupted in their observation of it—when that was the very time appointed for his utterly abolishing of it, and for an extraordinary, most visible and public testimony of his utter disregard of it?”

[79] BM (1)

[80] BM (2) JE (15) JE: “Let us do our utmost to forward the salvation of other men: their souls are as precious as our own” “Your soul is every whit as precious as the souls of young persons”

[81] BM (1)

[82] BM (33) PGP (1) JE (10) JE: “a natural plan of genius”

[83] “plan of redemption” BM (17); “redemption” OT (9) NT (11) BM (51) DC (39) PGP (2) JE (1,000) “of redemption” OT (1) NT (1) BM (18) DC (7) JE (1,000) JE uses “work of redemption” instead of “plan of redemption” 100s of times. JE: “ they see his glory as it is manifested in the work of redemption , which the angels desire to look into, and by which the manifold wisdom of God is made known to the angels>

[84] OT (8) NT (12) BM (36) DC (26) PGP (2) JE (150)

[85] BM (1) JE (1) JE: “If any say that this earth will be heaven after the day of judgment, is it not as easy to say that after the resurrection heaven will be the new earth? “

[86] BM (7) DC (1) JE (3) JE: “against this he made great preparation; in this, he thought, he would be beforehand with him, knowing nearly the time of his coming” “God, in answer and great favor to him as a man greatly beloved, makes known to him for his encouragement something more particularly concerning the coming of this glorious redeemer and head of prosperity and happiness of his people than had hitherto been known, and particularly concerning the time of his coming . But what other great, future, anointed prince and savior of Israel is foretold or promised by foregoing prophets, but he that is spoken of in those prophecies that I have already observed? The Messiah is called by the same name…”