How Archeology Supports the Authenticity of Book of Mormon Names

by | Mar 20, 2013 | Apologetics | 8 comments

This is Day 2 of our special Book of Mormon series. Enjoy!

By Brother Josh Gehly

317390_4001Where does your name come from? Do you know its etymology? Our last post talked about rules for ancient Hebrew and Semitic names. All 337 names, including 188 original Book of Mormon names, follow these rules. What an incredible testimony for the Book of Mormon! Today, we are going to take an in-depth look at the origins of some Book of Mormon names.

First, remember the Book of Mormon was translated by a farm boy with a third-grade education. Odds are pretty good you have a kid with a much higher education. Try to just make up a couple of names right now. Do you think those random names have roots to an ancient language you don’t speak? Keep in mind, Hebrew has evolved over time (not unlike English — try to read the original Beowulf). Your names must reflect ancient Hebrew.

In 1830, none of the original names of the Book of Mormon could be traced back to ancient Jerusalem. Since then, lots of archaeologists have been digging around. Have they found anything connecting original names from the Book of Mormon to ancient Israel?

  • Ammonihah: Alma 8:6 mentions the city of Ammonihah, named after a man. The ending -ihah is the Hebrew root for Jehovah. The name was found in the old world on two Hebrew seals, one dating to the late 7th century BC.
  • Mathoni (3 Nephi 19:4): This name directly connects to the Hebrew name Mtnyh, appearing on a wine decanter, six seals, and seven bullae (seal impressions) all dating to the 7th century BC.
  • Muloki: (Alma Chapter 20 & 21): Corresponds to the name Mlky on a bulla found in the City of David, possibly meaning king.
  • Abish (Alma 19:16): Linked to the Hebrew name <bsh< found on a seal located in Haifa dating to before the Babylonian invasion.
  • Sariah (Nephi Chapter 1): Name found on Papyrus #22 in Elephantine in Upper Egypt on a document in Aramaic with names in Hebrew. It reads, “Sariah daughter of Hoshea son of Hcarman,” likely meaning “Jehovah is Prince.”

These names were original to the Book of Mormon at the time it printed, and have since been discovered at various archaeological sites in the ancient promised land. This shows the names did exist in ancient Hebrew, although they were not discovered until recently.

Famous Christian scholar William Albright was sent hate mail about the Book of Mormon. He observed, “It is […] surprising that there are two Egyptian names, Paanch(i) and Pahor(an) which appear in the Book of Mormon in close connection with a reference to the original language being ‘Reformed Egyptian.’” Albright suggested Joseph Smith, Jr. was a religious genius.

8 Comments

  1. Elizabeth Karroll

    This was great reading. During a class at church, we learned the meaning of our names by Brother Doug Obradovich. It was very revealing. Knowing what your name means is special. And yes, some names are linked to the Hebrew language.

    Reply
  2. Elizabeth Karroll

    This was great reading. During a class at church, we learned the meaning of our names by Brother Doug Obradovich. It was very revealing. Knowing what your name means is special. And yes, some names are linked to the Hebrew language.

    Reply
  3. Josh

    Hi Jonathan,

    Thanks for including some references and doing your own homework. I have a full bibliography with a bunch of references. If you, or anyone else would like, please email TCOJC@gmail.com and I’ll be sure to send you my references.

    Josh

    Reply
  4. Josh

    Hi Jonathan,

    Thanks for including some references and doing your own homework. I have a full bibliography with a bunch of references. If you, or anyone else would like, please email TCOJC@gmail.com and I’ll be sure to send you my references.

    Josh

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Further Reading

Just a Little Talk

It may be summer now, but a few months ago we had an ice storm in Cincinnati. Schools were closed and I found myself at home with our four-year-old for the day (or, should I say he found himself at home with me since I work from home several days a week).  If...

Read More

I Mistake, for I Have Seen Much

“Nevertheless, after all this, I never have known much of the ways of the Lord, and his mysteries and marvelous power. I said I never had known much of these things; but behold, I mistake, for I have seen much of his mysteries and his marvelous power; yea, even in...

Read More

Never Miss a New Article

Subscribe to Our Email List
Sign up and get every new blog post sent straight to your inbox so you always have the day’s devotional at your fingertips.

We never share your email address with anyone for any reason, and we use it only to send you Gospel Blog emails. Just articles, not ads!

Your Story for God’s Glory

Share Your Testimony on Miracle Monday

We devote Miracle Monday to sharing miracle stories. From finding a lost wedding ring to healing cancer on the spot, Jesus Christ has done it all, big and small.

And we want to hear about what He’s done for you.

The Gospel Blog Is Open for Submissions

We encourage devotional-style or scripture-based articles in the ballpark of 500 words. We are open to any topic that glorifies God and unites the Church.