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Draft:Ethem (Jaredite king)

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Book of Mormon, one of the sacred scriptures of Mormonism and the source of the account of Ethem

Ethem (Deseret: 𐐀𐐛𐐇𐐣),[1] in the beliefs of the Latter Day Saint movement (Mormons), was a Jaredite king, the son of Ahah. Information about him is found in the Book of Ether, a part of the sacred scriptures of Mormonism. His reign belongs to the later period of Jaredite history and was reportedly marked by wickedness and the activities of prophets calling for repentance. Ethem's rule lasted until his death.

The figure of Ethem is the subject of theological speculation and is sometimes referenced by Mormon apologists. Additionally, the name Ethem appears among Māori who follow Mormonism.

Pronunciation and spelling

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The pronunciation of this name has sparked some interest among Mormon researchers. It was included in the pronunciation guide that has been attached to each copy of the English-language version of the Book of Mormon since 1981.[2] However, sources indicate a significant difference between the preferred and common pronunciation today and that of the early period of Utah Territory's colonization.[3] The original pronunciation, especially that used by Joseph Smith, holds some significance in the study of proper names found in the Book of Mormon, though it is not a decisive factor in Mormon theology.[4] To determine the pronunciation used by Smith, scholars refer to the Book of Mormon edition in the Deseret alphabet from 1869.[4]

However, there are accounts from those involved in the process known as the translation of the Book of Mormon by the Latter-day Saints that shed light on how Smith initially dealt with unfamiliar words. Hugh Nibley, citing the accounts of Smith's scribes, stated that "he never pronounced such words, always settling for spelling them out".[5] Strictly speaking, within Mormon theology, the original pronunciation of this word is not sought, just as no such inquiry is made for the Nephite words and names themselves.[6]

Additionally, within Mormon theology, the inherent difficulty of pronouncing names and words belonging to this sacred text is recognized.[7] This is because none of these words were transmitted to Joseph Smith orally, except perhaps for the name Moroni, who introduced himself to Smith in a vision. From a doctrinal standpoint, the way the characters in the Book of Mormon pronounced these words remains unknown to the first Mormon leader.[7]

In the manuscript handed to the printer responsible for the first edition of the Book of Mormon (1830), the name appeared as "Etham" instead of the "Ethem" used in the English text.[8] This error was corrected in the text that was printed. The mistake likely stemmed from the unaccented final syllable of the word, and it pertained to the passage that, in the contemporary verse division, corresponds to the 11th verse of the 11th chapter of the Book of Ether. In all subsequent editions, the form "Ethem" consistently appeared.[8]

Location in the Book of Mormon

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In a strictly theological sense, the account of Ethem is found in the section of material referred to as the plates of Mormon, which is a summary of the larger plates of Nephi,[9] made by Mormon.[10][11][12] This section is placed within the part of the text added to the plates of Mormon by Moroni. The content of the Book of Ether, of which the account of Ethem is a part, consists of a summary of the 24 gold plates of Ether, compiled by Moroni.[12][13]

In the official editions of the Book of Mormon, including the one in use since 1981, Ethem is mentioned in verses 8 and 9 of the first chapter of the Book of Ether, as well as in verses 11, 12, and 14 of the 11th chapter of the same book.[14][15][16] The chapter and verse division system in use today dates back to 1879.[17][18] In the first edition of the Book of Mormon, published in 1830, references to Ethem were part of chapters 1 and 4 of the Book of Ether.[17] It is estimated that the material referring to Ethem was recorded on 25 and 28 May 1829.[19]

Role in the Book of Mormon

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Information about Ethem, like other Jaredite figures, is found in the Book of Ether. His reign belongs to the later period of Jaredite history. According to the genealogy preserved in the Book of Mormon, he was the son of Ahah[20][21][22] and the father of Moron.[23][24][25] In his 1891 work A Dictionary of the Book of Mormon, Comprising Its Biographical, Geographical, and Other Proper Names, the elder George Reynolds suggested that the life of this ruler should be placed in the 8th century BCE.[26] According to one interpretation, the suggestion directly derived from the source text that Ethem may have been a descendant of Ahah rather than his direct son can be dismissed based on a comparative analysis of the two genealogies in the Book of Ether.[27]

His reign was marked by wickedness.[28][29] It was also the time when numerous prophets worked in the Jaredite lands.[30][31] They warned of inevitable destruction if there was no repentance[23][32] and rejection of Jesus Christ.[33] Commentaries have also speculated about the circumstances under which Ethem ascended the throne, suggesting that they may not have been peaceful.[34] He ruled until his death. After his death, his son took over the throne.[35] Commentators have speculated about the nature of the succession after Ethem, suggesting that, similar to the previous generation's transition of power, it may not have been peaceful.[36] It has been noted that the name of Ethem's son and successor is identical to the name of the city that was the Jaredite capital.[37]

In Mormon theology and studies on the Book of Mormon

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The existence of Ethem has not been confirmed in external sources. Linguists associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have considered the etymology of this ruler's name, but no likely etymology has been identified. They have questioned the previously suggested Semitic etymology.[1][23] In studies of names typical of the Book of Mormon, the name Mormon has appeared for over a century. In his 1909 work New Witnesses for God: Part III. The Evidences of the Truth of the Book of Mormon, B. H. Roberts used the name of this monarch to demonstrate the difference between the naming practices of the Jaredites and the Nephites.[38]

In a strictly theological sense, studies on the etymology of Jaredite proper names remain speculative. However, certain results have been achieved, especially if one accepts that some names were translated into the language used by the Nephites.[39] It has also been stated in another source that a convincing connection between the Jaredites and known ancient cultures could shed light on this matter.[39]

John W. Welch, in his extensive commentary on the Book of Mormon published in 2020, noted that Ethem appears twice in this text, each time in a specific order.[40] The first time, he is placed in a genealogical order, starting with Ether and ending with Jared.[41] The second time, he appears chronologically, with Jared as the progenitor of the Jaredites at the beginning, and Ether, the prophet, chronicler, and prince, at the end.[42] The precision of this reversed placement of Ethem in the text was considered remarkable, and Welch regarded it as one of the manifestations of divine inspiration, enabling Joseph Smith to translate the Book of Mormon.[43]

In Mormon culture

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Regardless of the etymological and theological speculations, Ethem has found a place in Mormon culture. He appears in church-published materials of an entertaining and educational nature, such as in the Friend magazine from May 1987.[44] The name Ethem (spelled as Etheme) is also found among Māori converts to Mormonism.[45]

References

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  1. ^ a b "ETHEM". onoma.lib.byu.edu. Retrieved 2024-12-14.
  2. ^ Woodger (2000, p. 57)
  3. ^ Spendlove, Loren Blake (2015). "Say Now Shibboleth, or Maybe Cumorah" (PDF). Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture. 15. The Interpreter Foundation: 53. ISSN 2372-126X. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2021-08-29.
  4. ^ a b Huchel, Frederick M. (2000). "The Deseret Alphabet as an Aid in Pronouncing Book of Mormon Names". Journal of Book of Mormon Studies. 9 (1). Brigham Young University: 58. ISSN 2168-3158.
  5. ^ Woodger (2000, p. 53)
  6. ^ Woodger (2000, p. 56)
  7. ^ a b Wilcox, Brad; Brown, Bruce L.; Baker-Smemoe, Wendy; Black, Sharon (2019). "Comparing Phonemic Patterns in Book of Mormon Personal Names with Fictional and Authentic Sources: An Exploratory Study" (PDF). Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship. 15. The Interpreter Foundation: 114. ISSN 2372-126X. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2021-06-14.
  8. ^ a b "Ethem/Etham Variant". onoma.lib.byu.edu. Retrieved 2024-12-14.
  9. ^ Ricks, Eldin (2002). Story of the Formation of the Book of Mormon Plates. Orem: Orion Publishing. p. 5.
  10. ^ Givens, Terryl (2009). The Book of Mormon: a very short introduction. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press. p. 12. ISBN 978-0-19-536931-1.
  11. ^ Ludlow, Daniel H., ed. (1992). Encyclopedia of Mormonism: the history, scripture, doctrine, and procedure of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. New York: Macmillan. pp. 196, 200. ISBN 978-0-02-904040-9.
  12. ^ a b Largey, Dennis L., ed. (2003). The Book of Mormon Reference Companion. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book. ISBN 978-1-60908-763-0.
  13. ^ Welch (2020, p. 1088)
  14. ^ Reynolds, George (1900). A Complete Concordance to the Book of Mormon. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book. p. 207.
  15. ^ Hardy, Grant, ed. (2003). The Book Of Mormon: A Reader's Edition. Urbana and Chicago: University of Illinois Press. p. 694. ISBN 978-0252073410.
  16. ^ "Ethem". churchofjesuschrist.org. Archived from the original on 2021-05-25.
  17. ^ a b Mackay, Thomas W. (1993). "Mormon as Editor: A Study in Colophons, Headers, and Source Indicators Indicators". Journal of Book of Mormon Studies. 2 (2). Brigham Young University: 104, 109. ISSN 2168-3158.
  18. ^ Turley, Richard E.; Slaughter, William W. (2011). "Chapter Seven Chapter and Verse". How we got the Book of Mormon. Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book. p. 353. ISBN 978-1-60908-062-4.
  19. ^ Welch, John W. (2018). "Timing the Translation of the Book of Mormon "Days [and Hours] Never to Be Forgotten"" (PDF). Brigham Young University Studies Quarterly. 57 (4). Brigham Young University: 47. ISSN 2167-8472. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2021-06-03.
  20. ^ Welch, John W.; Welch, Greg (1999). Jaredite Kings. Provo, Utah: Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies. p. 2.
  21. ^ Pinegar & Allen (2007, p. 92)
  22. ^ Hyde (2015, pp. 14–15)
  23. ^ a b c Reynolds, George; Sjödahl, Janne M. (1955). Commentary on the Book of Mormon Volume 6. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book.
  24. ^ Pinegar & Allen (2007, p. 417)
  25. ^ Hyde (2015, p. 16)
  26. ^ Reynolds, George (1891). A Dictionary of the Book of Mormon, Comprising Its Biographical, Geographical and Other Proper Names. Salt Lake City: Joseph Hyrum Perry. p. 117.
  27. ^ Hyde (2015, p. 15)
  28. ^ Pinegar & Allen (2007, p. 416)
  29. ^ Petersen (1984, p. 257)
  30. ^ Petersen (1984, pp. 257–258)
  31. ^ Pinegar & Allen (2007, pp. 416–417)
  32. ^ Petersen (1984, p. 258)
  33. ^ Hyde (2015, pp. 95–96)
  34. ^ Hyde (2015, p. 95)
  35. ^ Petersen (1984, p. 259)
  36. ^ Hyde (2015, p. 96)
  37. ^ Hyde (2015, p. 97)
  38. ^ Roberts, B. H. (1909). "Internal evidences - The Book of Mormon, in style and language is consistent with the theory of its construction". New Witnesses for God: Volume III - The Evidences of the Truth of the Book of Mormon. Salt Lake City: Deseret News. pp. 735–736. ISBN 1-345-81133-0.
  39. ^ a b "Ahah". onoma.lib.byu.edu. Retrieved 2024-12-15.
  40. ^ Welch (2020, p. 1098)
  41. ^ Welch (2020, p. 1095)
  42. ^ Welch (2020, p. 1096)
  43. ^ Welch (2020, pp. 1099–1100)
  44. ^ Kruckenberg, Janet (1987). "Jaredite Kings". www.churchofjesuschrist.org. Retrieved 2024-12-15.
  45. ^ Taiuru, Karaitiana N (2016). Baby names: Christian, Mormon and non religious Māori first names and their equivalent English name. p. 7. ISBN 978-0-9582597-2-9.

Bibliography

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  • Hyde, Paul Nolan (2015). A Comprehensive Commentary of the Book of Ether. Orem: Parrish Press.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: ref duplicates default (link)
  • Petersen, Mark E. (1984). "Other Rebellions". The Jaredites. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book. ISBN 0-87747-998-4.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: ref duplicates default (link)
  • Pinegar, Ed J.; Allen, Richard J. (2007). Book of Mormon Who's Who A Comprehensive Guide to the People in the Book of Mormon. Salt Lake City: Covenant Communications, Inc. ISBN 978-1-59811-420-1.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: ref duplicates default (link)
  • Woodger, Mary Jane (2000). "How the Guide to English Pronunciation of Book of Mormon Names Came About". Journal of Book of Mormon Studies. 9 (1). Brigham Young University. ISSN 2168-3158.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: ref duplicates default (link)
  • Welch, John W. (2020). John W. Welch Notes - Come Follow Me. Springville, Utah: Book of Mormon Central.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: ref duplicates default (link)
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