A Study Guide Companion for The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ
VOCABULARY TIPS
AND REVIEW
The vocabulary tips in this section are listed in chronological and conceptual order as listed by heading.
2 NEPHI
CHAPTERS 1 - 8
1
A covenant is, “a solemn and binding agreement.”
An applicable meaning of promise is, “a declaration that one will do something or will refrain from doing or not doing something,” such as the Lord promising Lehi that He would lead him and his family and others to a rich land.
When speaking of the Promised Land, some appropriate multi-layered meanings include:
“a land showing future potential,” such as promising to be a land of liberty and greatness—and being the place where the Gospel would be restored in the last days, and the place which would eventually house the New Jerusalem.”
“a land where those who come to it, can reasonably expect to be able to fulfill their potential.”
Two appropriate meanings of consecrated in the context of verse 7 are, “to be made inviolate [or no harm can come to]” and “to make or declare sacred.”
Iniquity is, “wickedness.”
A deep sleep and the sleep of hell are both metaphors comparing, “rejecting righteousness and choosing wickedness to sleep, meaning being bound to Satan rather than being awake in Eternal Life with the Lord.”
Awful chains is "a metaphor comparing, the power the devil has over those who open their hearts to him to being chained rather than being free.”
Eternal is, “one of God’s names.”
Gulf is, “a gap or divide.”
An Eternal gulf of misery and woe is "a metaphor comparing, Eternal separation from God to a terrible gulf, which certainly is a division of misery and woe.”
Arise from the dust is "a metaphor meaning, 'get out of the low and evil life Satan offers' and 'hearken to the spirit which is a child' of God compared to 'hearkening to the carnal desires of a body which was made from the dust, or from the elements of the Earth.' ”
Trembling could be, “physical or spiritual shaking.” Lehi could have been trembling physically because he was old and close to death; he was certainly trembling spiritually, in fear of what would happen to his sons and their descendants if they did not repent.
Limbs are, “arms and legs,” which, in the context of verse 14, represent, “Lehi’s weakened body.”
Lehi said he would soon lay down in the cold and silent grave from whence no traveler can return, again using metaphoric language to say that, “he would soon die.” This language was used in early scriptures, such as those recorded on the Brass Plates, which contained much of our present day Old Testament. Later authors and poets have also borrowed similar terms from the Bible to describe death.
Go the way of all the Earth means, “to die.” The Earth and all its inhabitants will someday day die and will later be resurrected.
Hypostatization is "a category of figurative language that, compares an abstract concept (such as famine) to a person, giving it one or more human characteristic(s).”
Personification is "a category of figurative language that, compares an animal or a thing to a person, giving it one or more human characteristic(s).”
Lehi used hypostatization when he said, cursing will come upon you. It means, “You will be cursed.”
Lehi used hypostatization as well as personification when he said, famine and sword will visit the people. It means, “The people will starve and will be killed in war.”
Armor of righteousness is "a metaphor comparing, a soldier’s armor to spiritually shielding oneself against evil by living righteously.”
Shake off the chains with which ye are bound is "a metaphor that compares, being bound in chains to Satan’s evil influence that spiritually chains you to hell.”
Obscurity is from obscure. Obscure has many synonyms, including “dark, vague, imperfect or clouded revelation, purposely concealing information.”
2 None listed
3 None listed
4
Low valley is "a metaphor comparing a physically low valley to humility.”
Plain road is "a metaphor comparing, 'a straightforward road that is not line with distracting signs or other sidetracking nuisances' to 'keeping unencumbered of temporal or Earthly distractions and keeping an eye single to the glory of God.’ ”
5
Some meanings of the word, idle are, “useless, lazy, shiftless, not turned to appropriate use, disconnected.”
The connotation of mischief is not as serious today as it was when this scripture was translated. The original source of mischief is a combination of mis, meaning, “hatred” and chief, meaning “head.” In other words, mischief was “hatred directed at the chief or head.” Another meaning for mischief is, “a cause of harm or evil.”
Subtlety can be, “operating secretly or insidiously [sneakily].”
A scourge is, “a cause of wide-spread affliction.”
6
After the manner of His Holy Order means, “the Melchizedek Priesthood.”
I will lift up mine Hand refers to, “the Lord’s holy influence that determines the means by which He will see that His prophecies come to pass.” In this case, it may also refer to "His outreaching Hand, welcoming the Gentiles as well as the Jews to embrace His Gospel.”
Standard is from Old French estandard, which means, “rallying point,” and Old English standan, which means, “to stand and point to.” In the context of verse 6, standard means, “the Gospel, which is the will of the Lord, around which all righteous will ‘rally around’ and ‘point to.’ ” It will be restored in a Gentile nation.
Sons in their arms and daughters carried upon their shoulders are "metaphors, comparing 'parents carrying children' to the fact that 'Gentiles will bring the Israelites temporal safety—as well as spiritual safety as they are brought to understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ' .”
Kings will be thy nursing fathers and queens thy nursing mothers are "metaphors comparing,'Gentile leaders helping Israelites temporally' to 'parents feeding their children.' ”
Bow down with their faces toward the Earth and lick the dust of thy feet are "metaphors comparing, 'the fate of the defeated enemies of Israel' to 'the ancient practice of a defeated nation kneeling ‘in the dust’ before a conquering nation.' ”
7
Sackcloth is, “a coarse cloth of goat or camel’s hair, flax, hemp, or cotton, traditionally worn as a sign or mourning or repentance.”
Smiter is, “the person who strikes the other person (sometimes with a whip or other implement held in the hand).”
Plucking off the hair is, “to pull out the beard to shame as well as to hurt someone.”
An ancient meaning of confound is, “to destroy or bring to ruin.”
Flint is, “a massive hard quartz that sparks when hit by steel.”
I have set my face like flint is "a simile that means, 'to be unyielding like flint.' ”
Wax means, “to become” or “to grow.”
The simile, shall wax old as a garment, “compares 'those who do not obey God' to 'old clothes that eventually wear out.' ”
The moth shall eat them is "a metaphor comparing, 'how moths get into old cloth and destroy it one bite at a time,' to' how Satan gets hold of the spirit of those who listen to him and destroys their soul one sin at a time' .”
Encompass or compassed is, “the derivative of compass,” with compass, in this context referring to, “particular space or boundary.”
The metaphor, compassed themselves with their own sparks, refers to, “ 'the supposedly educated surrounding their space with only their own knowledge which amounted to only emaciated sparks' compared to 'the Lord’s great Light.' ”
The metaphor, sparks which you have kindled, compares, “ 'the knowledge they kindled, without the great Light of the Lord,' to 'only deceiving little sparks they took for light' .”
Smite him with the strength of my mouth means, “to speak by the Power of the Holy Ghost and confound everything an enemy might try to say.”
Ye shall lie down in sorrow likely refers to, “dying and, having chosen the wrong champion to follow in life, the wicked are damned, or separated from the true Champion—throughout Eternity.”
8
To compare and contrast within a written work has come to mean through usage, “how something is similar to and how it is different from something else.” Although comparing things often refers to both being alike and being different, in literacy terms, compare means, “how elements of written materials are alike,” and contrast means, “how elements of written materials are different from one another.” Comparing and contrasting reflects high level thinking skills, because one first gathers facts of the elements and situations being compared and contrasted, and then analyzes them according to their similarities and differences. Most of Isaiah’s writings show contrast between the actions and the rewards of those who choose to follow the word of the Lord and those who do not.
Parallelism is, “taking the same, similar, or somehow related ideas and stating them in different words; it may also be comparing or contrasting ideas, or it may start with an idea, then branch out, and return—maybe several verses later—to the original idea. (See 1 Nephi Chapter 20 for more detail.)”
The term rock has multi-layered meanings, referring in the context of verse 1 to, “Abraham, who was called and blessed,” but also to, “the Lord.” The Lord is referred to as a Rock many times in scripture.
The rock from whence ye are hewn is "a metaphor that compares, 'generations of people who came from great parents' to 'small rocks that are chiseled from a great rock' .”
The hole of the pit is "a metaphor, perhaps comparing, 'a pit in the ground in which someone could be buried' to the fact that, 'the Lord rescued the Children of Israel from Satan’s pit when He called Abraham'.”
Comfort, in verse 3 means that, “the Earth will be restored to its Paradisiacal state.”
Righteousness is near means, “the Lord is restoring ‘righteousness’—His Gospel with all His commandments and blessings—to prepare for His Second Coming to redeem His righteous people.” Since Isaiah saw the whole world unfold before him, the fact that he called the Second Coming of Christ—when the first coming was yet centuries in the future—“near”—shows that he was speaking in Eternal terms. In Eternal terms, the whole existence of Earth before its Celestialization is a small moment of time.
Salvation is gone forth, refers to, “great missionary work being performed when all people have the message of Salvation—and all have had the opportunity to accept the Gospel, which is the Lord’s wonderful Plan of Salvation. All will be judged according to whether or not they choose to accept the truth.” Also, "one name-title for the Savior" is Salvation. In Isaiah’s visions of the future, Salvation, Jesus Christ, has gone forth to save mankind.
The metaphor, my Arm, "compares 'the Lord’s Arm' to, 'the Lord’s Power, Purposes, and Plans—and also 'the Lord’s Word and Will and Strength.' ” It is used in other scriptures when we are told the Lord will “bare His Arm” (i.e. 1 Nephi 22:10; see also 1 Nephi 14:1).
The isles of the sea refer to, “lands throughout the world not accessible to Asia or Africa except by sea.”
An exile has two seemingly contradictory meanings, namely, “one forced from one’s home,” and, “a voluntary absence.”
As a multi-layered meaning, the captive exile in verse 14 could be “one captured by force and kept from one’s homeland”—such as the Israelites were for centuries—with but short returns as subservients. The other meaning here could refer to, “the captivity by the devil of those Israelites who should always have known better than to hearken to him.”
The metaphor, I have put my words in thy mouth, "compares, 'the revealed written words in scripture as originally given by God' to 'God actually speaking to His prophets.' ”
The beautiful metaphor, have covered thee in the shadow of mine Hand, "compares,'God’s Hand being over them' to 'God protecting them'.”
Zion means “the people of God—the righteous literal Children of Israel and all those who are pure in heart and come unto Christ, the God of this and countless other worlds.” Zion also means, “where the people of God—the pure in heart—live.”
Dregs can mean, “the most undesirable part” and also, “the last remaining part.”
A cup is "a metaphor often used in scripture to compare, 'drinking a bitter draught from a cup' to 'suffering'.”
Sackcloth is, “a coarse cloth of goat or camel’s hair, flax, hemp, or cotton, traditionally worn as a sign or mourning or repentance.” Whether or not the two prophets would literally wear sackcloth or whether they figuratively would wear it, it would symbolize the necessary penitence for the Israelite people because of their rejection of the Lord.
Afflicted and drunken refers to, “their miserable and confused state”; it will not be wine which will confuse them, but the deceptive power of the devil.
CHAPTERS 9 - 13
9
Infinite means, “inconceivably great and extensive, subject to no limitations or external determination.”
To be damned is, “to be separated from God.” Those who do not accept Christ’s Atonement must suffer for their own sins and will be separated from God as they go through their own agony.
Endure the crosses of the world is "a metaphor comparing, 'the literal cross on which the Savior would be killed' to 'trials believers in Christ will endure—or put up with—the troubles, persecution and even death the unbelievers in the world inflict on the believers because of their steadfast belief in Jesus Christ—and their refusal to deny Him'.”
Despised the shame of it means, “true believers in Christ will not pay attention to the mockery or ‘shame’ of those who make fun of or put down their belief in Him.”
Endless is, “one of God’s names.”
Endless torment is, “the terrible torment that our God, Jesus Christ, experienced in Gethsemane and on the cross for all of our sins, pains, and weaknesses.” Those who refuse to repent and accept the Atonement will have to suffer enough of God’s same torment to pay the price of their own sins. It will take some sinners the whole Millennium to do this.
Probation is, “subjection of an individual to a period of testing and trial to ascertain fitness.” Our probation in this life is to test our fitness to live in the Kingdom of Heaven. The Lord does not expect us to be perfect in this life. He expects us to do all that we can do. The rest is bridged by the Power of the Atonement.
Wo ;woe means, “miserable, or will become miserable.”
Circumcision has been, “a symbol of a covenant” since early Israelite days. Before the birth of Jesus Christ, according to the Law of Moses, all males were circumcised as a symbol or as a 'manifest token of the covenant that the Lord had made with Abraham and his seed.' (Bible Dictionary, Published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, p. 646) 'It symbolized some aspects of separation or dedication (1) to God, to whom Israel belonged; (2) from the world, the uncircumcised with whom Israel might not mix; (3) from sin'.” Because the males were circumcised when they were eight days-old, it reminded them that they were to be baptized when they were eight years-old.
Uncircumcised of heart is, “figurative language that refers to covenant-making. Those who may or may not be physically circumcised according to the Law of Moses, and have not committed their hearts to God, are uncircumcised of heart.” To be uncircumcised of heart is, “when someone has broken covenants with God at the spiritual—rather than physical—level.”
The Lord’s condescensions refer to: “(1) the condescension of God [the Father which…] consists in the fact that though He is an exalted, perfected, glorified Personage, He became the personal and literal Father of a mortal Offspring born to a mortal woman…” (Bruce R. McConkie); (2) “When Jesus Christ, who was already the great God, Jehovah, voluntarily was born of a mortal mother and chose to live the life of a mortal, coming to earth in the most humble of circumstances for our sakes, was baptized sinlessly to ‘fulfill all righteousness,’ or to ‘obey all of Heavenly Father’s commandments,’ and to willingly suffer the Atonement and to give up His life for us, is also the condescension of God.”
10
Behooveth is from behoove, which means, “to be necessary.”
Isles of the sea refer to, “areas all over the world that are not accessible, except by sea, to Asia and Africa.” Jacob said many had been taken away to different places to live.
Nursing fathers and mothers are "metaphors that refer to, 'servants of the Lord who, having the Gospel, share it with His other children' to 'parents who lovingly nurture their children'.” Nursing fathers and mothers could also 'compare nurturing parents' to 'leaders of nations who would help Israel reestablish itself in the old world Land of Promise.’ ”
Zion means “the people of God—the righteous literal Children of Israel and all those who are pure in heart and come unto Christ, the God of this and countless other worlds;” Zion also means, “where the people of God—the pure in heart—live.”
11
Typify is, “to symbolize the essential characteristics.” The laws Moses gave were from God—and their purpose was to form a model or resemblance of Christ (such as the law of sacrifice representing how Christ Himself would later be sacrificed).
12
The mountain of the Lord’s house is "a metaphor comparing, 'the temple, which is not only large in size but is momentous in the huge blessings it contains' to 'a mountain'.”
Beating swords and spears into plow-shares and pruning-hooks are "metaphors comparing, 'resources which will be used productively' instead of for destruction' to 'swords and spears, which were common weapons of war at the time'.”
The Light of the Lord is "a metaphor often used in scripture to compare 'following Jehovah rather than Lucifer' to' following light instead of following darkness'.” It also means, “the Light of Christ, a very real and powerful force that emanates from Christ to ‘fill the immensity of space’ (D & C 88:12).”
Philistia is, “an ancient land which was located near southwest Palestine.”
Because of Philistia’s degradation as a nation, a definition of Philistine, which is a derivative of Philistia is now, “a crass individual guided by material rather than intellectual or artistic values and uninformed in special areas of knowledge.”
Soothsayers are, “those who make predictions or prophecies.”
In the context of verse 9, mean man refers to, “poor man or one of little means.”
In the context of verse 9, great man refers to, “a rich man.”
Since mountain is often a metaphor for, “temple,” it is likely that Isaiah told those who worshiped idols and false gods that the true Christ would bring down all of the false gods and temples of Satan. In verse 18, Isaiah elaborated, “and the idols He shall utterly abolish.”
Cease ye from man means, “Do not put your trust in man over God!”
Whose breath is in his nostrils means, “man was given the breath of life by God. Man did not create it himself.”
For wherein is he to be account of? means, “No matter how proud and knowledgeable he thinks he is, man is dependent on God for his very life, both on the Earth and Eternally.”
13
With several definitions for stay, an appropriate choice in verse 1 is, “to fix on something as a foundation or support.”
Taking away water could mean “drought” on a physical level. On a spiritual level, Christ calls His Gospel by the beautiful metaphor, living water, from which, if we drink of it, we will never thirst again (John 4: 10-14). Ancient Israel, as well as other straying children of God throughout history, rejected and continue to reject the true Gospel, so miss having the blessing of this foundation.
Staff, in the context of verse 1 means, “a support.”
Bread, on a physical level, is often referred to as, “the staff of life.”
Not having bread could refer to, “famine.” On a spiritual level, “the Savior is metaphorically referring to the Living Bread which came down from Heaven (John 6:51).” Apostates reject this Bread, and it is thus taken from them.
Fruit of their doings is "a metaphor comparing 'fruit of a tree' to 'the result, or consequence of their behavior, or actions.' This fruit will be 'Eternal Life for the righteous'.”
The converse, Reward of their hands, is also metaphoric. It is, “the result, or consequence, for the wicked because of their actions. This reward is damnation!”
Wanton means, “seductive” or “sexually promiscuous.”
Smite with a scab the crown of the head is "a metaphor that
compares 'an ugly scab' as the consequence of reveling in transient Earthly beauty which is called, metaphorically, a crown.”
Discover their secret parts means, “reveal their true nature.”
Girdle in verse 24 refers to, “an article of dress encircling the body, often at the waist, worn for ornament as well as function.”
Rent can mean, “torn or ragged clothes.”
Stomacher is, “an elaborately embroidered or jeweled separate piece for the center front of a bodice.”
Girding of sackcloth refers to, “a coarse cloth of camel hair, goat hair, flax, hemp, or cotton, worn as a sign of mourning or penitence.”
Burning means, “branding that has been done to slaves.”
CHAPTERS 14 - 19
14
Purge comes from the same root as purify. Some definitions are, “clear of guilt” and, “removing elements or people that are thought to be undesirable, treacherous, or disloyal.”
Purged the blood perhaps means, “when the most wicked of the Israelites were killed, the new Israelites who would then be born would be brought up in righteous families. Christ would have purged, or cleared of guilt, their blood with His own blood, atoning for the sins of the repentant survivors.”
Defense or defence means, “capable of resisting attack.” This could refer to physical or spiritual attack.
Covert, from Middle English covir which means “to cover,” in the context of verse 6, means, “shelter or protective covering.”
15
An allegory is, “a story that includes multi-layered meanings. It has a surface meaning, which is of lesser importance than the spiritual values and insights cloaked within its deeper level.” It is often, “symbolic representation of truths, or generalizations about human existence, with common people, things, events, and ideas representing a more profound level of people, things, events, and ideas.” (Note: Many of the following definitions refer particularly to the allegory in Chapter 15 rather than being universal definitions.)
Fenced means, “protected.”
Gathered out the stones means, “took out the bad parts.”
Grapes refer to, “ ‘good’ grapes or ‘righteousness.’ ”
Wild grapes mean, “wickedness.”
The wine-press represents, “prosperity.”
The tower symbolizes, “the temple.”
Judgment, in the context of verse 7, means, “justice or righteous judgment.” Instead of seeing justice or righteous judgment in the land, the Lord saw oppression.
Hoping to find righteousness, the Lord, instead, beheld a cry, meaning, “a cry for help.”
A bath is, “an ancient Hebrew liquid measure corresponding to an ephah of dry measure.”
An ephah is, “an ancient Hebrew dry measure equal to 1/10 of a homer.”
A homer is, “an ancient Hebrew measure of capacity equal to about eleven bushels or 100 gallons.”
Hell is recognized as a place in two senses, “(1) the temporary abode—until the second resurrection—of those who will receive the telestial glory—where, having rejected the Atonement of Jesus Christ, they will be required to pay for their own sins; (2) the permanent abode of the devil and his angels.” It is also "a state of being when one is separated from God.”
Carcasses are, “dead bodies.” This phrase may refer to, “the dead from the war that will erupt in the last days.”
16
Train is, “a holy or temple robe. Here the train, or robe, is likely a metaphor, expressing how the Power of the Lord, with its overwhelming purity and righteousness, filled the area.”
Seraphim means, “a special class of angels who live in the Celestial Kingdom, sometimes called the ‘burning ones’ or the ‘shining ones.’ ”
Twain means, “two.”
In ancient Israel, house, often means, “a sacred temple.”
Unclean lips is "a metaphor comparing, 'unclean lips' to 'sins'.” Isaiah, as is true of every living soul except Jesus Christ, had committed sins. Furthermore, he lived in a very sinful society.
17
The house of David meant, “the present king, a descendant of David (who was a descendant of Judah), and his household.”
Confederate means, “ally” or “accomplice.”
Ephraim was the younger son of the Joseph who had been sold into Egypt, but Ephraim’s Grandfather Jacob (Israel) gave Ephraim the greater blessing of Joseph’s two sons. The people in the northern kingdom of Israel were descendants of Ephraim and of other tribes, although some cities of Ephraim’s tribe joined with Judah when the Israelite kingdoms split. Isaiah used the name, Ephraim, to refer both to "the northern kingdom” and “to the royal house of the northern kingdom.” Syria with Israel (or Ephraim, in this sense) had become confederates against Judah (the southern kingdom).
His heart was moved and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind is "figurative language because it is both simile and personification, comparing 'the feelings of the people of the kingdom of Judah' to 'the feeling the trees have when the wind moves them'.”
A firebrand is both, “a piece of burning wood” and “an agitator.”
The two tails of these smoking firebrands, is "a powerful metaphor, comparing, 'firebrands' with 'the fierce anger of the two kings who were after Ahaz’s throne'!”
Butter and honey shall He eat is "a metaphor comparing, 'eating butter and honey' to 'the truth that the Lord would only accept the good or righteous to build His character as He grew.' Because He 'gathered and consumed' only righteousness, He had the strength to refuse evil and choose only good during His whole life."
Hiss can be a noun meaning, “a snake-like sound” or even “snake-like” people." In this verse, however it is a verb. Two meanings of the verb, hiss, are, “whistle” and “whisper.” There was a practice for beekeepers in ancient Israel to whistle for the bees to come back to the hive.
The fly and the bee are "metaphors comparing, 'these two insects' to 'the armies of the Assyrians'.”
18
Damascus was, “the capital of Syria.”
Samaria was, “the capital of the kingdom of Israel.”
The metaphor, the neck, could have meant, “the upper reaches of the land" (Parry et. al. Understanding Isaiah p. 84) or it may have meant, "the gates of Jerusalem, meaning, “the Assyrian army would gather around their necks” (Victor Ludlow, Isaiah: Prophet, Seer, and Poet, p. 148).
Stretching out of his wings was "a metaphor expressing, 'how the Assyrian king and his armies would overshadow the whole of Israel' as 'a desert bird may overshadow its prey'.”
Immanuel means, “God is with us. It is one of Jesus Christ’s names." Jesus Christ created the Earth and the whole Earth belongs to Him. However, one of the places He set apart as a Promised Land was the land of Israel. This is the land that Isaiah prophesied would be overrun by the Assyrians because of the Children of Israel’s wickedness.
A strong Hand is "a metaphor comparing, 'the Lord speaking with great Power to Isaiah' to 'a strong hand'." He told him not to buy into the fear of the people and echo their call for a confederacy with the wicked nation of Assyria. Instead they should look to the Lord of Hosts for protection.”
Sanctify means, “praise and worship” when related toward God. It means, “to be made pure and be accepted of God,” when related toward righteous mankind or spiritual symbols.”
A gin is, “a trap for animals.”
A snare is, “a trap for animals.”
Zion means “the people of God—the righteous literal Children of Israel and all those who are pure in heart and come unto Christ, the God of this and countless other worlds.” Zion also means, “where the people of God—the pure in heart—live.”
When Isaiah said that the Lord dwelleth in Mount Zion, his description of the Lord’s dwelling was intended to be multi-layered. A mountain often represented, “the temple.” The temple is the house of the Lord. Also, the temple in Jerusalem was on Mount Moriah or Mount Zion; there the Lord gave His true law to the righteous.
Bestead means, “to be useful.” Hardly bestead means, “they would be of no use.”
Hungry in verse 21 had a multi-layered meaning, “Not only would they be driven and physically lacking food, they would spiritually be separated from God.”
19
Vexation means, “trouble.”
To afflict means, “to bring suffering to.”
Meridian has several meanings. The appropriate meaning relating to when Christ was born is, “the high point.”
Multiplied the nation refers to, “the promises God made to Abraham. When the Gospel is restored and people from all over the Earth choose to receive it, the Lord is increasing the lineage of Abraham, or multiplying the nation. All who receive Christ and choose to live His true Gospel become part of the House of Israel.”
Harvest in verse 3 is "a metaphor that compares, 'gathering of souls, when in the Lord’s harvest time the righteous are joyfully gathered by the Lord' to 'the gathering of crops'.”
Spoil has several meanings. An appropriate meaning for verse 3 is, “something gained by special effort.” Jesus Christ gained our souls by infinite effort." A similar meaning to spoil is, “what belongs by right or custom by the victor in war.” Sometimes spoil means, “defeat.” In the war between good and evil, good will prevail; the souls of mankind will be saved. A contrasting, but still appropriate, meaning of spoil is, “prey.” The wicked will be prey to the righteous forces at the Second Coming of Christ.
His name shall be called Wonderful…counselor… (Parry et. al., p. 96, point out that in Hebrew reading, there is no comma between these two words; they suggest it means Wonderful Counsellor [two l’s], which suggests, “a counselor at court.” Christ will intercede for us, be our advocate, and judge us.) He also, “counsels us—teaching us the way to live to return to Heavenly Father.”
The Mighty God means, “Jesus Christ possesses the great Power of the Priesthood and possesses faith and Light, given to Him by Heavenly Father. With His great Power He created our world as well as countless other worlds in addition to many Heavens, and with Heavenly Father, He created our bodies. He alone was mighty enough to lay down His life and then become resurrected; He alone was mighty enough to suffer the infinite Atonement.”
The Everlasting Father reminds us that, “we are all Heavenly Father’s spirit children. We may also become Christ’s sons and daughters as we accept Him.”
The Prince of Peace means, “Christ taught peace during His Earthly ministry and He will reign forever in peace.”
Lord of Hosts reminds us, “A host is ‘a very large number or a multitude, sometimes referring to an army.’ Jesus Christ is Lord over what, to us, is an infinite number, yet He knows us all. We can all be part of Christ’s army of righteousness.”
Zeal means, “intensely pursuing a particular goal.”
The government shall be upon His shoulder means, “He will shoulder the responsibility of government, and then reign over us in righteousness; He will establish His government with perfect justice and judgment.”
The metaphors head and tail "compared the ‘elders’ to the head and the ‘false prophets (that teacheth lies)’ to the tail of the great monster Israel had become. It brings to mind the dragon, a metaphor used to, “represent the devil.” It was the devil to whom they listened.
It is interesting that a rush is used as a metaphor "comparing 'the center of the Israelite nation' to 'this marsh plant.' Rushes are, “tufted marsh plants with hollow centers. The center of the Israelite nation was certainly hollow at this time in history.”
The land is darkened means temporally, “destroyed though the ravishes of war,” and spiritually, “God’s Light is gone.”
People shall be as fuel is a metaphor. "It compares 'the people’s wickedness as they feed the fire of destruction'to 'fuel feeding a literal fire'.”
Flesh of his own arm means, “his brother.” People will grab, pillage, or steal anything to survive, not considering if their own family or friends or fellow-countrymen are hurt.
CHAPTERS 20 - 26
20
Hypocritical comes from hypocrite which means, “one who pretends to be one way but is actually another, or those who pretend virtues or qualities that they do not have, attempting to deceive others.”
People of my wrath are, “the Children of Israel with whom the Lord is angry.”
Spoil in the context of verse 6 means, “the lands and possessions taken by a conquering nation in war.”
Prey in the context of verse 6 means, “the Israelite people themselves, many of whom will become captive.”
Fruit is "a metaphor comparing 'fruit as the result of growing from seed to actions or results of actions, which in the context of verse 12 was, the Assyrian king’s slaughter and capture of people and lands' with 'the goal to rule the world'.”
Stout heart is "a metaphor comparing 'a bold and arrogant attitude' to 'an uncaring heart, with heart meaning the center of feeling'.”
High looks is "a metaphor comparing 'a sneering countenance to 'a proud and conceited attitude'.”
21
The appropriate meaning of fear of the Lord in this instance is, “to have profound reverential awe and great respect toward God.” As Jesus remembered His Holy Father in Heaven—also His literal Earthly Father—He loved and reverenced Him on Earth as He always had in the pre-mortal life and will continue to do so forever.
A carnivore is, “a flesh-eating animal.”
An herbivore is, “a plant-eating animal.”
Sucking child is, “a child who is still nursing.”
Weaned child is, “a child who no longer nurses.”
An asp is, “a poisonous snake, often identified as a small cobra.”
A cockatrice is, “a legendary serpent said to have hatched from a chicken egg.”
Ephraim is used in context of verse 13 as, “the name of the northern nation of Israel.”
Judah was, “the southern kingdom of Israel.”
Envy in context of verse 13 refers to, “the object of malicious feeling.”
Vex means, “to agitate, distress, or trouble.”
To fly upon means, “attack.”
Lay their hand upon means, “attack.”
Spoil can mean, “defeat.”
Shall obey them means, “all will be in submission to the Lord.”
22
A psalm is, “a sacred song or poem used in worship.”
In verse 2, Salvation is "a metaphor for, 'Christ Himself.'" In verse 3 Salvation is, “the glory, authority, majesty, power, and dominion which Jehovah possesses…; no being can possess it but Himself or one like Him.” (Joseph Smith, Lectures on Faith) Christ offers this to us!
One function of verbs is, “to express actions.”
23
A burden is, “a responsibility or duty,” or “something that is oppressive or worrisome.” Similar to these meanings, it is also, “a prophecy of doom.” Many prophets have been given the responsibility or burden to prophesy of doom, or to warn people to repent so they may escape the consequences that wicked behavior brings.
The banner referred to in verse 2 is, “an ensign, a standard, or a heraldic device,” and is in the context of verse 2 it is, “a symbol of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
High mountain is "a metaphor that represents, “the holy temple.”
Shake the hand means, “to beckon others to join.”
Tumultuous comes from the Latin tumere, which means, “to swell.” It often refers to riotous behavior, but in the context of verse 4, it means, “a great growing and swelling noise.”
Hosts means, “army.” In the context of verse 4 it means, “Christ’s army gathered to fight evil.”
Lord of Hosts is, “Jesus Christ, Lord and Leader of the army of righteousness.”
Weapons of His indignation are, “the Lord’s great Heavenly Powers and the righteous army that comes with Him from the ends of Heaven and from all corners of the Earth.”
Howl is, “a sound often associated with wolves, coyotes, and dogs.” The Lord "compared in metaphor, 'false prophets' to 'ravening wolves.' ”
Retribution is, “dispensing or receiving reward or punishment, especially in the hereafter.”
A chased roe is, “a hunted deer”
A sheep that no man taketh up means, “a sheep without a shepherd.” In Zion there will be safety; but throughout the rest of the nations, the wicked will fight against one another and there will be no protection
24
In context of verse 1, the meaning of cleave comes from Old English clifian or Old High German, kleben which is, “to adhere or stick closely, firmly, loyally, and unwaveringly.” An opposite meaning of cleave comes from Old Norse, kljufa, meaning, “to split” and Greek, glyphein, meaning, “to carve.”
Strangers, in context of verse 1 are, “those who are adopted into Abraham’s family because they believe in and follow the commandments of the Lord.”
Hard bondage can mean, “bondage to the devil through sin.” Many kinds of sins (such a drugs, alcohol, and pornography) are obviously addictive. But any kind of sin, through habit, can be an "addiction"—or a hard bondage.
Feller is, “a woodcutter who ‘fells’ trees.”
A proverb is, “a general truth, lesson, or rule of conduct, often based on observation of common things.”
Stars of God in verse 13 means, “all of God’s other spirit children—excluding Lucifer—and including Christ!”
Mount of the congregation means, “assembly of Gods.” (Watts, 1985 cited by Parry et. al. p. 147)
Sides of the north means, “farthest.” (Ibid.)
Narrowly look upon means, “to squint at or stare at.”
Seed means, “children or descendants.”
Renowned means, “widely honored.”
Bittern is, “bitter water solution of salt.”
Besom is, “a broom made of twigs.”
Disannul means, “cancel.”
North a smoke means, “cities burn as Palestina is destroyed.” It refers, in the latter-day, “to the destruction of evil.”
25
Nuance is, “subtle shades of meanings, values, or feelings.”
Idioms are, “parts of languages that are peculiar to a certain people, such as sentence and word structure, grammar, expressions, and style that cannot be translated by examining individual elements of the language.” An example of an idiom is, “He got a kick out of listening to the story—meaning, he found listening to the story amusing.”
Main ideas are, “important points, often in a piece of writing.” Usually a chapter in scripture contains many important main ideas.
Supporting details are, “examples, facts, illustrations, reasons, or other descriptions that give evidence to or reinforce a main idea.”
Sepulchre (sepulcher) means, “tomb.”
Healing in His wings is "a metaphor comparing the fact that, 'through His life, His Atonement—including taking upon Himself our sins and pains and suffering the punishment for them—His voluntary death—and His glorious Resurrection, Christ heals our bodies and our spirits to wings to lift us up to Eternal Life.”
Scourged means, “to agitate or stir up.”
Set His Hand again means, “He will again do something.” The Lord already offered the Israelites the Gospel, which they rejected. He will give them another chance to accept it.
Restore His people means, “The Lord will put His chosen people back in their original place as His covenant people.”
Lost and fallen state means, “They have removed themselves from God, so they do not have His guidance.”
A marvelous work and a wonder is, “the Restored Gospel, including all of its keys and blessings.”
Children of man means, “all people living and dead.”
A theme is, “the specific over-all message or topic of a discourse.”
26
Anguish means, “extreme pain.”
Anguish of soul is, “extreme spiritual as well as physical pain.” This expression reminds us that one’s soul can hurt. We have a body and a spirit.The soul is the combination of both. Nephi was hurting terribly in both body and spirit.
Well nigh means, "almost."
Consumeth is from consume, which, in the context of verse 7, means, “to waste away.” Nephi was so overcome with horror when he saw what his descendants would bring on themselves, he felt he could waste away.
Before the Presence of the Lord meant, “during the vision the Lord showed him.”
Stubble is, “the part of the plant still attached to the soil after the edible part has been harvested.” They shall be as stubble is a graphic simile. It compares 'the worthlessness of evil' to 'stubble left in a field after the harvest'.” Stubble needs to be burned so there is room to plant a new crop.
The term, hosts, often means, “armies.” It suggests war and destruction. Another meaning of hosts is, “huge numbers of people.”
The fire of the anger of the Lord is "a metaphor comparing God’s intense anger over the horrible evil that the wicked perpetuate' to 'fire'.” But it also meant that, “literal fire would be part of God’s punishment.”
We sometimes consider the term, foolishness, as being somewhat harmless, although silly and ridiculous, but the term in verse 10 is used much more seriously. One meaning of foolish is, “lacking judgment and prudence.” Along with our agency, if we live worthy, we are given the promise of the Holy Ghost to help guide our judgments. In their wickedness, these people choose to reject the Holy Ghost to help guide their judgments.
Dwindle means, “become steadily less.” We become “less” if we lose testimony of the truth.
Chaff is, “worthless debris which is scattered during harvesting and threshing time.” It is both "an interesting and appropriate metaphoric comparison, to 'equate those who are evil and are destroyed' to 'chaff'.”
Nay means, “no.”
Priestcrafts are, “when people set themselves up as God’s spokespeople and authorities, rather than recognize the ultimate authority of the Savior and His holy word; they do this for the purpose of getting riches, power, and praise of the world. (‘For behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion’—verse 29.)”
CHAPTERS 27 - 33
27
Zion means “the people of God—the righteous literal Children of Israel and all those who are pure in heart and come unto Christ, who is the God of this and countless other worlds.” Zion also means, “where the people of God—the pure in heart—live.”
Mount Zion may refer to, “the nation composed of the people of God where Christ reigns." Because a mountain is often a metaphor for temples, Mount Zion may also refer to, “the temple with its blessings and covenants.”
A simile, “compares two seemingly unlike things, adding graphic meaning to one of the things as it identifies one or more commonalities between them, using a connective word, such as like, as, seems, resembles, or defines.”
The foundations of the world unto the end thereof means, “from the time the world was created until it, at last, will be Celestialized.”
Some meanings of fear are, “dread and terror,” “a negative emotion caused by expectation of danger,” “profound reverence and awe,” and “reason for alarm.”
Marvelous work and wonder is, “the Restored Gospel, including all of its keys and blessings.”
Prudent means, “good judgment and wisdom.”
Potter’s clay is, “a relatively cheap plastic clay suitable for making pottery that is easily discarded, also called ‘potter’s Earth.”
28
Wo; woe means, “misery.” When people make wicked choices, they will bring misery, or wo, upon themselves.
Just means, “right, correct, fair, and good.”
Naught means, “nothing or worthless.”
To turn aside the just for a thing of naught is, “to choose what is worthless over that which is right, fair and good.”
Revile means, “use abusive language toward someone or fight against someone or something.”
Perish means, “to be destroyed.” In the context of verse 16, it is "to be spiritually destroyed, and the wicked—who knowingly cast their lots with Satan—may also be physically destroyed."
Fully ripe in iniquity is "a metaphor that compares 'the way people get more and more wicked' to 'fruit getting riper and riper.' "Just as the fruit would then be picked or fall off the tree, the wicked will fall off their position of safety and be destroyed.
Rages means, “violent action.” Rages in the hearts of men means, “the devil will stir people who are open to him to commit violent actions.”
A precept is, “a command or a principle that is intended as a general rule of action.” Each of Heavenly Father’s precepts is a step back to Him.
Maketh flesh his arm is "a metaphor that compares 'flesh' to 'mortals' and 'arm' to 'people’s goals, attitudes, and actions'." It means, "those who hearken to mortals rather than to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.”
29
Seed means, “children or descendants.” God’s holy word went from Nephi’s seed (subsequent Nephite prophets), who wrote on the Plates, to his later seed who would receive the Gospel in The Book of Mormon in the latter days.
Ends of the Earth means, “to all people in all lands.”
Hiss, in the context of verse 2, means, “to whisper.” The Holy Ghost will whisper the truthfulness of the scriptures, including The Book of Mormon, to those who humbly seek the truth of God.
One meaning of irony is, “a contrast between what is and what could reasonably be expected.”
30
Scales of darkness is an interesting metaphor. There are many meanings for scales. Some meanings are:
“a small, rigid plate covering a fish;”
“a black coating of oxide that covers the surface of iron when it
is heated for processing;”
“part of the outer surface in a suit of armor;”
“infestation of disease caused by ‘scale insects.’ ”
Think of how these meanings are appropriate metaphors to describe, “those who do not see the Light of Christ.” Scales of darkness could be "a metaphor meaning 'a hard rigid armor-like covering in one’s soul', causing 'spiritual disease by blocking out the Light of Christ'.”
White is symbolic of, “the purity of Jesus Christ and the white Light of Christ that will permeate us as we receive testimony of Him. It is opposite the dark loathsomeness of the devil.”
Delightsome means, “pure and good.”
White and delightsome people, "rather than referring to skin color, likely means that those who live in the white (pure) Light of Christ, truly living His Gospel, are certainly delightsome, or pure and good.”
A girdle is, “an article of clothing commonly worn which closely
surrounds a person’s body." It is also, "two or more rings at the anterior and posterior of our vertebrae that support our arms and legs.” Girdle could be "a metaphor for the righteousness and faithfulness and purity of which the Lord constantly surrounds Himself.” The second definition reminds us that "it is the Lord, in His perfection of righteousness, purity and faithfulness, who supports us."
The term reins means, “the seat of feelings or passion” or “the part of the body where feelings or passions are kept.” Righteousness and faithfulness are great and powerful feelings and passions within our perfect Lord.
Although loins today are considered, “the upper and lower abdominal regions of one’s body," in ancient times loins were generally considered synonymous for reins—“the part of the body where feelings or passions are kept, much like we, in metaphor, call the heart the center of passions and feelings.”
31
According to the flesh means, “in the mortal body.” Jesus Christ obeyed the Father by taking on a mortal body, by living a perfect life in the flesh as He always had in His spirit body, by suffering more than anyone else ever could suffer in atoning for our sins in Gethsemane and on the cross, and by dying for us on the cross. His Sacrifice for us was central to the Plan of Salvation because it paid justice for our sins and, if we will repent, it will allow us Eternal Life with our Heavenly Father.
The baptism of fire means, “the ongoing gift of the Holy Ghost, which sanctifies and purifies our lives.”
One meaning of faithful is, “keeping covenants and promises.” Jesus kept His promise to the Father as He fulfilled every bit of the commitment of being our Savior. The words of Christ are “true and faithful,” which means promises made to us will be fulfilled as we are “true and faithful,” or fulfill our part of the covenant. We have the witnesses of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. The powerful blessing of having these Gods as Partners, working for our Salvation, is wonderful beyond imagination!
Endureth (Endure), in context of verses 15 and 16 means, “to remain firm to the end of life as we follow Christ—in spite of possible suffering or trials.”
32
Not faint means, “not stop or give up.”
One meaning of consecrate is, “to make or declare sacred.”
33
Esteem means, “to value.”
Naught means, “nothing or worthless.”
Esteem them as naught means, “to give them no value or consider them worthless.”
Glory in verse 6 means, “honor, praise, and admire, and give thanks for.”
All ye ends of the Earth is, “everybody everywhere.”