New Restored Gospel Content
Hebrew Evidence
Updated: March 8, 2024
Gender Matched Parallelism
Gender Matched Parallelism
Hebrew language (like German and Spanish) assigns Gender to nouns. To speak correctly in the language requires understanding the gender of the noun assigned in that language.
….Which brings to light another exclusive truth of the Book of Mormon: correct Gender Matching.
In the Hebrew language for instance, the Sun (as an object) is 'masculine' and the Moon 'feminine.'
E.G.:
2 Nephi 10:10 For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light;
The sun shall be darkened in His going forth,
And the moon shall not cause her light to shine. (Quoting Isaiah)
(LDS: 2 Nephi 23:10)
So how is it that the Book of Mormon (Samuel the Lamanite specifically) makes an apparent blunder, referring to the Sun as 'her?'
Helaman 5:75 "But behold, as I said unto you concerning another sign - a sign of His death - Behold, in that day that He shall suffer death, the sun shall be darkened and refuse to give her light unto you, and also the moon and the stars;
(LDS: Helaman 14:20)
Helaman 5:75 specifically says 'HER LIGHT.' This is a huge mistake, correct?
NO! This is another example of the authenticity of the Book of Mormon.
In Hebrew, while the Sun as an object is masculine, the light of the sun is feminine. This is explained here by Hebrew Scholars:
The typical shemesh word for 'sun' is masculine and occurs 134 times in the bible.
How would Joseph Smith have known to call it 'her' when describing the light of the sun? (See https://biblehub.com/str/hebrew/2535.htm)
The feminine use of 'sun' chammah is used by Isaiah when describing the light of the sun!!! (See https://biblehub.com/str/hebrew/8121.htm)
This feminine description is used only 6 times in the bible while the typical masculine 'sun' is used, but that is the correct pronoun as used by Samuel with 'her'!!
In Hebrew grammar, gender plays a significant role, and nouns are assigned either masculine or feminine gender.
However, the assignment of gender does not always correspond directly to the biological gender of the noun's referent. Instead, it is often based on linguistic and cultural factors.
In the case of "the sun" being masculine while "the light of the sun" is feminine, it reflects a linguistic convention rather than a biological or logical distinction.
"The sun" in Hebrew, which is "הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ" (ha-shemesh), is classified as masculine. This gender assignment is likely rooted in ancient cultural associations with the sun as a powerful and active force, traits typically associated with the masculine gender in many languages.
On the other hand, "the light of the sun" in Hebrew, which is "אוֹר הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ" (orha-shemesh), uses the word "אוֹר" (or), meaning "light," which is grammatically feminine in Hebrew.
So first, Samuel (i.e. The Book of Mormon) is correct.
But further, there is no example of this in the Bible! In no place does the bible have a verse equating the light of the sun with a feminine pronoun 'her.'
How could Joseph Smith have plagiarized something of Hebrew so nuanced as this when no biblical example exists??!!!
Gender Matched Parallelism of Alma:
Another outstanding example: Justice and Mercy. In Hebrew Justice is associated with God Elohim, and Elohim a masculine noun.
Adonai, while a masculine noun, has feminine qualities such as Mercy.
In Alma, the pronouns 'his' and 'her' are properly assigned to Justice and Mercy. Again, how would a young American farm boy (Joseph Smith) have known this?
'His' and 'Her' are never assigned together in the Bible with Justice and Mercy, yet they appear in correct context within the Book of Mormon.
And thus they are restored into His presence,
To be judged according to their works according to the law and justice;
For behold, justice exerciseth all his demands,
And also mercy claimeth all which is her own;
And thus, none but the truly penitent are saved.
(LDS: Alma 42:24)
The use of His and Her in this context is extremely nuanced Hebraically, yet is correct within the Book of Mormon. How is this possible unless the book is truly translated from Hebrew thought?
In Hebrew, there are various linguistic and cultural associations tied to gender, which can be seen in the names and attributes attributed to divine concepts such as "Elohim" and "Adonai," as well as qualities like "Justice" and "Mercy."
"Elohim" is a masculine noun in Hebrew and is often used to refer to God, particularly in the Old Testament of the Bible. It carries connotations of strength, power, and authority, traits typically associated with the masculine gender in many cultures.
On the other hand, "Adonai" is a masculine noun in Hebrew but is used as a title for God that is often paired with attributes that carry feminine associations, such as mercy, compassion, and nurturing. While "Adonai" itself is masculine, the attributes ascribed to God with this title often reflect qualities that are traditionally associated with femininity.
In terms of justice and mercy, these concepts are abstract and do not have inherent gender in Hebrew grammar. However, they are often personified in religious and philosophical contexts. "Justice" (צֶדֶק, tzedek) is often depicted as firm, impartial, and demanding, qualities that align with masculine associations. Meanwhile, "Mercy" (רַחֲמִים, rachamim) is associated with compassion, forgiveness, and tenderness, traits that are often perceived as feminine.