Several months ago we published an article on our site focusing on the Greek words in the Book of Mormon. After we published it we received more than a handful of inquiries about the numbers for each word. 

     In light of your requests I enlisted a devoted partner of LAM to double check my work.  Thanks to Alice’s kindness, here is the final tally!  I chose to only count the Greek words up to the end of Helaman as that takes the reader up to circa 1 BC to 1 AD.

     The original article that focused on this subject was written because of Joseph Smith’s claims published in Times and Seasons, vol. 4, (November 1842-November 1843), Vol. 4, No. 13 May 15, 1843, pg. 194.  Here in part is what he said;

“The error I speak of, is the definition of the word "MORMON." It has been stated that this word was derived from the Greek word mormo. This is not the case. There was no Greek or Latin upon the plates from which I, through the grace of God, translated the Book of Mormon Let the language of that book speak for itself.”

     In order to understand the significance of Smith’s claims let us first take a step on the side of being objective and look at the origins of the Greek language, the use of Koine Greek in the New Testament, and what was taking place in that geographical area at that particular time.

     The Israelites spoke Hebrew up until 586 BC, the time of the Babylonian Empire.  During this takeover the Babylonians discovered that they had better control of the people when they separated them into small colonies.  Along with a geographical move there also came a change to the language of the common people.  This is where the Aramaic language (a sister language of Hebrew) came onto the scene in the lives of the Hebrew people and some parts of the Bible. 

   Fast forward about 250 years (336 BC) and we are presented with the military takeover and conquests of Alexander the Great.  He was arguably the most thorough, if not one of the most successful rulers in the history of time.  At the time of his death in 323 BC, his empire included the Middle East, Greece, western India, Syria and Egypt.  Wherever he went he left his fingerprint of Hellenism.  This culture had dug its heels in deep enough to survive the birth and takeover of the Roman Empire some 300 years later at the time of Christ.  Hence, today we still hear of the Greco-Roman culture.  Its effect stretched itself out some six hundred years in all.

     Koine Greek is what makes up major portions of the New Testament in the Bible and is known as “common” or “vulgar” Greek.  This type of Greek was used by the population at large, while the people in government circles spoke what is known as “Attic-Ionic” Greek during the Greek.  This went on up until the time of the Roman Empire.  During the reign of the Roman Empire, those in government spoke Latin while the commoners continued to speak Koine Greek.  By the time Jesus was born, Greek had become an international language.

     The exception to this rule was the Israelites.  We have proof that the Hebrew people spoke Aramaic with their various dialects.

     Being bi-lingual was for the upper-class only.  Although Hebrew was spoken as well, it was done so by the priests of Judaism or those of privilege such as the Apostle Paul. 

     In addition to Jesus being able to speak Aramaic (“Abba” is Aramaic for “daddy” – Mark 14:36), we also know that He could speak Greek because of His various conversations with those around Him.  The woman with the demon-possessed child in Matthew 14 and His conversation with Pontius Pilate are just two examples.  We also know that Jesus could at least read Hebrew because of His encounters in the temple with the priests when He corrected their understanding of Scripture.

John 7:14-17; “Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.  15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?  16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.  17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.”

     Proof of the many languages in existence comes from John 19:19-20;

“And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.  20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.”

     After His resurrection, Jesus gave the disciples the order to go out and make disciples of men (Matt. 28:18-20; the Great Commission).  Their travels were made easier to the outlying towns and sea ports due in large part to the works and slave labor of commoners during the time of Alexander the Great.  Thanks to this grand event in history, Jesus’ command to spread the gospel was without a doubt made possible.

     Just as missionaries of today, the disciples who carried the gospel out of Jerusalem had to know the locals and understand their culture.  Thus, our finding the New Testament being written in Hellenistic or Koine Greek.       

     What I find amazing is how God allowed all these things to happen up until that time, knowing the roads would be built, (the Appian Way is just one example) and the culture so widespread making it possible for the early Church missionaries to carry the Good News!  It is said in the Bible, as well as many historical records that the Gospel spread rapidly.  If you’ve ever wondered how that was possible now you have a little glimpse into the answer why!  (See Acts chapters 1 through 9.)

     Something else that I’ve found amazing is the audacity of Joseph Smith and his apparent arrogance in trying to push a “new testament” of Jesus while claiming it came directly from the mouth of God.  It is obvious that he was jealous of the four individuals who wrote the gospels and left their mark in history like no one else ever would or could. 

     It is also apparent from his outlandish claims of superior intellect and the stupidity of others through the annals of time that he wanted his name to last as the writers of the New Testament have done.  Ironically enough, the authors wanted nothing of the sort.  The purpose of responding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit to write the gospels and other books was to bring attention to Jesus Christ, not them.  The Good News wasn’t what they had done, but what God had done for mankind by sending a Messiah for all. 

     Now with our history lesson behind us, let’s examine what the Book of Mormon says and make an analytical decision based on fact.

     Below you’ll see that we have listed several Greek and Latin words that Smith used while writing the Book of Mormon.  We’re still compiling the totals of each time they appear, so look for that in the next month or so and keep in mind these aren’t the only words we’ve found.

Abomination     Bible             Church           Commandmant

Apostle           Christ            Confound       Cross

Baptize           Christians       Contentious    Crucified

Disciples          Intercession   Omnipotent     Revelation

Epistle            Jesus Christ    Pastor            Rude                       

Gospel            Liberty           Preach           Saint

Grace             Monster          Religion          Scripture

Industry          Omega           Resurrection