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Book of Mormon/Language/"Adieu": Difference between revisions
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''Adieu'' is Joseph's translation of a concept expressed by Jacob. The word is French, an implies "farewell until we meet with God." This is a fitting finale to Jacob's testimony and writing. | ''Adieu'' is Joseph's translation of a concept expressed by Jacob. The word is French, an implies "farewell until we meet with God." This is a fitting finale to Jacob's testimony and writing. | ||
Joseph Smith was likely unaware that ''adieu'' was a French word. Like many words that were originally French, ''adieu'' was adopted into English and in use by at least 1374. | Joseph Smith was likely unaware that ''adieu'' was a French word. Like many words that were originally French, ''adieu'' was adopted into English, and was in use by at least 1374. | ||
Noah [http://65.66.134.201/cgi-bin/webster/webster.exe?search_for_texts_web1828=adieu Webster's] 1828 American dictionary demonstrates that it was perfectly good English: | Noah [http://65.66.134.201/cgi-bin/webster/webster.exe?search_for_texts_web1828=adieu Webster's] 1828 American dictionary demonstrates that it was perfectly good English: | ||
Revision as of 03:32, 18 October 2005
This article is a draft. FairMormon editors are currently editing it. We welcome your suggestions on improving the content.
Criticism
Jacob 7:27 ends with the phrase, "Brethren, adieu." Critics claim that because adieu is French, it shows that Joseph Smith composed the Book of Mormon, and not an ancient author.
Source(s) of the Criticism
- John Ankerberg and John Weldon, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Mormonism (Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 1992), 322.
- Ed Decker, Decker's Complete Handbook on Mormonism (Eugene: Harvest House, 1995), 113.
- James White, Letters to a Mormon Elder (Southbridge, MA: Crowne, 1990), 145.
Response
The Book of Mormon is a translation. This means that it is no more likely that the word adieu appeared on the plates than the words yea, beginning, or sword.
Adieu is Joseph's translation of a concept expressed by Jacob. The word is French, an implies "farewell until we meet with God." This is a fitting finale to Jacob's testimony and writing.
Joseph Smith was likely unaware that adieu was a French word. Like many words that were originally French, adieu was adopted into English, and was in use by at least 1374.
Noah Webster's 1828 American dictionary demonstrates that it was perfectly good English:
ADIEU', Adu'.
- Farewell; an expression of kind wishes at the parting of friends.
ADIEU', n. A farewell, or commendation to the care of God; as an everlasting adieu.
Conclusion
"Adieu" is simply one English word among many in the Book of Mormon translation. Critics try to confuse this issue simply because its French origins are more apparent to the general reader. All its presence indicates is that the concept which Jacob intended to communicate was "farewell forever, or until we meet God."
Further reading
FAIR wiki articles
Book of Mormon/Language/"Adieu"
FAIR web site
- FAIR Topical Guide:
External links
- Links to external web pages
Printed material
- Daniel C. Peterson, “Is the Book of Mormon True? Notes on the Debate,” in Book of Mormon Authorship Revisited: The Evidence for Ancient Origins, edited by Noel B. Reynolds, (Provo, Utah : Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, 1997), Chapter 6.