Question
Gramps,
As I was in deep reading with the spirit, I was curious by the word “nine moons” in Omni 1:21. I’ve struggled to comprehend what the word means and is that ever related to astronomy or just a cultural word in their days?
Deaf Man
Answer
Deaf Man,
Here is the verse:
“And they gave an account of one Coriantumr, and the slain of his people. And Coriantumr was discovered by the people of Zarahemla; and he dwelt with them for the space of nine moons.”
In this context, the ‘nine moons’ is an idiom for a period of time.
An idiom is a term that says “that doesn’t mean what you think it means; it means something else”. Remember that The Book of Mormon was written by the ancient American Indians and written in Reformed Egyptian. There are many instances of idioms and symbolism in the scriptures. As you read and study, you will be able to better determine which of these things are literal and which are figurative.
Gramps