Print Friendly, PDF & Email

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

 

 

 

Copyright © 2024 Ask Gramps - Q and A about Mormon Doctrine. All Rights Reserved.
This website is not owned by or affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the Mormon or LDS Church). The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the position of the Church. The views expressed by individual users are the responsibility of those users and do not necessarily represent the position of the Church. For the official Church websites, please visit churchofjesuschrist.org or comeuntochrist.org.

Pin It on Pinterest