Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Question

 

Dear Gramps,

I have a further question, this time concerning Joseph Smith. In the earlier versions of the Doctrine and Covenants Joseph Smith is referred to by the name “Barak Ale”. What is the significance of this name? Is it in any way related to his pre-mortal identity? We know a little bit about the pre-mortal identity and role of other prominent figures such as Gabriel, do you have any ideas concerning the pre-mortal identity and role of Joseph Smith? Thanks

John

 

Answer

 

Dear John,

Perhaps we shouldn’t try to read too much into the possible significance of the code names that were used to identify certain individuals in earlier editions of the Doctrine and Covenants. Those code names were used to hide the identity of the individuals that they refered to because of the threat of violent opposition to many of the leaders of the Church in the early days of the restoration. They were replaced by the names of the persons to whom they applied after all potential threats against the individuals had disappeared. The word barak is a Hebrew term meaning lightning. The word ale, to my knowledge, has no direct equivalent in Hebrew.

 

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