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Book of Mormon Central / Archive / KnoWhy #235 - Why Does the Book of Ether Begin with Such a Long Genealogy? (Ether 1:16)

KnoWhy #235 - Why Does the Book of Ether Begin with Such a Long Genealogy? (Ether 1:16)

TitleKnoWhy #235 - Why Does the Book of Ether Begin with Such a Long Genealogy? (Ether 1:16)
Publication TypeKnoWhy
Year of Publication2016
Corporate AuthorsBook of Mormon Central Staff
PublisherBook of Mormon Central
Place PublishedSpringville, UT
KeywordsAaron (Jaredite); Ahah (Son of Seth); Amnigaddah; Com; Coriantor; Coriantum; Corom; Emer; Ethem; Ether (Prophet); Genealogy; Hearthom; Heth; Jared; Jaredite; Kib; Kim; Kish; Levi; Lib; Morianton; Moron; Omer; Riplakish; Seth; Shez; Shiblom; Shiblon; Shule
Abstract

The Book of Ether begins with a genealogy that descends in reverse chronological order from Ether to Jared. Such a long genealogy is unusual for the Book of Mormon, but it was likely written this way because it serves as a template for the rest of the book of Ether. Throughout the book, each king is discussed in exact reverse order to the way they appear in the list, never missing a name or getting them out of order. Seeing how the author structured the Book of Ether allows us to understand him, and the book, better.
URLhttps://knowhy.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/why-does-the-book-of-ether-begin-with-such-a-long-genealogy
Citation Key2580

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Scripture Reference

Ether 1:16