KnoWhy #495 - Why Does the Book of Mormon Talk about a “Land of Jerusalem”? (1 Nephi 3:9)

A subtle difference between the Bible and the Book of Mormon is the use of the phrase land of Jerusalem by Nephi and his descendants. Since Jerusalem is only a city, and not a land, in the Bible, some have even criticized this detail in the book. But evidence from ancient records and archaeology now confirm that the region surrounding the Holy City could be called “the land of Jerusalem” in Lehi’s day. Recognizing this subtle difference thus builds testimony in the truth of the Book of Mormon. It also helps answer more important questions, like why Alma says Christ would be born at Jerusalem.