Source:Rediscovering the Book of Mormon:Ch:10:1:Poetry:Adam fell

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Poetry in the Book of Mormon text: Adam fell...

Poetry in the Book of Mormon text: Adam fell...

Adam fell that men might be;
and men are, that they might have joy.

Arranging this memorable thought from the Book of Mormon into two lines reveals its poetic character. Arranged in four lines, its neat structure is even more apparent.

Adam fell
that men might be;
and men are,
that they might have joy
(2 Nephi 2:25)

In this case, understanding the structure enhances our understanding of the meaning: the fall of Adam allows mankind to exist, and the potential destiny of mankind can bring ultimate joy.

Rather than being an isolated example, this brief piece is just one of numerous poetic passages throughout the Book of Mormon, which are usually unrecognized as poetry because they are printed as prose. When arranged as verse, however, the poetic parts of the Book of Mormon are unveiled as having great beauty and power.[1]

Notes

  1. Richard Dilworth Rust, "Poetry in the Book of Mormon," in Rediscovering the Book of Mormon, edited by John L. Sorenson and Melvin J. Thorne (Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book Co.; Provo, Utah: Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, 1991), Chapter 10.