In this episode, Dr. Matthew Bowen discusses his recent article in Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship, where he analyzes Mormon’s wordplay in what are commonly called the war chapters in Alma. Dr. Bowen builds on his previous work, connecting Nephi’s name with the Egyptian word nefer, meaning “good,” showing how the Book of Mormon authors will often associate Nephite or Nephi with ideas that are positive and pleasing to God. In this article, Dr. Bowen contrasts that with names coming from the Hebrew root mlk, which refers to kingship or rulership. In the podcast, Bowen discusses how this can indicate oppressive behavior that is displeasing to God. Mormon uses this wordplay in Alma to illustrate how the Lord wants individuals to focus on the true king, Jesus Christ, who brings everything good.

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