“And and and and Polysyndetonthe Excessive Use of the Conjunction and”

Alan C. Miner

Richardson, Richardson and Bentley note that the excessive use of the monotonous conjunction "and" in the Book of Mormon seems awkward and somewhat annoying to the western reader, however, it follows perfect Hebrew syntax. The word "and" often stands before each word (or phrase) in a series; possibly because there was no punctuation in the Hebrew language.

Notice the structure of 2 Nephi 33:9-10:

I also have charity for the Gentiles. But behold, for none of these can I hope except they shall be reconciled unto Christ,

and enter into the narrow gate,

and walk in the strait path which leads to life,

and continue in the path until the end of the day of probation.

And now, my beloved brethren,

and also Jew,

and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words,

and believe in Christ;

and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ.

And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ,

and he hath given them unto me;

and they teach all men that they should do good.

And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye

Other uses of polysyndeton in the Book of Mormon are found in 1 Nephi 2:4; Enos 1:21; Alma 1:29; 7:27; 8:21-23; 9:21; Helaman 3:14; 3 Nephi 4:7; 11:19-20; 17:13-25; 4 Nephi 1:5-7; Mormon 8:37 and Ether 9:17-27. [Allen H. Richardson, David E. Richardson and Anthony E. Bentley, 1000 Evidences for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Part Two-A Voice from the Dust: 500 Evidences in Support of the Book of Mormon, p. 262]

Step by Step Through the Book of Mormon: A Cultural Commentary

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