Mosiah 3:17

Brant Gardner

As a conclusion to the section describing the importance of the law to the covenant, and the mortal mission of the Messiah to the law, we get this simple statement: “There shall be no other name given.” That particular phrase occurs only in king Benjamin’s speech, and occurs twice: here, and in Mosiah 5:8. What does it mean that no other name is given? In the ancient world, names were more than identifications. They were part of the essence of the person. While the subject is far from Benjamin’s intent here, we retain some understanding of this more ancient meaning in the phrase “speak of the devil and he appears,” most commonly shortened to “speak of the devil,” and used when a person who has been spoken of enters a room or comes into a conversation. That is a remnant of the belief in the power of the name. Thus, when the name is given, it is a name of power. No other being can perform what the atoning Messiah can perform.

This is strengthened by the rest of the sentence: “Nor any other way nor means.” No other name holds the power. No other belief and no other practice can perform this particular salvation. That includes the way of the law and the means of sacrifice under the law. In addition to the law, the atoning blood sacrifice of the mortal Messiah will be required.

Book of Mormon Minute

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