Mosiah 15:11 Textual Variants

The 1852 LDS edition introduced the definite article the before heirs, which is quite unnecessary and probably represents a typo. There is one other example in the Book of Mormon text of heirs, and it reads without any definite article:

• 4 Nephi 1:17
  • but they were in one the children of Christ and heirs to the kingdom of God

Notice that both Mosiah 15:11 and 4 Nephi 1:17 refer to the people of God as the offspring of Christ and heirs of the kingdom of God.

The occurrence of heirs without any the is common in the New Testament epistles:

• Romans 4:14
  • for if they which are of the law be heirs faith is made void
• Romans 8:17
  • and if children then heirs heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ
• Galatians 3:29
  • and if ye be Christ’s then are ye Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise
• Titus 3:7
  • that being justified by his grace we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life
• Hebrews 1:14
  • are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation
• James 2:5
  • hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom
• Peter 3:7
  • and as being heirs together of the grace of life

There are also two instances in the New Testament of the heirs, both in Hebrews (6:17 and 11:9). In any event, the use of heirs without the definite article the is acceptable—in fact, preferred—in the Book of Mormon text.