In the Book of Mormon, we read the following:
This, and other verses (e.g., Alma 22:14) refer to the "sting of death." Some critics alleged this is another purported example of Joseph Smith plagiarising from the New Testament, introducing an anachronism:
Critics are engaging in question-begging from the get-go by holding to the a priori assumption that this is verbiage and a concept unique to Paul; this (often unchallenged) assumption is refuted when one examines Old Testament.
Hos 13;14 (KJV) reads:
Interestingly, the LXX renders the verse differently; Brenton''s translation of the LXX translates reads:
While a post-exilic source, post-dating Lehi et al., this verse shows us the idea of death (Hades being the underworld of the dead) having a "sting" is not a novelty to 1 Cor 15. Furthermore, Hosea often appropriated Canaanite concepts in his polemic against Baal and the rest of the Canaanite pantheon in his writings, evidencing a more ancient origin for such ideas.
Indeed, in the Ugariatic texts (1350-1150 BCE [significantly pre-dating Lehi et al.]), in the Baal Cycle (KTU 1.5 II 20-24), the Canaanite god Baal faces the unpleasant prospect of being "swallowed" by his enemy Mot (whose name means "death") and threatens to use his demonic cohort, "Sting," in the destructive act:
The Ugaritic name "Sting" (qzb) is only a variant of the Hebrew _qtb_, the literal meaning being "sting."
One can conclude that the phrase, "the sting of death" is not an anachronism in the Book of Mormon but instead reflects (1) a valid Ancient Near Eastern concept that predates the origins of the Book of Mormon and (2) is a theme that would be appropriated by the apostle Paul several centuries later.
And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should have no sting, there could have been no resurrection. But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ. (Mosiah 16:7-8)
This, and other verses (e.g., Alma 22:14) refer to the "sting of death." Some critics alleged this is another purported example of Joseph Smith plagiarising from the New Testament, introducing an anachronism:
Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the Law. (1 Cor 15:54-56)
Critics are engaging in question-begging from the get-go by holding to the a priori assumption that this is verbiage and a concept unique to Paul; this (often unchallenged) assumption is refuted when one examines Old Testament.
Hos 13;14 (KJV) reads:
I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.
Interestingly, the LXX renders the verse differently; Brenton''s translation of the LXX translates reads:
I will deliver them out of the power of Hades (death), and will redeem them from death: where is thy penalty, o death? O Hades, where is thy sting? Comfort is hidden from mine eyes.
While a post-exilic source, post-dating Lehi et al., this verse shows us the idea of death (Hades being the underworld of the dead) having a "sting" is not a novelty to 1 Cor 15. Furthermore, Hosea often appropriated Canaanite concepts in his polemic against Baal and the rest of the Canaanite pantheon in his writings, evidencing a more ancient origin for such ideas.
Indeed, in the Ugariatic texts (1350-1150 BCE [significantly pre-dating Lehi et al.]), in the Baal Cycle (KTU 1.5 II 20-24), the Canaanite god Baal faces the unpleasant prospect of being "swallowed" by his enemy Mot (whose name means "death") and threatens to use his demonic cohort, "Sting," in the destructive act:
Mot [Death], the Son of El, rejoiced.
[He gave forth] his voice and cried:
How can [Baal] provide moisture now?
[How can Haddu] sprinkle now?
[My hand will shatter] the strength of Haddu,
the palm of my warrior [Rashpu]!
[I myself be]got the Sting.
The Ugaritic name "Sting" (qzb) is only a variant of the Hebrew _qtb_, the literal meaning being "sting."
One can conclude that the phrase, "the sting of death" is not an anachronism in the Book of Mormon but instead reflects (1) a valid Ancient Near Eastern concept that predates the origins of the Book of Mormon and (2) is a theme that would be appropriated by the apostle Paul several centuries later.
