Analysis of 'And It Came to Pass' in Biblical and Mormon Texts

The phrase 'and it came to pass' is a common and distinctive feature of the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, as well as in the Book of Mormon (BOM) by Joseph Smith. This recurrent phrase not only lends a certain rhythm and flow to the text but also serves to punctuate the narrative into discrete events. In this article, we will explore the meaning, usage, and implications of this phrase in both religious and secular contexts.

What Does 'And It Came to Pass' Mean?

The literal translation of 'and it came to pass' is straightforward. According to the Etamus translation guide, it means that whatever 'it' is, something has occurred. In a more modern vernacular, one could interpret it as 'And then...' or 'But then check this out...'

Biblical Usage

The phrase 'and it came to pass' appears in various parts of the Bible. For example, in 1 Samuel 1:12, it is written:

“And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the Lord that Eli marked her mouth…”

The phrase also appears in Genesis 4:38:

“And in process of time, it came to pass that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass when they were in the field that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and slew him…”

Scholars estimate that the phrase appears approximately 453 times in the KJV Bible. Similar phrases occur in the Book of Mormon, with Joseph Smith using it 143 times according to a BYU study.

The Significance of the Phrase

The frequent use of 'and it came to pass' in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon raises intriguing questions about the nature of the texts and their underlying narratives. Some scholars suggest that this consistent use of the phrase could indicate a shared source or familiarity with the phrase, hinting at Joseph Smith's potential reliance on biblical language.

Joseph Smith's Use of the Phrase

Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), used the phrase 'and it came to pass' extensively in the Book of Mormon. Critics have pointed to the frequency and consistency with which this phrase is used as evidence that Joseph Smith may have derived the Book of Mormon narrative from existing religious texts, including the Bible.

The phrase 'and it came to pass' appears 143 times in the Book of Mormon according to a study by BYU forms of repetition. This high frequency might suggest a copy-and-paste approach to the text, as it could have been easier to simply reuse an existing phrase rather than create a unique narrative.

Analysis and Implications

The repetition of this phrase throughout the Bible and the Book of Mormon creates a textual rhythm that both scholars and readers find intriguing. Here are some key points for considering this phrase:

Transmission of Language: The consistency in the use of this phrase across generations of prophets and authors suggests a commitment to maintaining a certain style of narrative. This could indicate a high value placed on linguistic integrity or a deliberate choice to evoke a particular tone. Narrative Flow: The phrase 'and it came to pass' serves to transition between distinct events, creating a sense of continuity in the narrative. In the Bible, it is often used to mark the end of one event and the beginning of another, while in the Book of Mormon, it serves a similar function. Plagiarism or Familiarity: The high frequency of this phrase in both texts raises questions about whether Joseph Smith was copying from the Bible or whether the phrase was a familiar part of his narrative style. Critics might view this as evidence of plagiarism, while apologists might see it as a natural language choice.

Conclusion

The phrase 'and it came to pass' is a recurring feature in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, serving as a narrative marker and lending a rhythmic quality to the texts. Its repetitive nature and consistent use by Joseph Smith and other authors raise important questions about the origins and evolution of these religious texts.

Despite the controversy surrounding the use of this phrase, it remains a fascinating linguistic and narrative element that continues to capture the attention of scholars and religious communities alike. Whether seen as a testament to the divine inspiration of the texts or a reflection of human language use, the phrase 'and it came to pass' remains a significant part of both the Bible and the Book of Mormon.