NUMBERS IN THE BOOK OF MORMON

PART 1: Types of Numbers

Numbers: Quantity and Order

There are two basic purposes of using numbers: identifying quantity or magnitude and

identifying order or rank. Quantities are identified by using cardinal numbers (one, two, three,

etc.), whereas order or ranks are identified using ordinal numbers (first, second, third, etc.). The

Book of Mormon has various quantities and series of things that are identified using numbers

and other special words. Understanding these numbers and words and the purposes for using

them help us better understand rhetorical elements and specific details of the Book of Mormon.

I. Cardinal Numbers

Cardinal numbers are numbers such as one, two, three, etc. These are also known as

counting numbers. These numbers describe quantities and not order. Cardinal numbers

are used most frequently when enumerating populations and when enumerating years and

dates.

II. Ordinal Numbers

Ordinal numbers are numbers such as first, second, third, etc. These numbers describe

order and rank but not quantity. Ordinal numbers are used most frequently when giving a

specific date and in describing the order of a series of things.

III. Fractions

Another type of number used in identifying quantities is fractions. Fractions are most

frequently used in describing economic values such as currency or tax portions.

IV. Other Types of Numbers and Number Words

Some other types of numbers include once, twice, thrice, etc., and single, double, triple,

etc. These numbers describe quantities in the form of frequency and multiples of

something. The Book of Mormon also has one occurrence of the old English word score

as a number.

Some other words are also used when describing quantity and order. These words are

used just as frequently when describing things, even though they are more general than

specific. Words describing quantities include the following: none, not one, few, some,

many, all. Other words describing fractions and portions include whole and part. Other

words describing order and rank include last and final. A few more words describing

great quantities and comparisons or quantities include number, numerous, more, less, and

great.

PART 2: Uses of Numbers in the BOM

I. Time

One frequent use of numbers in the Book of Mormon is in measuring time. Time is measured

using dates (using three calendar systems: LLJ, ROJ, CC), measuring ages of people,

measuring general units of time (not included in calendar systems), and in the ordering of

events.

A. Dates

Dates of the three Book of Mormon calendar systems come in two forms: cardinal and

ordinal. Cardinal dates usually are phrased “forty years had passed away” while ordinal

dates are phrased “in the fortieth year”, etc. Cardinal dates tell us how much time has

passed away while ordinal dates talk about years as distinct things and help us distinguish

one year from another. LLJ dates tend to be cardinal, ROJ dates tend to be ordinal, and

CC dates are ordinal when time is passing by quickly (such as in 4 Nephi) and cardinal

when events seem to be more slow moving (such as in Mormon).

1. Cardinal Dates:

8 LLJ 1 Ne 17:7

30 LLJ 2 Ne 5:28

40 LLJ 2 Ne 5:34

55 LLJ Jac 1:1

179 LLJ Enos 1:25

200 LLJ Jarom 1:5

238 LLJ Jarom 1:13

276 LLJ Omni 1:3

282 LLJ Omni 1:3

320 LLJ Omni 1:5

476 LLJ Msh 6:4

509 LLJ Msh 29:46

600 LLJ 1 Ne 10:4; 19:8; 2 Ne 25:19; 3 Ne 1:1

609 LLJ 3 Ne 2:6

100 ROJ 3 Ne 2:5

9 CC 3 Ne 2:7-8

25 CC 3 Ne 5:7

49 CC 4 Ne 1:6

59 CC 4 Ne 1:6

100 CC 4 Ne 1:14

110 CC 4 Ne 1:18

194 CC 4 Ne 1:21

200 CC 4 Ne 1:22

210 CC 4 Ne 1:27

230 CC 4 Ne 1:34

244 CC 4 Ne 1:40

250 CC 4 Ne 1:41

260 CC 4 Ne 1:41

300 CC 4 Ne 1:45

305 CC 4 Ne 1:47

320 CC 4 Ne 1:48

326 CC Morm 2:2

330 CC Morm 2:9

344 CC Morm 2:15

360 CC Morm 3:4

379 CC Morm 5:5

384 CC Morm 6:5

(many hundred years CC) WoM 1:2

400 CC Alma 45:10; Morm 8:6

421 CC Mni 10:1

2. Ordinal Dates:

1st ROJ Alma 1:1-2; 17:6

2nd ROJ Alma 1:23

5th ROJ Alma 1:33; 2:1; 3:25, 27

6th ROJ Alma 4:1

7th ROJ Alma 4:5

8th ROJ Alma 4:6, 9-10

9th ROJ Alma 4:11, 20; 8:2

10th ROJ Alma 8:3; 15:19

• 4th Day, 7th Month, 10th ROJ Alma 10:6

• 12th Day, 10th Month, 10th ROJ Alma 14:23 11th ROJ Alma 16:9

• 5th Day, 2nd Month, 11th ROJ Alma 16:1 14th ROJ Alma 16:12, 21

15th ROJ Alma 28:7, 9

*1st-15th ROJ Alma 28:10

16th ROJ Alma 30:2, 4

17th ROJ Alma 30:5-6; 35:12

18th ROJ Alma 35:13; 43:3-4; 44:24

19th ROJ Alma 45:2, 20; 46:37; 48:2, 21; 49:29

• 10th Day, 11th Month, 19th ROJ Alma 49:1 20th ROJ Alma 50:1, 15-16

21st ROJ Alma 50:17, 23

22nd ROJ Alma 50:24

23rd ROJ Alma 50:24

24th ROJ Alma 50:25, 35, 37, 40

25th ROJ Alma 51:1, 12, 37

26th ROJ Alma 52:14; 56:7, 9, 20

• 1st Day, 1st Month, 26th ROJ Alma 52:1 27th ROJ Alma 52:15, 18; 56:20

• 2nd Month Alma 56:27

• 3rd Day, 7th Month, 30th ROJ Alma 56:42 28th ROJ Alma 28:19; 53:23; 57:5

29th ROJ Alma 54:1; 55:35; 57:6; 58:38

30th ROJ Alma 59:1; 62:11

• 2nd Day, 1st Month, 30th ROJ Alma 56:1 31st ROJ Alma 62:12, 39

35th ROJ Alma 62:52

36th ROJ Alma 63:1, 3

37th ROJ Alma 63:4, 6

38th ROJ Alma 63:7, 9

39th ROJ Alma 63:10, 13, 15-16

40th ROJ Hel 1:1, 13

41st ROJ Hel 1:14, 34

42nd ROJ Hel 2:1, 12

43rd ROJ Hel 3:1

44th ROJ Hel 3:2

45th ROJ Hel 3:2

46th ROJ Hel 3:3, 18

47th ROJ Hel 3:19

48th ROJ Hel 3:19, 22

49th ROJ Hel 3:23-24, 31-32

50th ROJ Hel 3:32

51st ROJ Hel 3:33

52nd ROJ Hel 3:36

53rd ROJ Hel 3:37

54th ROJ Hel 4:1

56th ROJ Hel 4:4

57th ROJ Hel 4:5

58th ROJ Hel 4:5, 8

59th ROJ Hel 4:8

60th ROJ Hel 4:9

61st ROJ Hel 4:10, 17

62nd ROJ Hel 4:18; 5:1; 6:1

63rd ROJ Hel 6:6

64th ROJ Hel 6:13

65th ROJ Hel 6:14

66th ROJ Hel 6:15

67th ROJ Hel 6:16, 32

68th ROJ Hel 6:33, 41

69th ROJ Hel 7:1

71st ROJ Hel 10:19

72nd ROJ Hel 11:1-2

73rd ROJ Hel 11:2

74th ROJ Hel 11:5

75th ROJ Hel 11:6

76th ROJ Hel 11:17, 21

77th ROJ Hel 11:21

78th ROJ Hel 11:22

79th ROJ Hel 11:23

80th ROJ Hel 11:24, 29

81st ROJ Hel 11:30, 32, 35

82nd ROJ Hel 11:36

83rd ROJ Hel 11:36

84th ROJ Hel 11:36

85th ROJ Hel 11:37-38

86th ROJ Hel 13:1-2; 16:9

87th ROJ Hel 16:10

88th ROJ Hel 16:11

89th ROJ Hel 16:12

90th ROJ Hel 16:13-14, 24

91st ROJ 3 Ne 1:1

92nd ROJ 3 Ne 1:4, 25-26

93rd ROJ 3 Ne 1:27

94th ROJ 3 Ne 1:28

95th ROJ 3 Ne 2:1

96th ROJ 3 Ne 2:4

97th ROJ 3 Ne 2:4

98th ROJ 3 Ne 2:4

99th ROJ 3 Ne 2:4

10th CC 3 Ne 2:10

11th CC 3 Ne 2:10

13th CC 3 Ne 2:11, 13, 16

14th CC 3 Ne 2:17-18

15th CC 3 Ne 2:18-19

16th CC 3 Ne 3:1, 8

17th CC 3 Ne 3:22

18th CC 3 Ne 4:1, 4

19th CC 3 Ne 4:5-6, 15

• 6th Month 3 Ne 4:7, 11 20th CC 3 Ne 4:15

21st CC 3 Ne 4:16

22nd CC 3 Ne 5:7

23rd CC 3 Ne 5:7

24th CC 3 Ne 5:7

26th CC 3 Ne 6:1, 4

27th CC 3 Ne 6:4

28th CC 3 Ne 6:9

29th CC 3 Ne 6:10

30th CC 3 Ne 6:14, 17, 19; 7:1, 13

31st CC 3 Ne 7:14, 16, 21

32nd CC 3 Ne 7:23

33rd CC 3 Ne 7:23, 26; 8:2

34th CC 4 Ne 1:1

• 4th Day, 1st Month, 34th CC 3 Ne 8:5 35th CC 4 Ne 1:1

36th CC 4 Ne 1:2

37th CC 4 Ne 1:4

38th CC 4 Ne 1:6

39th CC 4 Ne 1:6

41st CC 4 Ne 1:6

42nd CC 4 Ne 1:6

51st CC 4 Ne 1:6

52nd CC 4 Ne 1:6

71st CC 4 Ne 1:14

72nd CC 4 Ne 1:14

79th CC 4 Ne 1:14

201st CC 4 Ne 1:24

231st CC 4 Ne 1:35

327th CC Morm 2:3

345th CC Morm 2:16, 20

346th CC Morm 2:22

349th CC Morm 2:28

350th CC Morm 2:28

361st CC Morm 3:7

362nd CC Morm 3:8

363rd CC Morm 4:1

364th CC Morm 4:7

366th CC Morm 4:10

367th CC Morm 4:15

375th CC Morm 4:16-17

380th CC Morm 5:6

B. Ages

The Book of Mormon includes a few instances in which it provides the age of one of the

characters. Most are cardinal in form (11 years old) and a few are in ordinal form (16th

year of age). There are also many general references to age.

1. Cardinal Ages:

10 years old Morm 1:2-4

11 years old Morm 1:6

15 years old Morm 1:15

*24 years old Morm 1:3

25 years old Alma 43:16-17

32 years old Eth 7:4

63 years old Msh 29:45-46

*72 years old 3 Ne 28:2-3; 4 Ne 1:14

82 years old Msh 29:45-46

102 years old Eth 9:23-24

142 years old Eth 9:24

2. Ordinal Ages:

16th year Morm 2:2

30th year Msh 6:4-5

3. General Age

Every one according to his age 1 Ne 18:6; Msh 10:9

Young, Youth

Nephi 1 Ne 2:16

Jacob and Joseph 1 Ne 18:19

Alma Msh 17:2

Mormon Morm 2:1

*In thy youth 2 Ne 2:4; Alma 36:3; 37:35; 38:2;

39:10

*Young men, maids Msh 2:40; 10:9; Alma 53:18, 20;

56:5, 9, 46, 55; 57:27; 3 Ne

2:16; Eth 9:24

*Shame, reproach, wife of youth 3 Ne 22:4, 6

Old Age

Lehi 2 Ne 4:12

Nephi Jac 1:9

Jacob Jac 7:26

Enos Enos 1:25

Amaleki Omni 1:25

King Benjamin Msh 1:9; 2:26

Zeniff Msh 10:10, 22

“The old king” Alma 20:24

Mormon Morm 6:6

Brother of Jared Eth 6:19

Orihah Eth 7:3

Kib Eth 7:7

Shule Eth 7:26

Omer Eth 9:14

Coriantum Eth 9:23-24

Shez Eth 10:4

Morianton Eth 10:13

Kim Eth 10:14

Levi Eth 10:16

Com Eth 11:4

*Old men, women Msh 2:40; 10:9; Mni 9:16

*Many died with old age Alma 46:41

*Unto aged and middle aged Alma 5:49

*Many died of old age Alma 46:41

*Lived to the age of man 3 Ne 28:2

Old and young 1 Ne 8:27; Jac 5:63; Alma 1:30;

5:49; 11:44; Mni 9:19

C. General Time

Numbers are used frequently when measuring time, and not just that of recording dates.

Some measurements of time given are talked about generally without using one of the

three Book of Mormon calendar systems.

1. Days:

1 ½ Days

Journey on line Bountiful Alma 22:32

2 Days

Ammon1 in prison Msh 7:8

Lamanites pursue Limhi Msh 22:16

2 Days and 2 Nights

Alma fasts and prays Msh 27:23

Lamoni appears dead Alma 18:43; 19:1, 5

2 Days and a Night

No darkness Hel 14:4

3 Days

Lehi journeys 3 days 1 Ne H; 2:6

Ship driven back by storm 1 Ne 18:13

Darkness at Christ’s death 1 Ne 19:10; Hel 14:20, 27; 3 Ne 8:3,

23; 10:9

Christ laid in a sepulcher 2 Ne 25:13

Noah counsels with priests Msh 17:6

Journey from Melek to Ammonihah Alma 8:6

Alma and Amulek in prison Alma 14:18

Ammon is service of the king Alma 17:26

Jesus teaches the Nephites 3 Ne 26:13

Shared battles Coriantumr Eth 13:28

Shiz battles Coriantumr Eth 14:26

3 Days and 3 Nights

Alma racked with torment Alma 36:10, 16; 38:8

4 Days

Lehi’s family travel to Shazer 1 Ne 16:13

Ship driven back by storm 1 Ne 18:15

6 Days

6 days shalt thou labor Msh 13:17, 19

8 Days

Journey from Mormon to Helam Msh 23:3

12 Days

Journey from Alma to Zarahemla Msh 24:25

40 Days

Mosiah’s men wandered Msh 7:4-5

344 Days

Jaredites’ voyage across sea Eth 6:11

*Half of his days

Dwelt in captivity Eth 8:4

2. Years:

2 Years

After 2 years Abinadi returned Msh 12:1

Limhi has continual peace Msh 19:29

Emer saw peace his last 2 years Eth 9:15

Coriantumr did not go to battle Eth 13:31

After death of Shared, Gilead comes Eth 14:3

Coriantumr’s army in wilderness Eth 14:7

3 Years

Benjamin lives after Mosiah is king Msh 6:5; 7:1

Nephites had peace in the land Alma 16:12

4 Years

Helaman maintains order and peace Alma 46:38

No wars or contentions Alma 48:20

Peace and no bloodshed Morm 1:12

Jaredites live on seashore Eth 2:13-14

Coriantum’s lives in peace Eth 9:22

Jaredites gather at hill Ramah Eth 15:14

5 Years

Time until the birth of Christ Hel 14:2

6 Years

People turn from righteousness 3 Ne 7:8

7 Years

7 years of food storage 3 Ne 4:4

8 Years

Lehi’s family travel 8 years 1 Ne 17:4

Kim reigns before father’s death Eth 10:13

10 Years

Lamanites don’t come to battle Morm 3:1

12 Years

Zeniff reigns in Lehi-Nephi Msh 9:11

14 Years

Sons of Mosiah taught Lamanites Alma 17:4

22 Years

Zeniff reigns in Lehi-Nephi Msh 10:3, 5

24 Years

Hearthom reigned Eth 10:30

25 Years

Marvelous things had happened 3 Ne 5:8

33rd Year

Mosiah died 33rd year of his reign Msh 29:46

42 Years

Riplakish reigns Eth 10:8

Levi serves in captivity Eth 10:15

Com reigns over half the kingdom Eth 10:32

49 Years

Com reigns and begats Heth Eth 9:25

62 Years

The people become rich Eth 9:16

65* Years

Ephraim shall be destroyed 2 Ne 17:8

84 Years

Amos keeps the Nephite records 4 Ne 1:10

100 Years

Since the time of king Mosiah 3 Ne 2:5

400 Years

The Nephites will be destroyed Hel 13:5, 9

Many Hundred Years

Before His coming we believed Jac 4:4

Coming hundreds of years hence Jac 7:7

Many hundred years CC WoM 1:2

Many Thousands of Years

Many thousand years before His coming Hel 8:18

Certain number of years Alma 16:1

3. Hours:

3 Hours

Storms and earthquakes 3 Ne 8:19

The Lord chastens Brother of Jared Eth 2:14

Coriantumr and Shiz battle Eth 15:27

4. Ordinal Days and Years:

1st Year

Reign of Zedekiah 1 Ne 1:4; 3 Ne H

Ether in the cave Eth 13:18

Year of Lib Eth 14:11

2nd Year

Ether in the cave Eth 13:20

3rd Year

Ether in the cave Eth 13:23

4th Day

Nephi tied up on the ship 1 Ne 18:14

4th Year

Ether in the cave Eth 13:24

7th Day

Sabbath day Msh 13:18

13th Year

Year of Zeniff’s reign Msh 9:14

5. Other:

9 Moons

Coriantumr lives with Mulekites Omni 1:21

II. People and Populations

Frequently in the Book of Mormon, numbers are used when quantifying the populations of

groups of people, converts, or armies. Some groups of people, and even some individuals, are

not provided with names, but can only be identified by numbers.

A. Identifying Individuals

First of the twelve 1 Ne 1:11

*Lost the first 1 Ne 21:20

Second son of Lehi 2 Ne 4:9

First servant of Amalickiah Alma 47:24

B. Groups of People Identified by Numbers

1. Number of Children, Sons, and Daughters

2 sons of Ishmael 1 Ne 7:6

2 of the daughters of Ishmael 1 Ne 7:6

2 sons born in the wilderness 1 Ne 18:7

2 sons of Zoram Alma 16:5

2 of Alma’s sons Alma 31:6, 32; 35:14

2 sons of Helaman Hel 3:21

3 of the daughters of Ishmael 1 Ne 7:6

3 sons of king Benjamin Msh 1:2

3 of the sons of Mosiah Alma 31:6

4 sons of Lehi 1 Ne H

4 sons of Mosiah Msh 27:34

4 sons of Jared Eth 6:20

(5 daughters of Ishmael)

(8 daughters of Orihah) Eth 7:2

12 children of Jared Eth 6:20

(18 daughters of Jared) Eth 6:20

22 children of Brother of Jared Eth 6:20

23 sons of Orihah Eth 7:2

31 children of Orihah Eth 7:2

2. Military Statistics

a. Deaths

6 slain by the sling Alma 17:38

7 slain by Ammon Alma 18:16

10 more military leaders Morm 6:15

279 of Zeniff Msh 9:19

1,000 Nephites Alma 57:26

1,000+ Lamanites Alma 49:23

1,005 Anti-Nephi-Lehies Alma 24:22

2,000+ Lamanites Alma 57:14

3,043 Lamanites Msh 9:18

6,562 Nephites Alma 2:19

10,000

of Mormon Morm 6:10-11

of Moroni Morm 6:12

of Gidgiddonah Morm 6:13

of Lamah Morm 6:14

of Gilgal Morm 6:14

of Limhah Morm 6:14

of Jeneum Morm 6:14

of Cumenihah Morm 6:14

of Moronihah Morm 6:14

of Antionum Morm 6:14

of Shiblom Morm 6:14

of Shem Morm 6:14

of Josh Morm 6:14

12,532 Amlicites Alma 2:19

100,000 Nephites Morm 6:15

(230,000 Nephites) Morm 6:11-15

2,000,000+ Jaredites Eth 15:2

Many thousands

Lamanites WoM 1:14

Lives Alma 28:10-12

Thousands

Lamanites Alma 51:11

Falling by the sword Alma 60:5, 7-8, 10, 22

Perish in famine Hel 11:6

Hewn down in rebellion 3 Ne 4:27

Nephites and Lamanites Morm 4:9

Jaredites Eth 14:4

Thousands and Tens of thousands

Sent to eternal world Alma 3:26

Robbers 3 Ne 4:21

Tens of Thousands

Lamanites Alma 28:2

Great number

Lamanites Morm 3:8

Nephites Mni 9:2

Vast number

Nephites Alma 56:10

Could not be numbered

Lamanites Msh 10:20

Nephites Alma 3:1

Nephites and Lamanites Alma 30:2

Lamanites Alma 44:21

b. Army Counts

27 of Coriantumr Eth 15:25

32 of Shiz Eth 15:25

52 of Coriantumr Eth 15:23

60 sons of Ammonites Alma 57:6

69 of Shiz Eth 15:23

2,000

Stripling Soldiers Alma 53:18, 22; 56:3, 5, 9-

10, 27-28, 49-50, 52,

54; 57:6

Sent to Helaman Alma 56:28

Men with supplies Alma 58:8

2,060 Stripling Soldiers Alma 57:6, 19-20, 25

6,000

Men from Zarahemla Alma 57:6

Sent to Helaman Alma 62:12

Sent to Teancum Alma 62:13

(8,000 originally of Helaman) Alma 56:28

10,000

of Helaman Alma 56:28

of Mormon Morm 6:10-11

of Moroni Morm 6:12

of Gidgiddonah Morm 6:13

of Lamah Morm 6:14

of Gilgal Morm 6:14

of Limhah Morm 6:14

of Jeneum Morm 6:14

of Cumenihah Morm 6:14

of Moronihah Morm 6:14

of Antionum Morm 6:14

of Shiblom Morm 6:14

of Shem Morm 6:14

of Josh Morm 6:14

30,000 of Mormon Morm 2:25

30,000+ Nephites Morm 1:11

42,000 of Mormon Morm 2:9

44,000 of Aaron Morm 2:9

50,000 Lamanites Morm 2:25

Thousands

Lamanites Alma 43:5

Gather to Moroni Alma 62:5

Small number

Teancum takes small number Alma 52:22

Laman takes small number Alma 55:6-7

Gid, Teancum…small number Alma 58:16

Moroni takes small number Alma 62:3

Large number

Moroni sent a large number Alma 52:7

Ammoron gathers large number Alma 52:12

Exceedingly numerous

Lamanite armies Alma 59:7-8

Numerous host/army

Lamanites Msh 9:14; 10:8;

20:20; Alma

2:24; 48:3;

51:30; 57:17;

58:15, 18;

63:15; Hel

1:19; 4:8

Nephites Alma 3:23

Could not be numbered

Lamanite/Amlicite army Alma 2:35

Lamanite armies Morm 4:17

Numberless

Hosts of Lamanites Alma 51:27

c. Survivors

24 Nephites Morm 6:11, 15

30 of kingdom of Akish Eth 9:12

50 of ill-fated expedition Omni 1:28

4,000 Lamanites Alma 62:17

d. Wounded

50 Nephites Alma 49:24

200 Stripling Soldiers Alma 57:25

e. Prisoners

Many thousands of robbers 3 Ne 4:27

Break out in great numbers Alma 57:14

3. Conversions and Dissensions

i. Baptisms/Converted

204 souls Msh 18:16

300 souls Hel 5:49

450 souls Msh 18:35

3,500 baptized Alma 4:5

8,000 Lamanites baptized Hel 5:19

Thousands

brought to knowledge of the Lord Alma 23:5; 26:4, 13,

22; 37:9-10, 19

Tens of Thousands

Baptized Hel 3:24, 26

ii. Dissenters/Dwindling

4,000 dissenters Alma 51:19

Thousands

Nephites destroyed or dwindle Alma 50:22

Tens of Thousands

Sitting in idleness Alma 60:22

4. Theoretical Groups

50

Laban could command or slay 50 1 Ne 3:31; 4:1

of Noah could slay thousands Msh 11:19

One priest to 50 people Msh 18:18

Thousands

50 of Noah could slay thousands Msh 11:19

Showing mercy to thousands Msh 13:14

Tens of Thousands

Lord mightier than tens of thousands 1 Ne 4:1

5. Other Groups of People

2 Bodies Msh 25:4

2 Parties Morm 1:9

2 Kingdoms Eth 7:20

3 had sunk to the earth Alma 19:14

3 Nephite Disciples 3 Ne 28; 4 Ne 1; Morm 1;

Eth 12:17

3 Witnesses 2 Ne 11:3; 27:12; Eth 5:3-4

3 with Ammon Msh 7:6

3 Divisions Hel 1:4

` *3 witnesses of the church Mni 6:7

4 of Zeniff Msh 9:5

5 who went to the judgement seat Hel 9:1, 7, 12-13, 8, 38-39

9 Nephite Disciples 3 Ne 28; 4 Ne 1

12 Apostles 1 Ne 1:10; 11:29, 34-36;

12:9; 13:24, 26, 39-

41; Morm 3:18-19

12 Nephite Disciples 1 Ne 12:7-10; 3 Ne 12:1;

13:25; 15:11; 19:5;

Morm 3:19; Mni 2:1

*12 Tribes of Israel 1 Ne 12:9; Morm 3:18

*12 Bodies 3 Ne 19:5

16 strong men of Mosiah Msh 7:2

22 of the friends of Jared Eth 6:16

24 daughters of the Lamanites Msh 20:5

43 men of Limhi Msh 8:7

2,500 at Bountiful 3 Ne 17:25

5,400 men to land northward Alma 63:4

Tens of Thousands

March forth and gather 3 Ne 3:33, 24

Small number

Small numbers of Lamanites Msh 11:16

Daughters of the Lamanites Msh 20:2

Limhi sends small number (43) Msh 21:25

Sons of Mosiah and small number Msh 28:1

Lower judges should gather Msh 29:29

Amalickiah with small number Alma 46:33

Nimrah gathers small number Eth 9:9

Certain Number

Ill-fated expedition Omni 1:27

Lamanite plunderers Alma 17:27

Ammon slays a certain number Alma 17:36

Aaron and a certain number Alma 21:13

Dissenters and Lamanites Hel 11:24

In number not a few

Plunderers flee from Ammon Alma 17:34, 37

Goodly number

Gathered to listen to Alma Msh 18:7

A large number

Nephites wanted land of Nephi Omni 1:27

Great number

Prophets testified of Christ 1 Ne 10:5

Widows Msh 21:17

Tell others of Christ’s coming 3 Ne 19:3;

Considerable number

Zeniff’s expedition Omni 1:29

Did not number them

Gather to hear king Benjamin Msh 2:2

Exceedingly numerous

People of Zarahemla Omni 1:17

Kingmen Alma 61:3

Jaredites Eth 7:11

Number as the sands of the sea

Lamanites and Nephites 1 Ne 12:1

III. Describing Things

The Book of Mormon also employs numbers in described values of things as well as

describing attributes of things.

A. Economy

1. Currency

2 Senums = 1 Amnor Alma 11:11

3 Shiblons = 1 1 Antion Alma 11:19

4 Senums = 1 Ezrom Alma 11:12

6 Onties Alma 11:22, 25

Seon twice the value of Senine Alma 11:8

Shum twice the value of Seon Alma 11:9

Shiblon is half a Senum Alma 11:15

Shiblum is half a Shiblon Alma 11:16

Leah is half a Shiblum Alma 11:17

Value of their lesser numbers Alma 11:14, 18

2. Taxes/Tithes

Half our possessions Msh 7:22; 19:15, 22, 26

A fifth part of their possessions Msh 11:3

Abraham paid one tenth part of possessions Alma 13:15

B. Objects and Things

½ the kingdom Alma 20:23; Eth 8:2-3; 10:32; 11:15

½ their lands Hel 4:10, 16

2 spindles in the Liahona 1 Ne 16:10

2 stones to make fire 1 Ne 17:11

2 stones, 2 rims of a bow Msh 28:13

2 cities Alma 52:20

2 stones Eth 3:23, 28

5 books of Moses 1 Ne 5:11

7 churches in Zarahemla Msh 25:23

8 barges Eth 3:1

16 stones Eth 3:1

24 Jaredite plates Msh 8:9; Alma 37:21; Eth 1:2

Did not/cannot number them

Cities in the New World 1 Ne 12:3

Ways to commit sin Msh 4:29

A number of their cities Alma 53:8

A number of battles Morm 1:11

IV. Symbolism, Metaphors, Similes, and Prophesies

Numbers are often used as symbols, of rhetorical tools for emphasizing very large or very

small things. Numbers are as much a rhetorical tool as they are a concrete counting tool.

Isaiah chapters include references to numbers. Other authors’ teachings also incorporate

numbers to teach certain doctrines.

A. Isaiah

The captain of 50 2 Ne 13:3

7 Women hold to one man 2 Ne 14:1

10 Acres 2 Ne 15:10

1 Ephah 2 Ne 15:10

6 wings 2 Ne 16:2

A tenth shall return 2 Ne 16:13

1000 vines 2 Ne 17:23

1000 silverlings 2 Ne 17:23

7 streams 2 Ne 21:15

B. Other

2 Churches 1 Ne 14:10

2 Nations’ Testimonies 2 Ne 29:8

2 Lions Alma 14:29

2 Masters 3 Ne 13:24

Quarter(s)

4 quarters of the earth 1 Ne 19:16; 22:25; 2 Ne 10:8;

21:12; 3 Ne 5:24, 26;

16:5; Eth 13:11

All quarters of the land Msh 27:6

That quarter of the land Alma 43:26; 52:10; 56:1

This quarter of the land Alma 58:30, 35

That quarter no man had been Eth 2:5

That quarter of the land Eth 14:15

Eye be single

Thine eye be single 3 Ne 13:22; Morm 8:15

Numberless

Numberless concourses of angels 1 Ne 1:8; Alma 36:22

Numberless concourses of people 1 Ne 8:21

V. Frequency

Some numbers are given to describe how often something happens.

A. Once

Only this once Jac 5:69

Only once in a week? Alma 32:11

B. Twice

Twice cast into a den of beasts 3 Ne 28:22

C. Thrice

Thrice cast into a furnace 3 Ne 28:21

Thrice Mormon delivered Nephites Morm 3:13

VI. Showing Order in a Series

Series of things are important rhetorical tools used by authors. When there are many parts of

something, or a few that are being compared, numbers can be used to talk about each of those

parts.

A. First and Second

Two Sets of Plates of Nephi

First Plates 1 Ne 19:2

First and Second Deaths

First death 2 Ne 9:15; Alma 11:45;

12:36; Hel 14:16

Second death Jac 3:11; Alma 12:16, 32;

13:30; Hel 14:18-19

First and Second Offense

First offense Alma 43:46

Second offense Alma 43:46

Gathering of Israel

Set His hand the second time 2 Ne 6:14; 21:11; 25:17;

29:1; Jac 6:2

Reasons We are Indebted to God

In the first place, he created you Msh 2:23

Secondly, he blesses you for obedience Msh 2:24

First and Second Commandments

First commandments Alma 12:31

Second commandments Alma 12:37

Leaders in the Army

Lamanite custom to appoint second leader Alma 47:13, 17

Battles of Boaz

First and second time the Lamanites came Morm 4:20-21

Epistles of Mormon to Moroni

Second epistle to Moroni Mni 9:H

B. First and Last

Bible and Book of Mormon

Establish the truth of the first [Bible] 1 Ne 13:40

First Shall Be Last, Last Shall Be First

Gentiles and Jews 1 Ne 13:42

Grafting of branches Jac 5:63

The scripture which saith… Eth 13:12

I am the First and the Last

I am the first and the last 1 Ne 20:12

He is the beginning and the end… Alma 11:39

First and Last Provocation

First and last provocation Alma 12:36

First and Last Death

First and last death Alma 12:36

C. Series: First, Second,… etc.

Books of Nephi

First Book of Nephi 1 Ne H

Second Book of Nephi 2 Ne H

Third Nephi 3 Ne H

Fourth Nephi 4 Ne H

Resurrection of the Dead

Christ is the first who should rise 2 Ne 2:8

First Resurrection Msh 15:21-26; 18:9; Alma

40:15-17

Second time of resurrection? Alma 40:5

Third time of resurrection? Alma 40:5

Birth Order

Lehi’s children 1 Ne H ; 2:5, 12; 3:28-29;

4:24; 7:8; 16:7, 37;

17:55; 18:7, 10; 2 Ne

2:1-2, 11; 3:1, 3; 4:3;

5:3, 6; Alma 56:3

The firstborn of the poor shall feed 2 Ne 24:30

From the eldest down to the youngest Msh 2:5

Alma’s children Alma 31:7; 39:10

Helaman’s children Hel 3:21, 37

Nephi’s children 3 Ne 1:2

Brother of Jared’s children Eth 6:25

Shez’s children Eth 10:3

Early Nephite Kings

Second king called Second Nephi Jac 1:11, 15

Future kings called third Nephi, etc. Jac 1:11

First-fruits

First-fruits of Christ Jac 4:11

Baptism is first-fruits of repentance Mni 8:25

Branches

First branch Jac 5:20, 23, 39

Second branch Jac 5:39

Last branch Jac 5:25, 39-40, 43

*These last grafts Jac 5:64

Generations

*3 Generations 1 Ne 12:11; 2 Ne 26:9

Unto the third and fourth generations Msh 13:13

First generation passes away 4 Ne 1:18

Second generation 4 Ne 1:22

Fourth generation 1 Ne 12:12; 2 Ne 26:9; Alma

45:12; Hel 13:10; 3

Ne 27:32

Alma Baptizes

Alma goes forth a second time Msh 18:15

Battles

Went to battle the third time Msh 21:12

Driven again the second time Eth 14:29

Came to battle a third time Eth 14:29

Trumps

When the second trump shall sound Msh 26:25

Chief Judges

Alma the first chief judge Msh 29:42-44; Alma H

Nephihah the second chief judge Alma 50:37

Areas Alma Preached

Alma preached, first in Zarahemla Alma 5:1

Sons of Mosiah Delivered from Prison

Delivered from prison the first time Alma 21:15

Martyrs

Abinadi the first to die for his belief Alma 25:11

Prophets Testimonies of Christ

A second prophet had testified Alma 33:17

Amalickiah Sends for Lehonti

Sends a second time Alma 47:11

Sends a third time Alma 47:11

Sends the fourth time Alma 47:12

Moroni’s Priorities

First care to end dissentions Alma 51:16

Ships of Hagoth

First ship returned and departed again Alma 63:7

Voices from Heaven

Voice came third time Hel 5:33

Voice came third time at Christ’s coming 3 Ne 11:5-6

The Church

The first church established in Mormon 3 Ne 5:12

Appearances of Christ

Second time Christ showed Himself 3 Ne 26:15

At the time of His first appearing Mni 2:3

Parts of the Jaredite Record

Moroni does not abridge first part Eth 1:3

VII. Rhetoric and Emphasis

Many other uses of number-like or number-related words are used to emphasize absolutes

statements, emphasize the smallness of things, or even to emphasize the largeness, all in

order to make some kind of point in the author’s teachings.

A. Absolutes

1. None

a. “Have none”

Concubines he shall have none Jac 2:27; 3:5

Ore I have none Morm 8:5

b. “There is none”, “None are…”

There was none to answer 2 Ne 7:2

I am no devil for there is none 2 Ne 28:22

None in the land that had authority Msh 21:33

Taking none effect Alma 12:26

None righteous 3 Ne 9:11; 4 Ne 1:46

c. “None shall/could”

None shall be weary, slumber, or deliver 2 Ne 15:26-29

None shall be alone 2 Ne 24:31

None shall be found blameless Msh 3:21

None shall deliver them Msh 11:23

None could deliver them Msh 23:23; 24:21; Alma 36:2

None shall pass away Alma 34:13

None can deliver 3 Ne 20:16; 21:12

None shall have power to bring it to light Morm 8:15

None can stay it Morm 8:26

d. “None other”, “None else”

Unto none else 2 Ne 2:7

None other object 2 Ne 2:30

He shall do none other work 2 Ne 3:8

None other way save it be by the gate 2 Ne 9:41

None other nation would crucify their God 2 Ne 10:3

None other name given 2 Ne 25:20; 31:21

None other people 2 Ne 25:5

None other salvation Msh 4:8

Salvation cometh to none else Alma 11:40

None other are spared alive Alma 56:12

None other power can operate Alma 60:25

None other people knoweth our language Morm 9:34

e. “None but/save/except”

None come except they are brought 2 Ne 1:6

None but 3 witnesses 2 Ne 27:12-13

Covenanteth with none save the repentant 2 Ne 30:2

None consecrated except just men Msh 23:17

Kingdom conferred on none but Nephites Msh 25:13

None but their leader by the sword Alma 17:38

None that knoweth… save the penitent Alma 26:21

This joy none receiveth but the penitent Alma 27:18

None save your word only Alma 30:40

None but the penitent are saved Alma 42:24

None save the Lamanites Morm 8:9-10; Eth 4:3

None save a few humble Morm 8:36

Good cometh of none save by me Eth 4:12

None baptized save they… Mni 6:3

None, save the meek, is acceptable Mni 7:44

f. “None greater”

None were greater Alma 13:19

None greater nation Eth 1:43

g. “None of…”

None of us knoweth 1 Ne 22:4

None of these iniquities 2 Ne 26:32-33

None of these can I hope 2 Ne 33:9

None of the fruit is good Jac 5:32

None of the Amalekites were converted Alma 24:29

None of your sacrifices will I accept 3 Ne 9:19

None of these things to enter your heart 3 Ne 12:29

None of them have seen so great things 3 Ne 19:36

None of them are lost 3 Ne 27:30-31

None of the fair sons and daughters Eth 13:17

h. “None such”

Salvation cometh to none such Msh 3:12

Redeemeth none such Msh 15:26-27

God receiveth none such Mni 7:9

i. “None to…”

None to molest them 2 Ne 1:9

None to guide her 2 Ne 8:18

None to reign in his stead Alma 1:1

None to deliver Morm 5:24

None to restrain them Eth 13:31

j. “None [Action]”

None that moved the wing 2 Ne 20:14

None hindereth 2 Ne 24:6

None have written save about Christ Jac 7:11

None hideth treasures, redeem them Hel 13:19

None did escape 3 Ne 5:4

None that doeth good Mni 10:25

Sparing none Mni 9:19

k. “None (Object of Action)”

None will he destroy that believe in him 2 Ne 6:14

None commanded to go away 2 Ne 26:24, 28, 33; 3 Ne

18:25

None were deprived the privilege Alma 6:5

None were not baptized 3 Ne 7:24

None left to bury their dead Eth 14:22

2. Not One

Not one soul who didn’t covenant Msh 6:2

Not one soul lost of the captives Alma 16:8

Not one soul would take up arms Alma 24:6

Not one whit Alma 42:25

Not one soul had fallen Alma 56:56; 57:25

Not one to do good Mni 7:17

Not one doeth good Mni 10:25

3. Not a Single Soul

Not a single Nephite was slain Alma 49:23

B. Fractions, Portions, and Small Values

1. Smallness of Numbers

Smallness of his numbers

Overpower Teancum because of… Alma 52:23

Sufficient number

Noah did not send… Msh 11:17

2. Greater/Greatest Number of…

The greater number

Of Zeniff’s army slain Msh 9:2

Of men guarding weak places Alma 48:9

Of prisoners slain Alma 57:33

The greatest number

Were Amaleckites Alma 24:28

3. Whole

Whole heart 1 Ne 1:15

Whole staff, whole stay 2 Ne 13:1

The whole earth 2 Ne 16:3; 24:7, 26; Alma 36:7;

38:7; Hel 3:8; 11:6; 12:11;

14:22, 27; 3 Ne 1:17; 8:6, 12,

17-18; 9:2, 9; 11:14; 16:10; 3

Ne 20:19; 22:5; Eth 13:17

His whole work 2 Ne 20;12

The whole land 2 Ne 23:5; Hel 11:18, 20; Morm 1:7,

13; 8:8; Eth 10:21; 14:21

Whole Palestina 2 Ne 24:29, 31

Whole soul 2 Ne 25:29; Enos 1:9; Omni 1:26;

WoM 1:18; Msh 2:20-21;

26:14

Made whole Enos 1:8; 3 Ne 17:10

Whole frame Msh 2:30

In the whole Msh 6:4; 29:46; Morm 3:4

The whole becoming… Alma 11:45

Whole household Alma 22:23

Whole meaning of the law Alma 34:14

Exposed to the whole law Alma 34:16

The whole army Alma 47:13; 56:24, 52; 57:25-26;

58:22, 25; Hel 1:20; 11:32

Whole city Hel 1:20

Whole multitude 3 Ne 11:8, 12

Whole body 3 Ne 13:22-23

Whole nation 3 Ne 24:9

The whole human family Morm 3:20

Children are whole Mni 8:8

4. Part

a. Part (People)

More part 1 Ne 22:4; Alma 14:2; 47:2, 5; Hel 5:50;

6:1, 21, 31-32; 11:21; 13:12; 15:5-6;

16:6, 10, 15; 3 Ne 1:22; 7:7-8; Eth

9:11

More wicked part 2 Ne 10:3; Omni 1:5; Hel 6:37-38

Lesser part Msh 19:3; 29:26

Part of them Msh 23:38; 29:7; Alma 43:25, 31, 34; 46:25;

47:3; 51:2; 52:13, 24, 26; 56:24, 33,

57; 57:8, 16; 60:25; Eth 14:5, 20

More idle part Alma 22:28

More popular part Alma 35:3

Weaker part Alma 43:24

Greater part Alma 46:4

That part Hel 1:7

Humble part Hel 3:34

Rebellious part Hel 4:2

Wicked part Hel 6:18; 4 Ne 1:40, 42

More righteous part 3 Ne 10:12

Small part 4 Ne 1:20

b. Part (Land, Places)

Most fertile parts 1 Ne 16:14, 16

Four parts of the world 2 Ne 10:8

Uttermost part 2 Ne 17:18

Nethermost part Jac 5:13-14, 19, 38-39, 52

Other parts Jac 5:43

Part of the land Msh 7:21; Alma 50:26

That part Alma 2:37; 23:14; 52:13; 53:8; 56:9; 59:2-3,

6; 62:12, 22; Eth 7:16

Many parts Alma 8:11; Hel 4:9, 19; 11:33

All parts Alma 13:23; 51:9; Hel 3:5-6

Northernmost parts Alma 22:29

Any part Alma 23:1; 3 Ne 16:1

All the parts Alma 46:28

Weakest part Alma 49:15

Those parts Alma 50:32; 52:5; 55:20; 58:3; 60:24-25;

62:42; Hel 1:26

This part Alma 56:2; 61:6, 15; Mni 8:28

Whatsoever part Alma 60:2; Hel 6:7

What part Alma 62:20

Inner part Alma 62:21

North parts Hel 1:23

Capitol parts Hel 1:27

More settled parts Hel 3:23

Wicked parts Hel 11:6

Furthermost parts 3 Ne 4:23; 7:12

c. Part (Records)

This part 1 Ne 6:1

More part 1 Ne 9:4; 19:2; 3 Ne 26:7

Plain and precious parts 1 Ne 13:26, 32, 34; 19:3

Small part 1 Ne 14:28

More particular part 2 Ne 4:14; 5:33

Hundredth part Jac 3:13; WoM 1:5; Hel 3:14; 3 Ne 5:8;

26:6; Eth 15:33

Part of Alma 9:34; 3 Ne 7:17; Eth 1:5

Those parts Alma 63:12

Lesser part 3 Ne 26:8

First part Eth 1:3

d. Part (Other Things)

Good part 2 Ne 2:30

Secret parts 2 Ne 13:17

Parts of the tree Jac 5:25, 40, 45

Fifth part Msh 11:3

Most part Msh 13:11

Tenth part Alma 13:15

Inmost part Alma 13:27

A part of which Alma 22:31

Smallest part Alma 26:16

Every part Alma 41:2

Vital parts Alma 43:38

Rent part Alma 46:19, 24

Weakest part Alma 48:5

More part Alma 53:2; Hel 14:21; 3 Ne 7:26; 4 Ne 1:27

No part 3 Ne 11:3

Part of Mni 9:16

e. Part (Other Uses)

Part asunder Msh 27:18

Parted hither and thither Hel 8:11

Have part Msh 15:24, 26; Alma 40:13

Every man bear his part Msh 29:34

On the part of Alma 31:4; 43:37; Morm 2:8

In part rebuilt Alma 49:3

5. Portion

Divide him a portion Msh 14:12

Portion of His word Alma 12:9-11

Portion of the Spirit Alma 17:9; 18:35; 24:8; 40:13

Portion of their substance Alma 27:24; 43:13

Portion of my words Alma 32:27

6. Remainder

Write the remainder of these things 1 Ne 14:21, 28

Remainder shalt thou see 1 Ne 14:24

Remainder of our provisions 1 Ne 16:11

Remainder of my words 2 Ne 9:54; Msh 4:4

Remainder of my record WoM 1:5-6

Remainder of his/our days Msh 1:1; 5:5; 29:11; Alma 62:43;

Hel 5:4; Eth 10:30; 11:3, 18

Remainder of the commandments Msh 13:11

Remainder (people) Msh 19:2; 21:11; 23:38; Alma 2:11;

3:23; 4:15; 21:13; 25:5;

43:32; 44:16; 46:24, 33;

51:20; 52:26, 36; 56:33, 57;

57:20, 33; 58:17; 59:8; 61:15;

62:3, 25; Hel 8:10; 15:6; 3

Ne 4:27; 6:27; Morm 4:3; 6:5

Remainder of their lives Alma 44:19

Remainder of those possessions Alma 59:4; 60:24

Remainder of the land Alma 61:8

Remainder of that year Hel 3:32

Remainder of their lands Hel 4:19

Leave the remainder of the records Morm 1:4

Remainder of the kingdom Eth 10:32

Remainder of Ether’s record Eth 13:14

7. Few

a. Few Days/Years

A few more days 2 Ne 1:14

A few years 3 Ne 6:16

*Few were his days Eth 11:10

A few years have passed away Mni 9:12

b. Few Things

Trees in his forest shall be few 2 Ne 20:19

God will beat us with a few stripes 2 Ne 28:8

A few questions Alma 11:21

Few points of the law Alma 51:2

Few provisions Alma 61:15-16

A few contentions Hel 11:22

These few plates Morm 6:6

c. Few Words

A few words 2 Ne 2:30

Few things, few words 2 Ne 31:1-2

Few words of Nephite history Jac H; 1:2

Few words on the plates Jac 4:2

Few words Jarom 1:1; Omni 1:4, 9

Few words concerning Jaredites Omni 1:22

Few have I written here Msh 8:1

Few things to write Morm 8:1

Only a few have I written Eth 12:40

Write a few more things Mni 1:4; 7:1

A few things Mni 9:24

A few words of exhortation Mni 10:2

d. Few People

Church of God is few in number 1 Ne 14:12

Few spared, taken captive 1 Ne 17:43

Other servants were few Jac 5:70

Few gathered to dance Msh 20:5

There are but few of us Msh 20:19

Few believed on the words Alma 21:12

Might save some few souls Alma 26:26

Few understood the meaning Alma 33:20

Few denied covenant of freedom Alma 46:35

A few guards only Alma 58:22

Few of your men Alma 61:15-16

A few began to preach… 3 Ne 1:24

A few Lamanites 3 Ne 6:14

Few righteous men among them 3 Ne 7:7

Few converted unto the Lord 3 Ne 7:21

Few there be that find it 3 Ne 14:14; 27:33

A few Nephites escaped Morm 6:15

A few lift themselves up Morm 8:36

e. “Save a Few”

None shall view it save a few 2 Ne 27:13

All gone astray save a few 2 Ne 28:14

Save it be a few Alma 45:14

Second generation save a few 4 Ne 1:22

f. “Not a few”

Cut off nations not a few 2 Ne 20:7

They were in number not a few Alma 17:34, 37-38

Are they few? Alma 26:31

C. Emphasis on Large Values

Large Numbers of People

Behold the number

Behold the number of your sheaves Alma 26:5

Notwithstanding their number

Lamanites afraid… Alma 43:21

Greatness of the number

Determined because of the… Alma 48:4

Supposed because of the… Alma 49:6

Lamanites behold the… Alma 62:19

Notwithstanding the… slain Hel 1:25

Feared because of the… Hel 4:20

Obliged to return because of… Hel 11:31

Filled with terror because of… Morm 6:8

Enormity of their number

Seeing the… Alma 52:5

Notwithstanding the… Alma 57:13

By their numbers

Supposing… Alma 52:23

So great a number

Nephites having… that… 3 Ne 4:4

Lamanites having… that… Morm 5:6

Being so numerous…

People of Limhi could not contend Msh 22:2

They could not be numbered Alma 2:35

Nephites employed all to keep them Alma 57:13

Nephites obliged to flee Alma 59:8

Nephites couldn’t obtain power Hel 4:19

Robbers slay many, lay waste… 3 Ne 2:11

Began to be numerous Jac 3:13; Msh 27:6

A numerous people

Laman king over… Msh 24:3

Most numerous

Army of the Lamanites Alma 56:34

Other Words used to describe the largeness of things

Many

All

D. Comparative Rhetoric

More than the number Alma 24:26

Double the number Alma 43:51

Number exceeded number Alma 52:40; Morm 4:13

Not so strong in number 3 Ne 7:11

Exceed the number Morm 1:11

More numerous

Lamanites then Nephites Jarom 1:6; Alma 43:51; 58:2; Hel

4:25

Disbelievers than believers Msh 26:5

Nephites than Amalickiahites Alma 46:29

Soldiers than they have sent Alma 58:36;

Chose evil than chose good Hel 5:2

Among the wicked Lamanites Hel 6:18

Nephites than band of Jacob 3 Ne 7:12

Wicked than people of God 4 Ne 1:40

As numerous as…

Hosts of Israel—Jaredites Msh 8:8

Sands of sea—Lamanites/Amlicites Alma 2:27

Nephites—Nephite dissenters Alma 43:14;

Sands of sea—The people Morm 1:7

Not half so numerous

People of Limhi... the Lamanites Msh 20:11

Nephites… People of Zarahemla Msh 25:3

Unbelievers… People of God Msh 26:5

Other Comparative Vocabulary used in the Book of Mormon:

Small

Smallest

Largest

Large

Great

Greater

More

Less

Equal

Least

Most

Exceed

PART 3: Use of Other Numerical and Otherwise Related Vocabulary

Here is a collection of other words used in the Book of Mormon that relate to numbers that might

be of value. Their use is also important to understand to fully understand the use of numbers in

the Book of Mormon to teach certain things.

I. Add/Addition

Add to their numbers Hel 15:6

Add one cubit…? 3 Ne 13:27

Addition to our army Alma 57:6; Hel 11:25

II. Amount

Amount of one half… Msh 7:22

Amount of a seon Alma 11:8

Amount of 5400 men Alma 63:4

III. Degree

Small degree of knowledge Jac 4:2

Prosper by degrees Msh 21:16

Listened in any degree Msh 22:4

With any degree of terror Alma 27:28

Torment… greatest degree Alma 36:12

Least degree of allowance Alma 45:16

Poisoned by degree Alma 47:18

Contentions in small degree Hel 3:22

Increased in great degree 3 Ne 1:28

Peace in some degree 3 Ne 7:14

IV. Divide

Red Sea divided 1 Ne 4:2; 17:26

Divided (Geographically) 1 Ne 13:10; Alma 22:27; 27:14; Morm 2:28;

Eth 10:20

Divide wicked from the righteous 1 Ne 15:30

Earth about to divide asunder 1 Ne 17:46; Hel 5:33; 3 Ne 8:6

Divide the spoil 2 Ne 19:3; Msh 14:12

Divide him a portion Msh 14:12

Never to be divided Alma 11:45

Divided his army Alma 43:31

Divide the cunning of the devil Hel 3:29

People divided Hel 10:1, 18; 3 Ne 7:2, 14; 4 Ne 1:26; Eth

7:20; 14:20

Dividing of earth, dust Hel 12:8

V. Division

Great division among the people 2 Ne 30:10

Division among the people Msh 19:2; Hel 10:1; 4 Ne 1:35

Division among them Alma 51:6

3 divisions among the people Hel 1:4

VI. Elder

Elders of the Jews 1 Ne 4:22, 27

Elders of the church Alma 4:7, 16; 6:1; Mni 3:1; 4:1; 6:1, 7

VII. Final[ly]

Final state of the soul 1 Ne 15:31, 35

Final doom Msh 2:39

Final state of the wicked Alma 34:35

Finally Jac 6:13; Msh 4:29; Alma 5:56

VIII. First

A. First “Before”

The word first is sometimes used to mean something happened or needs to happen before

another event. This is used in ordering events.

Having first obtained my errand from the Lord Jac 1:17

They having first transgressed Alma 12:31

They had first given to the Lamanites Alma 55:31

Wickedness which first commenced at our head Alma 60:15

Inward vessel shall be cleansed first Alma 60:23-24

Go and first be reconciled to thy brother 3 Ne 12:24

Seek ye first the kingdom of God 3 Ne 13:33

First cast the beam out of thine own eye 3 Ne 14:5

The Father raised me up unto you first 3 Ne 20:26

Received this first, to try their faith 3 Ne 26:9

*Baptized, first with water Morm 7:10

They first believed in the Son of God Eth 12:18

B. First “Original[ly]”

*In the first place 2 Ne 32:9; Msh 2:23; Alma 13:3, 5; 32:22

First parents (Adam and Eve) 1 Ne 5:11; 2 Ne 2:15; 9:9; Jac 4:3; Msh

16:3; Alma 12:21, 26, 31; 42:2, 7;

Hel 6:26; Eth 8:25

Lehi’s first blessing 2 Ne 1:28-29

First judgement 2 Ne 9:7

The first fruit Jac 5:60

First parents (Jaredites) Omni 1:22

Land of first inheritance (Lehi) Msh 9:1; 10:13; Alma 22:28; 54:12-13

Helam one of the first Msh 18:12, 15

First time of priestcraft Alma 1:12

The first army Alma 3:20

First time Alma came Alma 7:1

He who first possessed them Alma 8:7

First message of Angel to Alma Alma 8:15

Angel first appeared to them Alma 17:2

Aaron first preaches to Amalekites Alma 21:4

First landing of Mulekites Alma 22:30

Ye cannot know at first Alma 32:26

Where they first pitched tents Alma 58:17

First parents (Lehi and Nephi) Hel 5:6

First came out of Jerusalem Hel 7:7

People of the first covenant Morm 7:10

Land of first inheritance (Jaredite) Eth 7:16

IX. Last

A. Last “Future Time”

At the last day 1 Ne 13:37; 16:2; 22:31; 2 Ne 2:26; 9:33,

44; 25:18; 33:11-14; Jac 1:19; 3:10;

WoM 1:11; Msh 17:10; 23:22;

26:28; 27:31; Alma 1:4; 7:21; 13:29;

14:11; 22:6, 15, 18; 24:15-16; 26:6-

7; 30:60; 33:22; 34:39; 36:3, 28;

37:37; 38:5, 15; 39:8; 41:3; 42:27;

Hel 12:25; 3 Ne 15:1; 26:4; 27:5-6,

20, 22; 28:34, 39; Morm 2:19; 8:31;

9:6; Eth 4:10, 19; 5:4, 6; Mni 7:35,

47

In the last days 2 Ne 12:2; 25:8; 26:14; 27:1

At last we shall be saved 2 Ne 28:8

At last, if he can Alma 5:59

At last… sit down with Abraham Alma 7:25

B. Last “Final”

Last days of my probation 2 Ne 2:30

Great and last foundation Jac 4:16

Labor the last time Jac 5:62-64, 71, 75-76; 6:2

Last which he wrote Omni 1:9

Last words of king Benjamin Msh 8:3

Last tribute of wine Msh 22:7

Last words of the angel Msh 27:17

Last Nephite King Alma 1:14; 10:19

Last of the lawyers of Ammonihah Alma 14:25

Great and last sacrifice Alma 34:10, 13-15

Last struggle of the Nephites Morm 6:6

Last words of Ether Eth 15:34

C. Last “Previous”

Last night 2 Ne 10:3

Who kept this last record 4 Ne 1:19

X. Less

Less than the dust Msh 4:2; Hel 12:7

More or less concerning these things Msh 13:33

No less serviceable Alma 48:19

Less and less astonished 3 Ne 2:1

More or less than this 3 Ne 11:40; 18:13

XI. Measure

Without measure 2 Ne 15:14

Beyond measure Msh 28:12; 29:40; Alma 31:19; Hel 3:25

Their measure Alma 11:4

Measure of barley Alma 11:7, 15

Time measured only by men Alma 40:8

Filled up in a measure Alma 49:22

What ye measure 3 Ne 14:2

XII. Multiply

Multiply in the land 2 Ne 5:13; Jarom 1:8; Msh 2:2; 9:9; 23:20;

Alma 50:18; 62:48; Hel 3:8; 6:12;

11:20; 4 Ne 1:10, 23; Eth 6:18

Multiplied the nation 2 Ne 19:3

Did not multiply many words 3 Ne 19:24

False church multiplies 4 Ne 1:28

XIII. Number

A. Number “Count”

Numbered among/with 1 Ne 14:2; 2 Ne 4:11; 10:18-19; Msh 14:12;

18:9; 25:12-13; 26:32, 35-36; 27:8;

Alma 5:57; 6:3; 27:27; 45:13-14; Hel

15:13; 3 Ne 2:14, 16; 3:14; 15:24;

16:3, 13; 18:31; 21:6, 22; 30:2;

Morm 7:10; Eth 13:10; Mni 6:4, 7;

7:39

Numbered them Alma 56:55

They are numbered 3 Ne 18:31

Number the people Eth 6:19, 21

B. Number (Other)

According to its number

Lord tried every fruit… Jac 5:31

Appointed captains… Alma 2:13

They were not strong… Alma 58:15

Lands… 3 Ne 6:3

Among the number of their dead

King found… their dead Msh 20:12

Coriantumr… the dead Hel 1:30

With their numbers

Sons of Mosiah depart… Alma 17:8

Because of the number

Angry with Ammon… Alma 19:21

Discover the number

Spies sent to… Alma 58:14

Addition to their numbers

Robber received… Hel 11:25

Converts Hel 15:6

XIV. Old … of old 1 Ne 1:20; 10:17, 19; 19:6, 20-22; 2 Ne

3:22; 26:22; Jac 1:15; 2:26, 33; 4:13;

Msh 28:16; Alma 33:3, 12, 17; Hel

13:24-25; 3 Ne 6:28; 12:21, 27, 46;

24:4; Morm 9:27; Eth 8:9, 15, 17-18;

9:26; 10:33; 12:10; 13:5, 8, 11

That old serpent 2 Ne 2:18; Msh 16:3

All shall wax old 2 Ne 7:9

The earth shall wax old 2 Ne 8:6; Eth 13:9

Tree waxed old Jac 5:3

Old cities repaired 3 Ne 6:7

Old things are done away 3 Ne 12:47; 15:2-3, 7

XV. Once

A. “At Once”

At once Jac 5:65

Men do not all die at once Alma 40:8, 19

B. “Once Again”

Once again Jac 5:63; WoM 1:8

Once more Jac 5:64; WoM 1:18

Once more peace established Alma 62:42

C. Once “Previously”

The word once is used similarly to first when referring to order of events. One of its uses

is to describe something as being previous to something else.

These have once brought forth fruit Jac 5:42

Amulek rejected by those once his friends Alma 15:16

People have been once enlightened by the Spirit Alma 24:30

Anti-Nephi-Lehies once Lamanites Alma 30:19

When the Spirit once had place in you Alma 39:6

Massacred by those who were once their brethren Alma 48:24

They had destroyed it once Alma 49:3

Ye have once rejected these things Alma 54:8

They had once belonged to the church of God Hel 5:35

When they were once enlightened Hel 15:10

They were once a delightsome people Morm 5:17

XVI. Reckon

Reckoning their money Alma 11:4-5, 14, 18

Nephite reckon time from… 3 Ne 2:8

In the reckoning of our time 3 Ne 8:2

XVII. Several

Several stations Alma 17:18

Gifts come unto every man severally Mni 10:17

XVIII. Some

A. Some (Pronoun/Noun)

Visit some with his voice—1 Ne 19:11

Some in one, some in another—Jac 5:14

Some lifting themselves up with pride—Alma 4:12

There were some among them—Alma 10:13

Some around the borders of Noah—Alma 16:3

Some say—Alma 19:5, 19, 27

Some among you—Alma 32:25

Some have understood—Alma 40:15

Some have wrested the scriptures—Alma 41:1

Some who died with fevers, some seasons—Alma 46:40

Some of the Lamanite prisoners—Alma 55:31

Some who cried out—Hel 8:7

Gained favor in the eyes of some—Hel 8:10

Agreed with someone—Hel 9:16

Some who, some who—Hel 9:39-40

Some who shall be cast out—Hel 12:25

Some began to say the time was passed—3 Ne 1:5

Led away by some who were Zoramites—3 Ne 1:29

Some one that had the Spirit—3 Ne 3:19

In the eyes of some—3 Ne 5:8

*Some disputings, some lifted up, some ignorant—3 Ne 6:10, 12-13

Some carried away—3 Ne 8:16, 19

Some among them—3 Ne 15:2

Some of them cast into pits—Eth 9:29

Some fled to land southward—Eth 9:32

Some had faith in him—Eth 12:7

B. Some “Unspecified (Individual)”

Some future period—1 Ne 7:13

Some strange wilderness—1 Ne 16:38

Some future day—Enos 1:13

Some day—WoM 1:2

Some other name—Msh 5:10

Some means—Msh 21:19-20

At some period of time—Alma 9:17

Some evil come upon her—Alma 22:21

Some soul to repentance—Alma 29:9

Offend some unknown being—Alma 30:28

Some other way—Alma 52:10

Some means—Alma 52:19

Some intrigue, some ground—Alma 53:8

Some faction in the government—Alma 58:36

Some being which they beheld—Hel 5:36

Some great thing—Hel 16:20-21

Imagining up some vain thing—3 Ne 2:2

Some future day—Mni 1:4

C. Some “Certain (Plural)”

Some men—1 Ne 19:7

I write some of the words of Isaiah—2 Ne 11:8

Some of you have obtained more—Jac 2:13

Some few souls—Alma 26:26, 30

Some dissenters—Alma 63:14

Some little dissentions—Hel 3:1

Some things they have guessed right—Hel 16:16

Some miracles—3 Ne 7:22

Some bread and wine—3 Ne 18:1

Some others—Eth 1:33

D. Some “Unspecified, considerable in number/degree”

Some years—Jac 7:1

Some years—Hel 11:24

Some advantage—3 Ne 2:17

Some degree—3 Ne 7:14

Some cities,—3 Ne 8:15

XIX. Value

Valued as a garment Msh 12:3

Value of Nephite coinage Alma 11:4, 8-10, 14

Greater is the value… Morm 8:38

XX. Young

Roar like young lions 2 Ne 15:29

Nourish a young cow 2 Ne 17:21

No joy in their young men 2 Ne 19:17

Young ones lie together 2 Ne 21:6-7; 30:12-13

Dash their young men to pieces 2 Ne 23:18

Young and tender branches Jac 5:4, 6, 8

As a goat fleeth with her young Alma 14:29

As a young lion 3 Ne 20:16; 21:12

Part 4: Conclusion

Numbers and other number-related concepts are never used accidentally in the Book of

Mormon. The authors thereof employed the use of numbers in their stories and teachings

to better teach the doctrine. Knowing the numbers of people who went somewhere helps

us relate to the people and know more about them. Knowing that “not one” of the 2000

stripling soldiers died is central to the miracle that it was. Knowing that tens of thousands

were slain in a battle is important in comprehending the sadness of Mormon during the

final conflict. Knowing all these things illustrates in our minds a more clear picture of the

stories, the people, their way of life, and their teachings.