Mosiah 2:16-20
From Feast upon the Word (http://feastupontheword.org). Copyright, Feast upon the Word.
The Book of Mormon > Mosiah > Chapter 2
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Questions
Verse 17: Does the inclusion of the word "only" in this verse affect its meaning?
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Lexical notes
Verse 17: Only
Webster's 1828 dictionary gives 3 definitions for only.
- Ths first two suggest that when we serve others we are doing nothing more than serving God. The point of saying we "only serve God" is to show that such a person has no reason to boast (see verse 16). We are not to think that in serving others we have done some good that we can attribute to ourselves and take pride in. Mosiah is telling us that we are simply serving our creator and, as Mosiah is about to tell us, we will never be able to repay the debt we have to him (see verse 24).
- The third definition from the 1828 Webster's reads, "This above all others. He is the only man for music." This definition suggests interpreting the verse to mean that "God is served above all."
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Exegesis
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Related links
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Verses 1-2
- Thomas S. Monson, "How Firm a Foundation," Ensign, Nov 2006, pp. 67–68. Elder Monson states: "Along your pathway of life you will observe that you are not the only traveler. There are others who need your help. There are feet to steady, hands to grasp, minds to encourage, hearts to inspire, and souls to save."
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