In this scripture note, I wanted to look a little closer at the often quoted verse, Moroni 10:4, where it says: “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.” (Moroni 10:4) When I look at the Hebrew background of this verse, and compare it with relevant verses from the Old and New Testament, it seems to take on a whole new light.
1. “And when ye shall receive these things”
In Hebrew thought, “receiving” is not merely a passive act but an active engagement with the content. The Hebrew word for “receive” often implies acceptance, understanding, and internalizing. In this verse, it suggests a deep engagement with the teachings.
2. “I would exhort you”
The Hebrew concept of exhortation often involves strong encouragement, urging others to action. The term used here conveys a sense of earnest pleading or urgency.
3. “That ye would ask God, the Eternal Father”
The Hebrew word for “ask” is “שָׁאַל” (sha’al), which goes beyond a simple request. It involves seeking, and deeply inquiring, depending on the context. “God, the Eternal Father” in Hebrew would be “אלוהים, האב הנצחי” (Elohim, HaAv HaNetzachy).
4. “In the name of Christ”
“In the name of Messiah” is a Hebraic expression of authority and representation. The Hebrew phrase would be “בשם המשיח” (B’Shem HaMashiach), indicating that the asking is done with the authority and by the representation of Christ.
5. “If these things are not true”
The Hebrew word for “true” is “אֱמֶת” (emet), which means truth, reliability, and faithfulness. The idea of “these things” being true implies alignment with divine principles and consistency with the word of God.
6. “With a sincere heart”
“Sincere” in Hebrew could be translated as “תָּמִים” (tamim), which can be interpreted as innocent or sincere. It refers to an integrity of heart and genuine motives without hidden agendas.
7. “With real intent”
“Real intent” implies a seriousness and commitment to act upon the answer received. The Hebrew concept could be expressed as “בכוונה אמיתית” (BeKavanah Amitit), with “kavanah” meaning intention or purpose.
8. “Having faith in Christ”
The Hebrew word for “faith” is “אֱמוּנָה” (emunah), which goes beyond belief to a deep-rooted trust and fidelity. “In Messiah” would be “במָשִׁיחַ” (B’Mashiach), signifying reliance on the Anointed One.
9. “He will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost”
The manifestation of truth in Hebrew could be understood as “הַאֱמֶת תִּתְגַּלֶּה לָכֶם” (HaEmet Titgaleh Lakhem), indicating a revelation or unveiling of truth. This Hebrew phrase can be interpreted literally as “the truth will be revealed to you.” The power of the Holy Ghost, or “רוּח הַקֹּדֶשׁ” (Ruach HaKodesh), is the divine influence and guidance.
Comparison with Old Testament
A similar concept is found in Proverbs 2:3-5:
כִּי אִם לַבִּינָה תִקְרָא לַתְּבוּנָה תִּתֵּן קוֹלֶךָ: אִם־תְּבַקְשֶׁנָּה כַכָּסֶף וְכַמַּטְמוֹנִים תַּחְפְּשֶׂנָּה: אָז תָּבִין יִרְאַת יְהוָה וְדַעַת אֱלֹהִים תִּמְצָא
“Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.” The Hebrew text conveys a deep seeking, indicating an intense pursuit.
“Then shalt thou understand” is “אָז תָּבִין” (az tavin), similar to the idea of “manifestation” in Moroni 10:4.
Comparison with New Testament
In the New Testament, James 1:5-6 parallels this seeking for truth:
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” The English Standard Version reads: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”
“Ask of God” is akin to the Hebrew concept of seeking counsel from Elohim. “Let him ask in faith” aligns with the necessity of faith in Moroni 10:4.
Sincere Seeking and Genuine Intent
Moroni 10:4 calls for a sincere heart and real intent when approaching God with questions. This reflects a core principle found throughout our Scriptures, particularly in the teachings of the Old Testament prophets and the wisdom literature. For example, we read in Proverbs 8:17 where it portrays wisdom saying, “I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.” This demonstrates the idea that genuine seeking is met with divine response.
Jeremiah 29:13 says, “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” In this verse we see the importance of wholehearted seeking, which aligns with the genuine intent mentioned in Moroni 10:4.
In the Hebrew tradition, seeking wisdom and understanding from God was not a casual endeavour; instead, it was a passionate pursuit. The Hebrew word for “seek” often implies an intense and persistent search, indicating a deep longing for divine knowledge and guidance. This parallels Moroni’s exhortation for readers to approach God with sincerity and earnestness.
Faith in Christ
The requirement of having faith in Christ in Moroni 10:4 reflects a central tenet of Christianity, rooted in the New Testament teachings. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus emphasized the importance of faith:
Matthew 21:22 records Jesus saying, “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” This echoes the truth presented in Moroni 10:4 that faith is essential in receiving divine confirmation.
Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” This passage shows us the inseparable link between faith and seeking God.
The Hebrew concept of faith, “אֱמוּנָה” (emunah), is not just some kind of intellectual assent but a deep trust and reliance on God’s promises. In Jewish thought, faith is an active force that propels us to action, similar to the idea of “real intent” mentioned in Moroni 10:4.
Depth of Engagement and Commitment
Moroni 10:4 invites people to engage deeply with the teachings they receive, encouraging them to ponder, question, and seek divine confirmation. This resonates with the Hebrew tradition of studying and meditating on God’s word. (cf. Ps. 119:9-10)
Psalm 1:2 speaks of the blessed person who delights in the Law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night. This deep engagement with the Scriptures leads to spiritual fruitfulness.
Joshua 1:8 instructs, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Here, meditation on God’s word is linked to obedience and success.
In both the Old and New Testaments, individuals who sought God’s guidance and wisdom were often rewarded with divine insight, protection, and direction. Moroni’s counsel in verse 4 echoes this pattern, encouraging readers to actively seek, ask with intent, and have faith in Christ to receive the confirming witness of the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion
Moroni 10:4 reveals a plethora of deep themes that connect with the broader biblical accounts. It demonstrates the principles of sincere seeking, genuine intent, and faith in Christ as foundational elements in the quest for divine truth. This verse invites readers and students alike to a deep engagement with God’s teachings, mirroring the practices of the faithful throughout biblical history. As each of us approach Heavenly Father with open hearts, earnest questions, and unwavering faith, we are promised the manifestation of truth by the power of the Holy Ghost. This promise, rooted in both Old and New Testament traditions, speaks to the universal human longing for divine guidance and assurance in the journey of faith.
I hope to expand upon this article in the future with additional examples and with appropriate revisions where necessary.
