ZEMNARIHAH

Lehite PN

Gadianton robber chief, 1st c. AD (3 Nephi 4:17, 22–23, 28)

Cf. Egyptian PN zmn-h3-r`. The Book of Mormon version merely switches the order of the last two elements (HWN in LID 30, ABM 236). The position of the divine name (in this case r`, a sungod) in Egyptian has always been problematic. The Egyptians tended to write the divine element of a theophoric name first, even when it was pronounced (as syntactical rules would dictate) at the end. For this reason, the transliteration of Egyptian names by modern Egyptologists often are reversed in order from those made by ancient historians (e.g., Manetho) who wrote in Greek. Many examples might be given here, if necessary _____. What, however, does Nibley’s suggestion do to the ihah element found in a number of Book of Mormon names which have their parallels without that element (e.g., Moroni/Moronihah, Nephi/Nephihah, Mathoni/Mathonihah)? (JAT).

Perhaps Aramaic zeman, “time, appointed time” + -ar- + YHWH. For the -ar-, possibilities are Hebrew ʾarî/ʾaryeh, “lion”, or ʾûr, “light.” This would give the strange meaning of “the (appointed) time of the lion (or light) of Yahweh” (JH).

Possibly *zimna'-la-YHH, in Egyptian transcription *zymn3'ryhh, “time for Yahweh,” but a mere speculation (RFS). Tvedtnes finds it difficult that the Nephites, who came from a Hebrew-speaking environment, should have to transliterate a Hebrew name into Egyptian (JAT).

Cf. Book of Mormon Ahah, Moronihah, Nephihah. See pairs with and without ihah ending.

Zemnarihah. Corruption of Egyptian zmn-ha-re. Nibley, An Approach to the Book of Mormon, p. 236.

Aramaic, zeman = “time, appointed time.” BH, ʾari and ʾaryeh = “lion.” ʾûr = Light. hah = iah = Yahweh. “The appointed time of the lion (or light) of Yahweh.” Not a good name. Carlton, J. A.

“Zmn-ha-re.” Egyptian proper name. Nibley, Lehi in the Desert, p. 30.