ETHER

Jaredite PN	1.	Prophet, prince, historian (Ether 1:2, 6; 11:23; 12:1, 2 (x2), 5; 13:2, 4, 13, 18, 20, 22; 14:24; 15:1, 12, 13, 33, 34)

Etymology

Until possible language affinities for JAREDITE names can be determined, all suggestions for etymologies of JAREDITE names must remain more speculative than substantive. With that caveat, the onomasticon does offer etymologies for some JAREDITE names, especially if it is possible that some JAREDITE names were translated into NEPHITE, or were otherwise related to one or more Semitic languages.

If JAREDITE names can be traced to Semitic roots, then the HEBREW GN ETHER in Joshua 15:42 and 19:7 may be appealed to for an etymology. There are three roots *ʾtr in HEBREW, one meaning “be abundant,” another “odor” and the third “pray, supplicate.” The latter might be an appropriate description of the Book of Mormon prophet ETHER (JAT). “Abundance” could also be an acceptable etymology (Reynolds, Commentary on the Book of Mormon, VI, p. 46). Cf. also West Semitic “Jether or Ether” (HWN in SC, 195).