The King James Bible was first published in 1611. For the next two centuries, fourteen books were included between the Old and New Testaments. These books are commonly known as “The Apocrypha.”

In comparing the Book of Mormon to other texts, one is immediately struck with its similarity to the King James Bible; particularly the Old Testament. Supporters of Mormonism claim this is because Lehi’s band of travelers carried these writings with them from Jerusalem. The ‘Brass Plates’ were procured at the hand of Nephi; assassinating Laban in order to steal them from him.

Though this is a clever way to introduce large swaths of data into the narrative, it becomes problematic when New Testament ideas (such as Baptism) are introduced, which had yet to happen.

The fourteen books of the Apocrypha would also qualify as being anachronistic if found within the Book of Mormon – which they are, in great numbers.

Skeptics of Mormonism would argue that the verbatim inclusion of post-Isaiah Biblical text in the Book of Mormon is certain proof that Joseph Smith’s work is fraudulent. Indeed, it is difficult, at best, to explain away these passages.

Compounding this problem is the inclusion of King James Biblical text errors (1769 version) that were included in the production of the Book of Mormon, such as the use of the word “seraphims.”

The text from the Apocrypha is dated between 400 B.C. and the time of Christ. A glaring fact that is problematic for New World inhabitants at the time.

It is well understood that all Bibles being distributed in America at the time of the writing of the Book of Mormon included the books of the Apocrypha.

For a deeper dive into the similarities, please read my 2022 book “The Presence of the Apocrypha in the Book of Mormon” here -> http://www.bomsource.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-11-28-APOCRYPHA-FINAL.pdf