In JBK 11:4, we see a powerful critique aimed at Ephraim—a symbolic representation of the LDS Church in this context—rebuking them for their rejection of plain truths and their misuse of scripture. The verse describes how Ephraim not only refuses to accept the simple meaning of God’s word but actively reshapes it to suit their own desires, ultimately worshipping their own interpretations rather than the divine truth. Let’s break down the verse into its key parts for a better understanding.
“Plain words overthrow, declareth Ephraim”
This section speaks to Ephraim’s refusal to accept plain and simple truths. Rather than embrace the clear teachings and direct words from God, Ephraim feels threatened or “overthrown” by them. Their rejection of these plain words mirrors the attitude of the Pharisees in the New Testament, who were condemned by Christ for their focus on the letter of the law rather than its spirit (Matthew 23:23-24).
In this context, Ephraim’s declaration reflects their discomfort with the simplicity of God’s truth. They feel that the clear and direct nature of divine revelation undermines their complex, human-constructed systems of belief. They may even seek to complicate or obscure the truth to maintain control over their religious practices.
Biblical Parallels:
- 2 Nephi 31:3 (Book of Mormon) reminds us that God speaks plainly to His children, making His message clear and accessible, but many still reject this simplicity.
- Isaiah 28:9-10 (KJV) highlights how God teaches His people in simple, incremental steps, yet many refuse to be “overthrown” by these plain words, preferring more complicated teachings.
“He searcheth for a means of annulment”
This section goes deeper, indicating that Ephraim is not simply misunderstanding the truth—they are actively seeking to avoid it. The phrase “means of annulment” suggests that Ephraim is looking for ways to invalidate or cancel out the plain words that they find uncomfortable or inconvenient. This reflects a deeper level of rebellion, where truth is not just rejected but deliberately nullified.
Ephraim is not content with the truth as it stands; they want to override it to make room for their own interpretations and to continue operating within their preferred frameworks.
Biblical Parallels:
- Isaiah 30:9-10 (KJV) describes a rebellious people who refuse to listen to the true words of the prophets and instead demand “smooth things” that align with their desires.
- 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (KJV) warns of a time when people will turn away from sound doctrine and seek out teachings that please their own desires, rather than accepting the truth.
“The letter is an idol for him but its meaning is an uncarved form to recarve a meaning”
This powerful statement critiques Ephraim’s fixation on the literal text of scripture—what is often called the “letter of the law.” Ephraim is treating the written words as an idol, valuing the external form of the law over its spiritual meaning. They worship the words themselves, but fail to grasp the deeper message that God intends to convey.
Furthermore, the meaning of the letter is described as an uncarved form—raw and unshaped, implying that the true meaning has not been fully realized or understood. Rather than allowing God’s message to take its true form, Ephraim attempts to reshape it—recarving it to suit their own ideas and preferences.
Biblical Parallels:
- 2 Corinthians 3:6 (KJV) contrasts the letter of the law, which brings death when misunderstood, with the spirit that gives life. Ephraim’s worship of the letter mirrors this warning, as they miss the life-giving meaning behind it.
- Isaiah 29:16 (KJV) rebukes those who try to reshape God’s truth to fit their own understanding, turning the natural order of things upside down.
“That he might worship the works of his own mind”
In this final part of the verse, we see the culmination of Ephraim’s actions: by recarving the meaning of God’s word to suit their own preferences, they end up worshipping the product of their own minds. Instead of bowing to the true meaning of God’s words, they create a false interpretation that aligns with their desires and worship it as though it were divine.
This is a subtle form of idolatry—not the worship of physical idols but the elevation of one’s own thoughts and interpretations over the true words of God. Ephraim is, in essence, worshipping their own intellect rather than God’s revelation.
Biblical Parallels:
- Romans 1:21-23 (KJV) describes how people, in their arrogance, abandon the true glory of God and instead worship their own creations—both physical and intellectual.
- Isaiah 2:8 (KJV) speaks of how people have filled their land with idols, which can extend to mental idols—ideas and interpretations that replace God’s true message.
Conclusion: A Warning Against Spiritual Reinterpretation
JBK 11:4 offers a striking rebuke of Ephraim’s tendency to reject plain truth, search for loopholes or annulments, and ultimately recarve God’s word to fit their own desires. This leads to a form of spiritual idolatry, where instead of worshipping God’s true message, Ephraim worships the work of their own minds—their own interpretations.
This verse serves as a warning to all believers: the letter of the law must not become an idol, and the temptation to reshape divine truths to fit personal preferences is a dangerous path. True worship comes from embracing the plain words of God, allowing their full meaning to shape us, rather than seeking to reshape the meaning to suit our own ideas.