Fallen

4 O ye people of these great cities which have fallen, who are descendants of Jacob, yea, who are of the house of Israel, how oft have I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and have nourished you.


In this section of our reading, the main part of the story was the destruction in the Americas at the time of the crucifixion of Christ. In particular, one of the most important parts of this section is the word fallen.

fal•len |ˈfôlən|

past participle of fall.

adjective [ attrib. ]

1 Theology subject to sin or depravity: fallen human nature.

I found it interesting that the first definition of this word is not in reference to the physical action of falling, but rather that of the state of human nature. I think that this is gives a great insight to what the Savior really meant when he was speaking of the fallen cities. They were buried because of their wickedness. The became fallen because they were fallen so to speak. It is beautiful use of language like this dual meaning that is an amazing assurance that everything in the Book of Mormon has a specific purpose and meaning.