This phrase is a rendering of the Hebrew word vayehee. Its frequent use in the Book of Mormon is consistent with the frequent use of vayehee in the Old Testament Hebrew text. The phrase "it came to pass" is important evidence of Hebrew language structure found in the Book of Mormon. This phrase is found in the ancient Egyptian language and has also been translated from Maya glyphs. [Zarahemla Research Foundation, Study Book of Mormon, p. 4]