Helaman 5:6 Textual Variants

Here in the 1840 edition, an extra may was inserted into the text. This intrusive modal has been retained throughout the RLDS textual tradition. The addition of this word to the text was probably accidental and not the result of Joseph Smith’s editing for the 1840 edition. It was most likely added because of the use of the modal may throughout this passage. Yet may is actually restricted to the main clauses in this passage, while its subordinate when-clauses never have the may:

• Helaman 5:6 (earliest extant text)
  • and this I have done
    that when you remember your names
    (1ª) that ye may remember them
    and when ye remember them
    (2ª) ye may remember their works
    and when ye remember their works
    (3ª) ye may know how that it is said and also written that they were good

The critical text will therefore maintain the earliest reading without the intrusive may in clause number 2.