Hugh Nibley wrote:
People are usually surprised to learn that atonement, an accepted theological term is neither from a Greek nor a Latin word, but is good old English and really does mean, when we write it out at-one–ment denoting both a state of being “at one” with another and the process by which that end is achieved. The word atonement appears only once in the New Testament (Romans 5:11) in the King James Version, and in the Revised Standard Version it does not appear at all, since the new translation prefers the word “reconciliation.” Paul has just told us that the Lord “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on High,” so reconciliation is a very good word for atonement there, since it means literally to be seated again with someone (re-con-silo)—so that atonement is to be reunited with God. . . .
Most interesting is the Arabic kafata, . . . as it is the key to a dramatic situation.
It was the custom for one fleeing for his life in the desert to seek protection in the tent of a great sheik, crying out, “Ana dakhiluka,” meaning “I am thy suppliant,” whereupon the lord would place the hem of his robe over the guest’s shoulder and declare him under his protection. In the Book of Mormon, we see as a plain, a dark and dreary waste, a desert. We see Nephi fleeing from an evil thing that is pursuing him. In great danger, he prays to the Lord to give him an open road in the low way, to block his pursuers, and to make them stumble. He comes to the tent of the Lord and enters as a suppliant; and in reply the Master, as was the ancient custom puts the hem of his robe protectively over the kneeling man’s shoulder (kafata). This puts him under the Lord’s protection from all enemies. They embrace in a close hug, as Arab chiefs still do; the Lord makes a place for him and invites him to sit down beside him—they are at-one (2 Nephi 4:33; Alma 5:24)
This is the imagery of the Atonement, the embrace: “The Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld His glory, and am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love” (2 Nephi 1:15). “O Lord, wilt thou make a way for mine escape before mine enemies!” (2 Nephi 4:33). “Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent and I will receive you” (Alma 5:33). ~Hugh Nibley
