The Atonement (L’Expiation) By Leah Davis As we experience life, the Savior’s Atonement signifies more to us. For me, the meaning of the Atonement has deepened as I have studied the scriptures in a foreign language. As an intermediate French student in college, I read The Book of Mormon in French. With my French-to-English dictionary in hand, I found new words and ideas in verses that were familiar to me, just a translation away from what I knew. One morning I studied the Savior’s suffering in Mosiah 14 of Le Livre de Mormon. I paused in verse 5, which suggested something beautiful that was different from the English translation. In English, verse 5 reads, But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. For many years, I hadn’t quite understood what relation the word peace had to chastisement. However, reading this phrase in the verse in French offered me a clearer connotation. Mais il était blessé pour nos péchés, brisé pour nos iniquités; le châtiment qui nous donne la paix est tombé sur lui, et c’est par ses meurtrissures que nous sommes guéris. Literally interpreted, this phrase would read, “the chastisement that gives us peace.” Over the years, reflecting on this nuance in meaning has increased my gratitude for the Atonement. The Lord didn’t just suffer as a result of our sins; He suffered in order to cause something greater: our ability to receive peace. He endured great punishments so we can enjoy peace of conscience through repentance and forgiveness, peace of relief from heavy burdens, and peace of mind about the future. I know that the Savior loves us. His sacrifice has meaning for us personally. I’ve learned that the Atonement brings us peace in more languages than just English.