Is the wordplay on the name “Antion” a coincidence?

The Book of Mormon also contains wordplays which would not require any knowledge of Hebrew, but are nevertheless still of interest. 

Evidence Central summarizes one example:

When describing the Nephite monetary system, Mormon mentioned a unit of gold called an antion: “Now an antion of gold is equal to three shiblons” (Alma 11:19). Readers might notice that the name of the chief ruler (“Antionah”) who is discussed in the very next chapter (Alma 12:20) contains the complete name of the gold monetary unit (antion). This suggests that Mormon may have intended for readers to see a play on words here. The plausibility of this proposal is significantly enhanced by the fact that the name Zeezrom, another antagonist in this narrative (Alma 10:31), also contains the complete form of a Nephite monetary unit—in this case, the “ezrom of silver” (Alma 11:6).

…There were many judges, lawyers, and other religious leaders who participated in Alma and Amulek’s trial (Alma 14:18, 23, 27), including the chief judge of the land, who is referred to no less than ten times throughout Alma 14. Yet none of these other individuals, including the chief judge, are supplied with names. It seems to be no coincidence that the only named antagonists—Antionah and Zeezrom—bring to mind the very gold and silver that had corrupted the wicked rulers of Ammonihah, which is arguably one of the most prominent themes in the story (see Alma 10:32, Alma 11:3). As Mormon noted, it was their “sole purpose to get gain” (Alma 11:20).

– Evidence Central – Book of Mormon Evidence: Wordplay on Antion

Why would Joseph Smith only specifically name Antion and Zeezrom?

See:

• Evidence Central – Book of Mormon Evidence: Wordplay on Antion

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