Book of Mormon
Student Study Guide

Prepared by the Church Educational System

Published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Salt Lake City, Utah

Pages 84–85, 87, 99, 102, 104, 106, 110, 113, 132–33, 135, 137, 142, 145–46, 149, 151, 158, 202: Drawings from The Book of Mormon Story
© 1966 Ronald K. Crosby.

© 2000 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
All rights reserved
Updated 2004
Printed in the United States of America

English approval: 6/04

Table of Contents

How to Use This Manual

As the title of this manual suggests, this is a guide to your study of the scriptures. It contains several sections to help increase your understanding of what you read.

Introduction

Beneath the chapter headings, which are printed on pictures of metal plates, are introductions to the chapters of scripture you are assigned to read. This section contains the following kinds of information:

• The historical setting

• An explanation of how the scripture block relates to chapters before or after it

• Questions and ideas to think about before or during your reading that will help you concentrate on the message of the block

Understanding the Scriptures

The “Understanding the Scriptures” section provides help for difficult words and phrases and commentary to help you understand ideas and concepts contained in the scriptures. The commentary often includes statements by General Authorities of the Church.

Studying the Scriptures

The “Studying the Scriptures” section contains questions and activities to help you discover, think about, and apply the principles of the gospel found in the scriptures. There is not room to write in the manual, so you will need to do these activities in a notebook or on your own paper.

The following steps will help you as you study the scriptures:

• Begin with prayer.

• Read the introduction to the chapter you will be studying, and consider other “Before Reading” study skills (see pp. 3–4).

• Read the assigned chapter, referring to the appropriate “Understanding the Scriptures” section for help. Use “During Reading” study skills (see pp. 4–5). Write notes and questions in your notebook. Also write about feelings or impressions that are important to you.

• Do the activities in the “Studying the Scriptures” section for the chapter you are studying. Sometimes you will get to choose which activities to complete. If you want to learn more, complete all of the activities.

Home-Study Seminary Program

If you are in a home-study seminary program, the reading chart on page 7 shows you what you should read each week of seminary. Remember that seminary is a daily religious education program, that prayerfully reading your scriptures should be a daily practice, and that you will need to work on your seminary assignments each school day even though you will not attend seminary each day. If you have more or less than 36 weeks in your seminary year, your teacher will tell you which chapters you should read in a week and which assignments to complete. Reading the scriptures and using this study guide should take 30 to 40 minutes each school day you do not attend seminary class.

Each week you should give your teacher the pages from your notebook that contain your thoughts about the scriptures and the study guide activities you completed for that week. Your teacher will read and respond to them and return your notebook to you. You might choose to have two notebooks and use them every other week. You could also write in a loose-leaf binder and turn in the pages you did that week. When your teacher returns the pages, put them back into the notebook.

Daily Seminary Program

If you are in a daily seminary program, you will use this study guide as instructed by your teacher.

Studying the Scriptures

This study guide has been prepared to help you read, study, and understand the scriptures. Since most of your study time will be spent reading and thinking about the scriptures, this section has been included to help you make it more effective.

Elder Howard W. Hunter, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, gave Church members valuable counsel on scripture study, which is summarized below. You may want to write his ideas on a card and put the card in a place where you can see it while you study.

• Read carefully to understand the scriptures.

• Study every day.

• Set a regular time every day when you will study.

• Study in a place where you can concentrate without distractions or interruptions.

• Study for a period of time rather than reading a certain number of chapters or pages.

• Have a study plan.

(See Conference Report, Oct. 1979, 91–93; or Ensign, Nov. 1979, 64–65.)

Using the study helps found in the Latter-day Saint editions of the scriptures, along with good study skills, will benefit your scripture study.

Study Helps in the Latter-day Saint Editions of the Scriptures

Cross-References

A cross-reference is a scripture reference that will lead you to additional information and insight on the topic you are studying.

For example, read Ether 13:10 and notice footnote 10a. By finding and reading the scripture referred to in the footnote, what additional insights do you gain about those who will be made clean through the Savior’s Atonement?

Topical Guide and Bible Dictionary References

The Topical Guide (TG) contains an alphabetical list of hundreds of topics with scripture references in all four standard works of the Church. The Bible Dictionary (BD) gives definitions and explanations for many biblical names and subjects. Although not referenced in the footnotes, you may want to check the index for the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price for additional references.

For example, read 2 Nephi 15:10. As you do, you may wonder about the words bath, homer, and ephah. Notice footnote 10a, which refers you to “weights and measures” in the Bible Dictionary (pp. 788–89).

In the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees, Zenos spoke of fruit that became corrupt. Read Jacob 5:42 and notice footnote 42a. Use the Topical Guide and find several scripture references that help explain what the corrupt fruit represents.

Help with Words and Phrases

Some words and phrases are labeled with the following notations:

• HEB: An alternate (substitute) translation from the Hebrew (the original language of the Old Testament).

• GR: An alternate translation from the Greek (the original language of the New Testament).

• IE: An explanation of idioms (words or phrases used in a specific way when the scriptures were written but not commonly used today) and difficult constructions.

• OR: A clarification of the meaning of archaic (old) expressions.

What insight do you gain from knowing the meaning of the Hebrew word for “snatched” in Mosiah 27:29?

The Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible

The Lord commanded the Prophet Joseph Smith to study the Bible and seek revelation to obtain a more complete and true biblical translation (see D&C 37:1; 45:60; 73:3–4). Consequently, the Prophet Joseph Smith restored many important truths and made many significant changes in Bible passages that were possibly mistranslated, unclear, or incomplete (see Articles of Faith 1:8). This version with the inspired changes is called the “Joseph Smith Translation.” The translation is abbreviated in the footnotes as “JST.” Some Joseph Smith Translation changes are in the footnotes, while others are found in an appendix entitled “Joseph Smith Translation,” which begins on page 797 of the Latter-day Saint edition of the King James Version of the Bible.

Read Alma 13:14 and notice footnote 14a. What additional understanding do we gain about Melchizedek from the Joseph Smith Translation?

Bible Maps and Photographs

The Bible maps and photographs found in the appendix of the Latter-day Saint edition of the Bible are helpful in finding places referred to in the scriptures.

Church History Chronology, Maps, and Photographs

In 1999 the Church added new maps and photographs to the triple combination. These features are similar to the corresponding ones in the Latter-day Saint edition of the King James Bible. This section also includes a chronology of Church history events.

Chapter Headings, Section Headings, and Verse Summaries

Chapter and section headings and verse summaries explain or give important background information to help you understand what you read. For example, what helpful information do you get about the role of Jesus Christ by reading the chapter heading for Mosiah 15?

Having the study helps found in Latter-day Saint editions of the scriptures is like having a small collection of reference books available to you—all in one place!

Study Skills

Nephi said we ought to “feast upon the words of Christ” (2 Nephi 32:3), and Jesus commanded the Nephites to “search [the scriptures] diligently” (3 Nephi 23:1). This kind of study involves more than just quickly reading through the scriptures. The following ideas and skills will help you learn more when you study. They are divided into three different categories: before reading, during reading, and after reading.

Before Reading

Prayer

The scriptures were written by inspiration. Consequently, they are best understood when we have the companionship of the Spirit. In the Old Testament we learn about the priest Ezra, who “prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord” (Ezra 7:10). Prepare your heart to read the scriptures by praying each time you read.

Get Background Information

Understanding the historical background of the scriptures will help you gain greater insights as you read. The Bible Dictionary provides historical background and a brief overview of each book’s content and main themes. The section headings in the Doctrine and Covenants provide a brief explanation of the historical background of the revelations. The index at the back of the triple combination also contains useful information. If you have time, you may also refer to other Church-produced books and manuals that have background on the scripture you are reading.

Ask Questions

Before you read it is helpful to ask yourself questions like “Who wrote these verses?” “To whom?” “Why is this teaching included in the scriptures?” “What do I want to know or learn as I read today?” and “What would the Lord want me to learn from these scriptures?” As you read the scriptures, look for answers to your questions. Remember that you can also use the study helps in the Latter-day Saint editions of the scriptures or look for answers in Church manuals and publications.

Read the Chapter Headings and Verse Summaries

Chapter headings and verse summaries are simple summaries of the main ideas in a chapter or section. Reading the chapter heading before you begin a chapter is not only a good study habit but will also help you prepare yourself to ask questions and look for answers as you read.

During Reading

Don’t Be Afraid to Stop

Most nuggets of gold are not found on the surface of the ground—you must dig for them. Your scripture study will be much more valuable if you will slow down or stop and do some of the activities that follow.

Look up the Meanings of Words You Do Not Understand

Use a dictionary. Sometimes looking up a word you think you already know can give you additional insight. The “Understanding the Scriptures” sections of this manual will help you understand many difficult words and phrases.

Be aware that sometimes the Lord has inspired His prophets to include explanations in their writings that help us know the meaning of words and phrases. For example, read Mosiah 3:19 and find out what King Benjamin said it meant to become like a child.

Use the Study Helps in the Latter-day Saint Editions of the Scriptures

See the section “Study Helps in the Latter-day Saint Editions of the Scriptures” on pages 2–3.

Liken the Scripture

Using your own name in a verse helps make scriptural teachings more personal. For example, what difference does it make to use your own name in place of “ye” in 2 Nephi 31:20?

Visualize

Picture in your mind what is taking place. For example, when you read 1 Nephi 18:10–16, imagine how you might feel if your older brothers hated or were jealous of you and bound you and left you to suffer during a storm.

At times, the scriptures tell us to visualize. Read Alma 5:15–18 and stop to do as Alma suggests. Take some time to write about how you felt as you visualized those verses.

Look for Connecting Words

Connecting words include and, but, because, therefore, and nevertheless. As you read these words, notice what they help you understand about two or more ideas. Sometimes they show how two or more things are similar or different.

For example, if you think about what the word because indicates in Mosiah 26:2–3, you can learn an important truth about scripture study.

Because indicates a cause-and-effect relationship between the people’s disbelief and their inability to understand the scriptures and words of the prophets.

Read Mosiah 29:12 and note how the word but shows a contrast between the judgments of God and the judgments of man.

Look for Patterns

In 2 Nephi 31:2, Nephi said that he wanted to write a few words about the doctrine of Christ. Then in verse 21 he bore his testimony that he had just explained the doctrine of Christ. Knowing that Nephi taught the doctrine of Christ between verses 2 and 21, we should go back and study Nephi’s words further to find out what the doctrine of Christ is.

Another example of finding patterns is to look for a prophet’s explanation of cause and effect by watching for his use of the words if and then. In 3 Nephi 26:9–10, the promise is made that if the words Mormon wrote are believed by the readers, then greater things will be made known to them. Look for the consequences for those who do not believe the words.

The repetition of a word or idea is another pattern to look for. For example, notice how many times the word baptize is found in 3 Nephi 11.

Look for Lists in the Scriptures

Lists help you understand more clearly what the Lord and His prophets teach. The Ten Commandments are a list (see Exodus 20). The Beatitudes in 3 Nephi 12:3–11 are easily seen as a list. Finding other lists may require a little more effort. For example, according to Mosiah 18:8–10, what promises do we make at baptism? What blessings has the Lord promised?

Ask Questions

Continue to ask questions as you were instructed to do in the “Before Reading” section. As you read, you may rephrase questions you asked before reading or you may come up with completely different questions. Seeking answers to questions is one of the most important ways we gain greater understanding from our scripture study. One of the most important questions to ask is “Why might the Lord have inspired the writer to include this in the scriptures?” Look for the obvious clues writers sometimes leave when they say something like “and thus we see.”

Answer Questions Given in the Scriptures

Many times the Lord asks and then answers a question. He asked the Nephite disciples, “What manner of men ought ye to be?” He then answered, “Even as I am” (3 Nephi 27:27).

On other occasions questions are asked but no answers are given—generally because the author thinks the answer may be obvious. Sometimes the writers do not give an answer, however, because the question asked may require some thinking and the answer may not be immediate. For example, read Alma 5:14–33 and answer the questions in those verses as if you were there.

Look for Types and Symbolic Meanings

Prophets often use symbols and imagery (types) to more powerfully communicate their messages. For example, parables are a way of telling a message simply and in a way that has a much deeper meaning. The story in a parable makes the lesson taught more memorable and meaningful.

The following suggestions may help you understand symbols in the scriptures:

1. Look for an interpretation in the scriptures. For example, Lehi had a vision in 1 Nephi 8. Nephi later had a vision in which he saw what his father saw, along with the interpretations of the symbols in his father’s vision (see 1 Nephi 11–14). Sometimes an interpretation can be found by using a cross-reference in the footnotes.

2. Think about the characteristics of the symbol and what the symbol might teach you. Alma used this skill in explaining the Liahona to his son Helaman (see Alma 37:38–47).

3. See if the symbol teaches you something about the Savior. The Lord told Adam that “all things bear record of [Him]” (Moses 6:63). For example, how do the different elements in the story of Abraham’s sacrifice of his son Isaac testify of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ? (see Genesis 22:1–19; Jacob 4:5).

Write

Keep some paper or a notebook close by to write down ideas you want to remember, such as lists, special insights you get, or your feelings about something you read. To help you remember thoughts or insights the next time you read, you may want to write these ideas in the margins of your scriptures as well.

Many people like to mark important words and phrases in their scriptures. There is no right or wrong way to do this. (You may not want to do it at all.) Some people circle the verse number or shade or underline important words and phrases that give special meaning to a verse. Another way to mark scriptures is to write a cross-reference to another scripture in the margin. Doing this to several verses that treat the same topic gives you a chain of scriptures on a specific topic that you can find by going to any one of the scriptures in the chain. Marking scriptures can often help you find important verses more quickly.

After Reading

Ponder

To ponder is to think deeply about something, asking questions and evaluating what you know and what you have learned. Sometimes the scriptures call this “meditating” (see Joshua 1:8). There are several good examples in the scriptures where important revelations came as a result of pondering, especially pondering the scriptures (see D&C 76:15–20; 138:1–11).

Liken the Scriptures to Yourself

To liken the scriptures to yourself is to compare them to your own life. In order to liken the scriptures to yourself, you need to ask questions like “What principles of the gospel are taught in the scriptures I just read?” and “How do those principles relate to my life?” An important part of likening the scriptures to yourself is listening to promptings of the Spirit, who the Lord promised “will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

For example, Nephi likened the scriptures to himself and his family by applying some of the principles Isaiah taught to their situation. He taught his brothers that they, like the children of Israel, had strayed from God—God had not strayed from them. He also taught them that if they would repent, the Lord would be merciful and forgive them (see 1 Nephi 19:24; 21:14–16). Nephi said that by likening the words of Isaiah to himself and his brothers, their belief in Jesus Christ as the Redeemer would increase (see 1 Nephi 19:23).

Reread

We do not understand everything in a passage of scripture the first time we read it. In fact, it takes a lifetime of study to truly understand the scriptures. Often, we begin to see patterns, visualize better, and more deeply understand the scriptures after two or three readings. You may want to look for new teachings or ask different questions as you reread. Trying to rewrite a story or just a verse or two in your own words may help you discover whether or not you understood what you read and help you understand the scriptures better.

Write

Some people keep a journal in which they write the main idea of what they read, how they feel about what they read, or how they think what they read applies to their life. If you are using this manual for home-study seminary, you are required to keep a notebook to receive credit. This notebook will be like a scripture journal.

It is also good to talk with others about what you read. Writing down some notes so that you remember what you want to talk about and discussing what you learned will help you understand and remember more of what you read.

Apply

The real value of knowledge you gain from the scriptures comes when you live what you learn. Greater closeness to the Lord and feeling the peace He gives are just some of the blessings that come to those who live the gospel. In addition, the Lord said that those who live what they learn will be given more, while those who will not live what they learn will lose the knowledge they have (see Alma 12:9–11).

“Feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do” (2 Nephi 32:3).

Book of Mormon Reading Chart

Welcome to the Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ

You may have been asked, or perhaps even wondered yourself, “What is the Book of Mormon?” The Lord declared that the Book of Mormon “contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ” (D&C 20:9). He also said that the Book of Mormon proves that the Bible is true and that God calls and inspires prophets today just as He did anciently (see D&C 20:10–12).

In 1982, to make it clear to the world what the Book of Mormon is, Elder Boyd K. Packer, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, announced: “By recent decision of the Brethren the Book of Mormon will henceforth bear the title ‘the Book of Mormon,’ with the subtitle ‘Another Testament of Jesus Christ’” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1982, 75; or Ensign, Nov. 1982, 53).

The fundamental role of the Book of Mormon is, first, “the convincing of the Jew and Gentile [everyone] that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations” (title page of the Book of Mormon). A second purpose of the Book of Mormon is to prove to the world that Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God and, therefore, the Church is true and succeeding prophets speak in the name of God (see D&C 20:8–12). A third purpose is to “persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved” (1 Nephi 6:4).

What Can a Study of the Book of Mormon Mean to Me?

Some people wonder why we need the Book of Mormon in addition to the Bible. President Ezra Taft Benson, then President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught:

“The Book of Mormon, the record of Joseph, verifies and clarifies the Bible. It removes stumbling blocks, it restores many plain and precious things. We testify that when used together, the Bible and the Book of Mormon confound false doctrines, lay down contentions, and establish peace. (See 2 Nephi 3:12.)

“We do not have to prove the Book of Mormon is true. The book is its own proof. All we need to do is read it and declare it! The Book of Mormon is not on trial—the people of the world, including the members of the Church, are on trial as to what they will do with this second witness for Christ.

“I testify that the Book of Mormon is the word of God; and therefore Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith is a prophet, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true, with its authorized servants to perform the ordinances of salvation today” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1984, 7; or Ensign, Nov. 1984, 8).

The Book of Mormon truly contains the “words of Christ” (see 2 Nephi 33:10–11; Moroni 10:26–27). As you begin your journey into this book, look for the Savior and feast on His words. You will find Him and be well fed. Pray and ponder. You will receive answers to your questions and concerns, either through inspired words that the Spirit will bring to your attention or through the unsurpassed spirit of the book itself, which will put you in harmony with the process of revelation.

Give frequent heed to Moroni’s promise that if you will “ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

“And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:4–5).

Introductory Pages to the Book of Mormon

Title Page
How and Why the Book of Mormon Was Written

The title page of the Book of Mormon was written by Moroni, the son of Mormon. The Prophet Joseph Smith explained: “The title-page of the Book of Mormon is a literal translation, taken from the very last leaf, on the left hand side of the collection or book of plates, which contained the record which has been translated, the language of the whole running the same as all Hebrew writing in general; and that said title page is not by any means a modern composition, either of mine or of any other man who has lived or does live in this generation” (History of the Church, 1:71).

The title page explains by what power the Book of Mormon was written and by what power it would come forth in the latter days. Moroni also gave several reasons why this sacred record was written and preserved to come forth in our day.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study the title page of the Book of Mormon.

Find the Purposes

In the first paragraph of the title page, Moroni explained that the Book of Mormon was “written by way of commandment, and also by the spirit of prophecy and of revelation.” In the second paragraph he gave several purposes, or reasons why God commanded that these records be kept. Find as many of those purposes as you can and write them in your notebook. Circle one that is most meaningful to you.

Introduction, Testimonies, a Brief Explanation, and the Names and Order of the Books

These introductory pages contain valuable information to help you understand and appreciate the Book of Mormon. Do not skip over them. The insights contained in these pages will give you the foundation you will need for an understanding of the sacred record.

Understanding the Scriptures

Introduction Confounded the tongues (paragraph 2)—Confused the languages Precepts (paragraph 6)—Commandments, principles Divinity (paragraphs 7–8)—Being from God Introduction, paragraph 6—What Is a Keystone? The Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion. The Prophet Joseph Smith said that “the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion” (History of the Church, 4:461). He also said: “Take away the Book of Mormon and the revelations, and where is our religion? We have none” (History of the Church, 2:52). President Ezra Taft Benson explained: “A keystone is the central stone in an arch. It holds all the other stones in place, and if removed, the arch crumbles. “There are three ways in which the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion. It is the keystone in our witness of Christ. It is the keystone of our doctrine. It is the keystone of testimony. “The Book of Mormon is the keystone in our witness of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the cornerstone of everything we do. It bears witness of His reality with power and clarity. . . . “The Book of Mormon is also the keystone of the doctrine of the Resurrection. As mentioned before, the Lord Himself has stated that the Book of Mormon contains the ‘fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ’ (D&C 20:9). That does not mean it contains every teaching, every doctrine ever revealed. Rather, it means that in the Book of Mormon we will find the fulness of those doctrines required for our salvation. And they are taught plainly and simply so that even children can learn the ways of salvation and exaltation. The Book of Mormon offers so much that broadens our understandings of the doctrines of salvation. Without it, much of what is taught in other scriptures would not be nearly so plain and precious. “Finally, the Book of Mormon is the keystone of testimony. Just as the arch crumbles if the keystone is removed, so does all the Church stand or fall with the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. The enemies of the Church understand this clearly. This is why they go to such great lengths to try to disprove the Book of Mormon, for if it can be discredited, the Prophet Joseph Smith goes with it. So does our claim to priesthood keys, and revelation, and the restored Church. But in like manner, if the Book of Mormon be true—and millions have now testified that they have the witness of the Spirit that it is indeed true—then one must accept the claims of the Restoration and all that accompanies it” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 4–5; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 5–6). Introduction—Prophets Testify of the Book of Mormon President Marion G. Romney, who was a member of the First Presidency, said: “If we would avoid adopting the evils of the world, we must pursue a course which will daily feed our minds with and call them back to the things of the spirit. I know of no better way to do this than by daily reading the Book of Mormon” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1980, 88; or Ensign, May 1980, 66). All of the latter-day prophets have testified of the importance of studying the Book of Mormon. President Ezra Taft Benson said: “There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called ‘the words of life’ (D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 6; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 7). President Gordon B. Hinckley said: “I would like to urge every man and woman . . . and every boy and girl who is old enough to read to again read the Book of Mormon during this coming year. This was written for the convincing of the Jew and the Gentile that Jesus is the Christ. There is nothing we could do of greater importance than to have fortified in our individual lives an unshakable conviction that Jesus is the Christ, the living Son of the living God. That is the purpose of the coming forth of this remarkable and wonderful book. May I suggest that you read it again and take a pencil, a red one if you have one, and put a little check mark every time there is a reference to Jesus Christ in that book. And there will come to you a very real conviction as you do so that this is in very deed another witness for the Lord Jesus Christ” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], 44). The Testimony of Three Witnesses Grace of God the Father—God’s gifts and power Oliver Cowdery David Whitmer Martin Harris Testimony of Three Witnesses—What Does It Mean to “Rid Our Garments of the Blood of All Men”? Blood, as used in this phrase, is a symbol for sin. Those who receive a calling from the Lord to testify to the world are said to be clean from the blood of the world if they teach and testify faithfully. If they are not faithful in their calling, they will bear some of the responsibility for the sins of those they might have helped to learn the truth (see Jacob 1:18–19). The Testimony of Eight Witnesses Hefted—Lifted Testimony of Eight Witnesses—Why Did God Call So Many Witnesses? The Lord has declared that “in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established” (see 2 Corinthians 13:1). Elder Joseph Fielding Smith, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, explained: “[God’s] word has always been proclaimed by the mouth of duly appointed witnesses who were appointed to testify of his work. The Book of Mormon could not come forth in any way other than the way it did, and fulfill the law. Their prophets declared that the Lord would raise up ‘as many witnesses as seemeth him good,’ [see 2 Nephi 27:12–14] to establish his work” (The Restoration of All Things [1945], 107). Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith Supplication (page 1, paragraph 2)—Asking, pleading Countenance (page 1, paragraph 5)—Appearance The source from whence they sprang (page 1, paragraph 7)—The place they originally came from Musing on the singularity (page 2, paragraph 2)—Thinking about the unusual nature Indigent circumstances (page 2, paragraph 4)—Poverty Attested by Divine affirmation (page 3, paragraph 8)—As God said it would be A Brief Explanation about the Book of Mormon Secular history (paragraph 2)—The history of kings, wars, and so on Abridgment (paragraph 3)—Shortened version Subsequently (paragraph 8)—Later Brief Explanation—How Are the Different Sets of Plates Represented in the Book of Mormon? The illustration on page 12 of this manual helps explain how the different sets of plates fit together to make up the Book of Mormon record. Notice that there was much more written than Mormon and Moroni were able to include on the plates of Mormon (see Helaman 3:14–15; Ether 15:33).

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–F) as you study the introduction, testimonies, and brief explanation.

What Do They Mean to You?

In the quotation from the Prophet Joseph Smith in paragraph 6 of the introduction are the following three principles about the Book of Mormon. In your notebook, explain how each principle is true and what it means to you. Use the information in the introduction and in the “Understanding the Scriptures” section to help you.

1. The Book of Mormon is “the most correct of any book on earth.”

2. The Book of Mormon is “the keystone of our religion.”

3. A person will “get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”

Make a Keystone Arch

Using wooden blocks or other suitable material, construct an arch (see the picture of an arch on p. 9). Label the keystone “The Book of Mormon.” Take your arch to class and show how the keystone holds the arch together.

How Can I Know That the Book of Mormon Is True?

Read the last two paragraphs of the introduction and, in your notebook, explain what you must do to receive a witness from the Spirit that the Book of Mormon is true.

What Did They Witness?

1. List what the Three Witnesses saw and heard and what the Eight Witnesses saw and touched.

2. What does it mean to you that 11 other men testified that the Prophet Joseph Smith did indeed have the gold plates and that three of them saw an angel and heard the voice of the Lord?

What Impressed You?

After reading the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith, write at least one thing that impressed you about his testimony.

Prophets Speak Out on the Book of Mormon

Make a chart with four columns. Label the first column “Promised Blessings,” the second “Counsel about Reading the Book of Mormon,” the third “What the Book Contains,” and the fourth “Testimonies of the Prophets.” Read “What is a Keystone?” and “Prophets Testify of the Book of Mormon” in the “Understanding the Scriptures” section. Look for statements that belong in one of the four categories and write them in the appropriate column.

The Main Sources for the Book of Mormon

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