Jacob 1
| Verse | Original | 7th Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Jacob 1:1 | For behold, it came to pass that fifty and five years had passed away from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem; wherefore, Nephi gave me, Jacob, a commandment concerning the small plates, upon which these things are engraven. | Fifty-five years had passed since Lehi left Jerusalem. Nephi then gave me, Jacob, a command to write on the small plates where these events are recorded. |
| Jacob 1:2 | And he gave me, Jacob, a commandment that I should write upon these plates a few of the things which I consider to be most precious; that I should not touch, save it were lightly, concerning the history of this people which are called the people of Nephi. | He gave me, Jacob, a command to write on these plates a few of the things I consider most important. He told me not to go too much into the history of the people called the Nephites. |
| Jacob 1:3 | For he said that the history of his people should be engraven upon his other plates, and that I should preserve these plates and hand them down unto my seed, from generation to generation. | He said the history of his people should be written on his other plates, and I should keep these plates safe and pass them down to my descendants, from generation to generation. |
| Jacob 1:4 | And if there were preaching which was sacred, or revelation which was great, or prophesying, that I should engraven the heads of them upon these plates, and touch upon them as much as it were possible, for Christ—s sake, and for the sake of our people. | If there was any important preaching, great revelations, or prophecies, I would write down the main points on these plates and include as much as possible for Christ’s sake and for the sake of our people. |
| Jacob 1:5 | For because of faith and great anxiety, it truly had been made manifest unto us concerning our people, what things should happen unto them. | Because of our faith and great concern, it became clear to us what would happen to our people. |
| Jacob 1:6 | And we also had many revelations, and the spirit of much prophecy; wherefore, we knew of Christ and his kingdom, which should come. | We also received many revelations and had the spirit of prophecy, so we knew about Christ and his future kingdom. |
| Jacob 1:7 | Wherefore we labored diligently among our people, that we might persuade them to come unto Christ, and partake of the goodness of God, that they might enter into his rest, lest by any means he should swear in his wrath they should not enter in, as in the provocation in the days of temptation while the children of Israel were in the wilderness. | So, we worked hard among our people to persuade them to come to Christ and experience God’s goodness, so they could enter His rest. We wanted to avoid any chance of Him saying in His anger that they couldn’t enter, like He did during the times of testing when the Israelites were in the wilderness. |
| Jacob 1:8 | Wherefore, we would to God that we could persuade all men not to rebel against God, to provoke him to anger, but that all men would believe in Christ, and view his death, and suffer his cross and bear the shame of the world; wherefore, I, Jacob, take it upon me to fulfil the commandment of my brother Nephi. | We wish we could convince everyone not to go against God and make Him angry, but instead to believe in Christ, understand His death, accept His suffering, and endure the shame of the world. So, I, Jacob, feel it’s my duty to carry out what my brother Nephi asked of me. |
| Jacob 1:9 | Now Nephi began to be old, and he saw that he must soon die; wherefore, he anointed a man to be a king and a ruler over his people now, according to the reigns of the kings. | Nephi was getting old and knew he was going to die soon, so he appointed a man to be king and ruler over the people, following the tradition of the kings. |
| Jacob 1:10 | The people having loved Nephi exceedingly, he having been a great protector for them, having wielded the sword of Laban in their defence, and having labored in all his days for their welfare— | The people loved Nephi very much because he had been a great protector for them. He defended them with the sword of Laban and worked all his life for their welfare. |
| Jacob 1:11 | Wherefore, the people were desirous to retain in remembrance his name. And whoso should reign in his stead were called by the people, second Nephi, third Nephi, and so forth, according to the reigns of the kings; and thus they were called by the people, let them be of whatever name they would. | So, the people wanted to remember his name. Whoever ruled after him was called Second Nephi, Third Nephi, and so on, based on how many kings had ruled. They were called this by the people, no matter what their original name was. |
| Jacob 1:12 | And it came to pass that Nephi died. | Nephi passed away. |
| Jacob 1:13 | Now the people which were not Lamanites were Nephites; nevertheless, they were called Nephites, Jacobites, Josephites, Zoramites, Lamanites, Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites. | The people who were not Lamanites were Nephites, but they were also called Nephites, Jacobites, Josephites, Zoramites, Lamanites, Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites. |
| Jacob 1:14 | But I, Jacob, shall not hereafter distinguish them by these names, but I shall call them Lamanites that seek to destroy the people of Nephi, and those who are friendly to Nephi I shall call Nephites, or the people of Nephi, according to the reigns of the kings. | But from now on, I’ll just call those who are against the people of Nephi “Lamanites” and those who support Nephi “Nephites,” or the people of Nephi, according to the reigns of the kings. |
| Jacob 1:15 | And now it came to pass that the people of Nephi, under the reign of the second king, began to grow hard in their hearts, and indulge themselves somewhat in wicked practices, such as like unto David of old desiring many wives and concubines, and also Solomon, his son. | During the reign of the second king, the Nephites started to become stubborn and get involved in sinful behaviors, like David wanting many wives and concubines, and also Solomon, his son. |
| Jacob 1:16 | Yea, and they also began to search much gold and silver, and began to be lifted up somewhat in pride. | Yes, they started searching for a lot of gold and silver and began to get a bit proud. |
| Jacob 1:17 | Wherefore I, Jacob, gave unto them these words as I taught them in the temple, having first obtained mine errand from the Lord. | So, I, Jacob, shared these words with them as I taught in the temple, after first getting my mission from the Lord. |
| Jacob 1:18 | For I, Jacob, and my brother Joseph had been consecrated priests and teachers of this people, by the hand of Nephi. | I, Jacob, and my brother Joseph were made priests and teachers for our people by Nephi. |
| Jacob 1:19 | And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day. | We did our best in the job given to us by the Lord, taking on the responsibility and consequences if we didn’t teach the people God’s word diligently. We worked hard so that we wouldn’t be held accountable for their sins, because if we didn’t, their sins would be on us, and we wouldn’t be pure on the last day. |
Jacob 2
| Verse | Original | 7th Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Jacob 2:1 | The words which Jacob, the brother of Nephi, spake unto the people of Nephi, after the death of Nephi: | Jacob, Nephi’s brother, spoke to the people of Nephi after Nephi died. |
| Jacob 2:2 | Now, my beloved brethren, I, Jacob, according to the responsibility which I am under to God, to magnify mine office with soberness, and that I might rid my garments of your sins, I come up into the temple this day that I might declare unto you the word of God. | Now, my dear brothers and sisters, I, Jacob, owing to my duty before God to take my role seriously and to keep myself free from your sins, have come to the temple today to share God’s word with you. |
| Jacob 2:3 | And ye yourselves know that I have hitherto been diligent in the office of my calling; but I this day am weighed down with much more desire and anxiety for the welfare of your souls than I have hitherto been. | You all know that I’ve been dedicated to my calling so far, but today I feel even more desire and worry for your well-being than ever before. |
| Jacob 2:4 | For behold, as yet, ye have been obedient unto the word of the Lord, which I have given unto you. | So far, you have followed the Lord’s commandments that I have given you. |
| Jacob 2:5 | But behold, hearken ye unto me, and know that by the help of the all-powerful Creator of heaven and earth I can tell you concerning your thoughts, how that ye are beginning to labor in sin, which sin appeareth very abominable unto me, yea, and abominable unto God. | Listen to me, and understand that with the help of the all-powerful Creator of heaven and earth, I can tell you what’s on your mind. You’re starting to engage in sin, which looks very wrong to me, and it’s also wrong to God. |
| Jacob 2:6 | Yea, it grieveth my soul and causeth me to shrink with shame before the presence of my Maker, that I must testify unto you concerning the wickedness of your hearts. | It makes me feel really sad and ashamed in front of God to have to tell you about the wickedness in your hearts. |
| Jacob 2:7 | And also it grieveth me that I must use so much boldness of speech concerning you, before your wives and your children, many of whose feelings are exceedingly tender and chaste and delicate before God, which thing is pleasing unto God; | I’m also upset that I have to speak so bluntly to you in front of your wives and children, many of whom have very sensitive and pure feelings before God, which is something that pleases Him. |
| Jacob 2:8 | And it supposeth me that they have come up hither to hear the pleasing word of God, yea, the word which healeth the wounded soul. | I think they have come up here to hear the uplifting word of God, yes, the word that heals the wounded soul. |
| Jacob 2:9 | Wherefore, it burdeneth my soul that I should be constrained, because of the strict commandment which I have received from God, to admonish you according to your crimes, to enlarge the wounds of those who are already wounded, instead of consoling and healing their wounds; and those who have not been wounded, instead of feasting upon the pleasing word of God have daggers placed to pierce their souls and wound their delicate minds. | It really weighs on me that I have to call you out for your wrongdoings because of the strict commandment I’ve received from God. Instead of comforting and healing those who are already hurting, I’m forced to make their wounds worse. And for those who aren’t hurt, instead of enjoying the comforting words of God, they face sharp truths that deeply affect them. |
| Jacob 2:10 | But, notwithstanding the greatness of the task, I must do according to the strict commands of God, and tell you concerning your wickedness and abominations, in the presence of the pure in heart, and the broken heart, and under the glance of the piercing eye of the Almighty God. | Even though it’s a huge task, I have to follow God’s strict commands and tell you about your wickedness and abominations in front of those who are pure-hearted, broken-hearted, and under the watchful eye of Almighty God. |
| Jacob 2:11 | Wherefore, I must tell you the truth according to the plainness of the word of God. For behold, as I inquired of the Lord, thus came the word unto me, saying: Jacob, get thou up into the temple on the morrow, and declare the word which I shall give thee unto this people. | So I have to tell you the truth as plainly as God’s word. When I asked the Lord, He said to me: Jacob, go to the temple tomorrow and share the word I’ll give you with the people. |
| Jacob 2:12 | And now behold, my brethren, this is the word which I declare unto you, that many of you have begun to search for gold, and for silver, and for all manner of precious ores, in the which this land, which is a land of promise unto you and to your seed, doth abound most plentifully. | Listen up, my friends, here’s what I’m telling you: many of you have started looking for gold, silver, and all sorts of precious metals, which this promised land is full of for you and your descendants. |
| Jacob 2:13 | And the hand of providence hath smiled upon you most pleasingly, that you have obtained many riches; and because some of you have obtained more abundantly than that of your brethren ye are lifted up in the pride of your hearts, and wear stiff necks and high heads because of the costliness of your apparel, and persecute your brethren because ye suppose that ye are better than they. | God has blessed you greatly, and you’ve gotten rich. But some of you have more wealth than others, and it’s made you proud. You show off with expensive clothes and look down on others because you think you’re better than them. |
| Jacob 2:14 | And now, my brethren, do ye suppose that God justifieth you in this thing? Behold, I say unto you, Nay. But he condemneth you, and if ye persist in these things his judgments must speedily come unto you. | And now, my brothers, do you think God approves of what you’re doing? No, he doesn’t. He condemns you, and if you keep doing these things, his punishments will come to you quickly. |
| Jacob 2:15 | O that he would show you that he can pierce you, and with one glance of his eye he can smite you to the dust! | I wish he would show you that he can strike right through you, and with just one look he can knock you to the ground! |
| Jacob 2:16 | O that he would rid you from this iniquity and abomination. And, O that ye would listen unto the word of his commands, and let not this pride of your hearts destroy your souls! | I wish he would free you from this sin and wickedness. And I wish you would listen to his commandments and not let the pride in your hearts destroy your souls! |
| Jacob 2:17 | Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you. | Treat your brothers as you treat yourself. Be friendly with everyone and share what you have so that they can be as well off as you are. |
| Jacob 2:18 | But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. | Before you try to get rich, focus on seeking the kingdom of God. |
| Jacob 2:19 | And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted. | Once you have hope in Christ, you can gain wealth if you seek it; and you’ll seek it with the intent to do good—like clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, freeing the captives, and helping the sick and suffering. |
| Jacob 2:20 | And now, my brethren, I have spoken unto you concerning pride; and those of you which have afflicted your neighbor, and persecuted him because ye were proud in your hearts, of the things which God hath given you, what say ye of it? | And now, my friends, I’ve talked to you about pride. If any of you have hurt or mistreated your neighbor because you were proud of what God has given you, what do you have to say about it? |
| Jacob 2:21 | Do ye not suppose that such things are abominable unto him who created all flesh? And the one being is as precious in his sight as the other. And all flesh is of the dust; and for the selfsame end hath he created them, that they should keep his commandments and glorify him forever. | Don’t you think such things are horrible to the one who created everyone? Each person is equally precious to him. We all come from the dust, and he created us all for the same reason: to follow his commandments and honor him forever. |
| Jacob 2:22 | And now I make an end of speaking unto you concerning this pride. And were it not that I must speak unto you concerning a grosser crime, my heart would rejoice exceedingly because of you. | I’ll stop talking about this pride now. If it weren’t for a bigger issue I need to address, I would be really happy because of you. |
| Jacob 2:23 | But the word of God burdens me because of your grosser crimes. For behold, thus saith the Lord: This people begin to wax in iniquity; they understand not the scriptures, for they seek to excuse themselves in committing whoredoms, because of the things which were written concerning David, and Solomon his son. | But God’s word weighs heavily on me because of your serious sins. The Lord says: This people are beginning to grow in wickedness; they don’t understand the scriptures, and they use things written about David and Solomon as excuses to commit immoral acts. |
| Jacob 2:24 | Behold, David and Solomon truly had many wives and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord. | Look, David and Solomon had lots of wives and concubines, and that was something I found detestable, says the Lord. |
| Jacob 2:25 | Wherefore, thus saith the Lord, I have led this people forth out of the land of Jerusalem, by the power of mine arm, that I might raise up unto me a righteous branch from the fruit of the loins of Joseph. | So, the Lord says, I brought these people out of Jerusalem with my power so that I could create a righteous group from the descendants of Joseph. |
| Jacob 2:26 | Wherefore, I the Lord God will not suffer that this people shall do like unto them of old. | So, I, the Lord God, won’t let these people act like those from the past. |
| Jacob 2:27 | Wherefore, my brethren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none; | So listen to me, my brothers, and pay attention to the word of the Lord: No man among you is to have more than one wife and no concubines. |
| Jacob 2:28 | For I, the Lord God, delight in the chastity of women. And whoredoms are an abomination before me; thus saith the Lord of Hosts. | I, the Lord God, love the chastity of women. Sexual immorality is disgusting to me, says the Lord of Hosts. |
| Jacob 2:29 | Wherefore, this people shall keep my commandments, saith the Lord of Hosts, or cursed be the land for their sakes. | So, this people must keep my commandments, says the Lord of Hosts, or the land will be cursed because of them. |
| Jacob 2:30 | For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things. | If I, the Lord of Hosts, want to create descendants for myself, I will give my people instructions; otherwise, they should listen to these teachings. |
| Jacob 2:31 | For behold, I, the Lord, have seen the sorrow, and heard the mourning of the daughters of my people in the land of Jerusalem, yea, and in all the lands of my people, because of the wickedness and abominations of their husbands. | Listen, I, the Lord, have seen the sadness and heard the cries of the women of my people in Jerusalem and in all the lands because of the wickedness and terrible actions of their husbands. |
| Jacob 2:32 | And I will not suffer, saith the Lord of Hosts, that the cries of the fair daughters of this people, which I have led out of the land of Jerusalem, shall come up unto me against the men of my people, saith the Lord of Hosts. | I, the Lord of Hosts, won’t allow the cries of the good women I led out of Jerusalem to reach me in complaint against the men of my people. |
| Jacob 2:33 | For they shall not lead away captive the daughters of my people because of their tenderness, save I shall visit them with a sore curse, even unto destruction; for they shall not commit whoredoms, like unto them of old, saith the Lord of Hosts. | They won’t take the daughters of my people captive because they are gentle and kind. If they try, I will punish them severely, even to their destruction, for they will not commit the same sins as people did in the past, says the Lord of Hosts. |
| Jacob 2:34 | And now behold, my brethren, ye know that these commandments were given to our father, Lehi; wherefore, ye have known them before; and ye have come unto great condemnation; for ye have done these things which ye ought not to have done. | Now listen, my brothers, you know these commandments were given to our father, Lehi. So, you’ve been aware of them before; and now you’re seriously in trouble because you’ve done things you shouldn’t have done. |
| Jacob 2:35 | Behold, ye have done greater iniquities than the Lamanites, our brethren. Ye have broken the hearts of your tender wives, and lost the confidence of your children, because of your bad examples before them; and the sobbings of their hearts ascend up to God against you. And because of the strictness of the word of God, which cometh down against you, many hearts died, pierced with deep wounds. | Look, you’ve done worse wrongs than the Lamanites, our brothers. You’ve broken the hearts of your loving wives and lost the trust of your children because of your bad behavior. Their tears are a plea to God against you. Because of the strictness of God’s word that condemns you, many hearts are deeply hurt. |
Jacob 3
| Verse | Original | 7th Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Jacob 3:1 | But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction. | But listen, I, Jacob, want to talk to you who are pure in heart. Stay focused on God, pray to Him with strong faith, and He will comfort you in your troubles. He will support you and bring justice to those who try to harm you. |
| Jacob 3:2 | O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever. | Everyone with a pure heart, lift your heads and embrace the wonderful words of God. Let His love fill you completely, because if you have a steadfast mind, you can have it forever. |
| Jacob 3:3 | But, wo, wo, unto you that are not pure in heart, that are filthy this day before God; for except ye repent the land is cursed for your sakes; and the Lamanites, which are not filthy like unto you, nevertheless they are cursed with a sore cursing, shall scourge you even unto destruction. | But woe to you who aren’t pure in heart and are filthy before God today; unless you repent, the land is cursed because of you. The Lamanites, who aren’t as filthy as you but are still heavily cursed, will punish you until you’re destroyed. |
| Jacob 3:4 | And the time speedily cometh, that except ye repent they shall possess the land of your inheritance, and the Lord God will lead away the righteous out from among you. | The time is coming quickly. If you don’t repent, they will take over your land, and the Lord God will lead the righteous people away from you. |
| Jacob 3:5 | Behold, the Lamanites your brethren, whom ye hate because of their filthiness and the cursing which hath come upon their skins, are more righteous than you; for they have not forgotten the commandment of the Lord, which was given unto our father—that they should have save it were one wife, and concubines they should have none, and there should not be whoredoms committed among them. | Look, the Lamanites, your brothers whom you hate because of their appearance and the curse on their skin, are actually more righteous than you. They haven’t forgotten God’s commandment to our ancestor that they should only have one wife and no concubines, and that there shouldn’t be any sexual immorality among them. |
| Jacob 3:6 | And now, this commandment they observe to keep; wherefore, because of this observance, in keeping this commandment, the Lord God will not destroy them, but will be merciful unto them; and one day they shall become a blessed people. | They follow this commandment, and because they do, the Lord God won’t destroy them but will be merciful to them. One day, they will become a blessed people. |
| Jacob 3:7 | Behold, their husbands love their wives, and their wives love their husbands; and their husbands and their wives love their children; and their unbelief and their hatred towards you is because of the iniquity of their fathers; wherefore, how much better are you than they, in the sight of your great Creator? | Look, their husbands love them, and they love their husbands; both of them love their children. Their disbelief and hatred towards you are because of their fathers’ sins. So, how are you any better than them in the eyes of your Creator? |
| Jacob 3:8 | O my brethren, I fear that unless ye shall repent of your sins that their skins will be whiter than yours, when ye shall be brought with them before the throne of God. | My brothers, I worry that unless you repent of your sins, their skins will be lighter than yours when you are brought before God’s throne together. |
| Jacob 3:9 | Wherefore, a commandment I give unto you, which is the word of God, that ye revile no more against them because of the darkness of their skins; neither shall ye revile against them because of their filthiness; but ye shall remember your own filthiness, and remember that their filthiness came because of their fathers. | So here’s a commandment from God: Don’t scorn people because of their dark skin. Don’t insult them for their uncleanliness either. Instead, remember your own flaws and understand that their condition is due to the actions of their ancestors. |
| Jacob 3:10 | Wherefore, ye shall remember your children, how that ye have grieved their hearts because of the example that ye have set before them; and also, remember that ye may, because of your filthiness, bring your children unto destruction, and their sins be heaped upon your heads at the last day. | So, remember your kids and how you’ve hurt them with the example you’ve set. Also, keep in mind that your bad actions could lead them to ruin, and you’ll be held accountable for their sins in the end. |
| Jacob 3:11 | O my brethren, hearken unto my words; arouse the faculties of your souls; shake yourselves that ye may awake from the slumber of death; and loose yourselves from the pains of hell that ye may not become angels to the devil, to be cast into that lake of fire and brimstone which is the second death. | Listen to me, my brothers. Wake up and stir your souls. Snap out of the sleep of death and free yourself from the suffering of hell, so you don’t end up as servants of the devil and get thrown into that lake of fire and brimstone, which is the second death. |
| Jacob 3:12 | And now I, Jacob, spake many more things unto the people of Nephi, warning them against fornication and lasciviousness, and every kind of sin, telling them the awful consequences of them. | Now I, Jacob, spoke many more things to the people of Nephi, warning them about sexual sin and every kind of wrongdoing, explaining the terrible consequences of these actions. |
| Jacob 3:13 | And a hundredth part of the proceedings of this people, which now began to be numerous, cannot be written upon these plates; but many of their proceedings are written upon the larger plates, and their wars, and their contentions, and the reigns of their kings. | Only a tiny fraction of what happened to this now numerous people can be written on these plates. Many of their deeds are recorded on the larger plates, including their wars, conflicts, and the rule of their kings. |
| Jacob 3:14 | These plates are called the plates of Jacob, and they were made by the hand of Nephi. And I make an end of speaking these words. | These records are called the Jacob plates, and they were made by Nephi. And now, I will stop speaking. |
Jacob 4
| Verse | Original | 7th Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Jacob 4:1 | Now behold, it came to pass that I, Jacob, having ministered much unto my people in word, (and I cannot write but a little of my words, because of the difficulty of engraving our words upon plates) and we know that the things which we write upon plates must remain; | I am Jacob. I have spoken a lot to my people, but I can only write a little because it’s hard to engrave our words on plates. We know that what we write on plates must last. |
| Jacob 4:2 | But whatsoever things we write upon anything save it be upon plates must perish and vanish away; but we can write a few words upon plates, which will give our children, and also our beloved brethren, a small degree of knowledge concerning us, or concerning their fathers— | Anything we write on besides plates will eventually be lost, but when we write just a few words on plates, it will give our children and our dear family members a bit of knowledge about us, or about their ancestors. |
| Jacob 4:3 | Now in this thing we do rejoice; and we labor diligently to engraven these words upon plates, hoping that our beloved brethren and our children will receive them with thankful hearts, and look upon them that they may learn with joy and not with sorrow, neither with contempt, concerning their first parents. | We are happy about this; we work hard to write these words on plates, hoping that our beloved family and children will receive them with thankful hearts. We want them to read with joy, not sadness or contempt, about their first parents. |
| Jacob 4:4 | For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming; and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us. | We wrote these things so that people would know we knew about Christ and had hope in his glory many hundreds of years before he came. And not only did we have this hope, but so did all the holy prophets who came before us. |
| Jacob 4:5 | Behold, they believed in Christ and worshiped the Father in his name, and also we worship the Father in his name. And for this intent we keep the law of Moses, it pointing our souls to him; and for this cause it is sanctified unto us for righteousness, even as it was accounted unto Abraham in the wilderness to be obedient unto the commands of God in offering up his son Isaac, which is a similitude of God and his Only Begotten Son. | They believed in Christ and worshiped God in His name, and we do the same. That’s why we follow the law of Moses, as it directs our souls to Him. This law is made holy for us as a way to be righteous, just as it was for Abraham in the wilderness when he obeyed God’s command to offer his son Isaac, which was a symbol of God sacrificing His Only Begotten Son. |
| Jacob 4:6 | Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea. | That’s why we study the prophets and receive many revelations and the spirit of prophecy. With all this evidence, we gain hope, and our faith becomes so strong that we can truly command in the name of Jesus, and even trees, mountains, or the waves of the sea will obey us. |
| Jacob 4:7 | Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things. | Even so, God shows us our weaknesses so that we understand that it’s by his grace and kindness that we have the ability to do these things. |
| Jacob 4:8 | Behold, great and marvelous are the works of the Lord. How unsearchable are the depths of the mysteries of him; and it is impossible that man should find out all his ways. And no man knoweth of his ways save it be revealed unto him; wherefore, brethren, despise not the revelations of God. | Look, the works of the Lord are amazing and wonderful. The depth of His mysteries can’t be completely understood by humans. It’s impossible for people to know all His ways unless He reveals them. So, brothers, don’t disregard God’s revelations. |
| Jacob 4:9 | For behold, by the power of his word man came upon the face of the earth, which earth was created by the power of his word. Wherefore, if God being able to speak and the world was, and to speak and man was created, O then, why not able to command the earth, or the workmanship of his hands upon the face of it, according to his will and pleasure? | Look, God created man on the earth by the power of His word. He made the earth the same way—by speaking it into existence. So, if God can speak and create the world, and speak and create man, why wouldn’t He be able to command the earth and everything on it just as He wants? |
| Jacob 4:10 | Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works. | So, brothers, don’t try to give advice to the Lord; instead, take the advice he gives you. You know that he gives advice with wisdom, justice, and great mercy in everything he does. |
| Jacob 4:11 | Wherefore, beloved brethren, be reconciled unto him through the atonement of Christ, his Only Begotten Son, and ye may obtain a resurrection, according to the power of the resurrection which is in Christ, and be presented as the first-fruits of Christ unto God, having faith, and obtained a good hope of glory in him before he manifesteth himself in the flesh. | So, dear brothers and sisters, be reconciled to God through the atonement of Christ, his Only Begotten Son, so you can obtain a resurrection through Christ’s power and be presented as the first-fruits of Christ to God, with faith and a strong hope of glory in Him before he comes in the flesh. |
| Jacob 4:12 | And now, beloved, marvel not that I tell you these things; for why not speak of the atonement of Christ, and attain to a perfect knowledge of him, as to attain to the knowledge of a resurrection and the world to come? | Now, my dear friends, don’t be surprised that I’m telling you this. Why not talk about Christ’s atonement and strive to know Him perfectly, just as we aim to understand the resurrection and the life to come? |
| Jacob 4:13 | Behold, my brethren, he that prophesieth, let him prophesy to the understanding of men; for the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls. But behold, we are not witnesses alone in these things; for God also spake them unto prophets of old. | Look, my friends, those who prophesy should do it in a way that people can understand, because the Spirit speaks the truth and never lies. It tells us about things as they truly are and as they truly will be. So, these things are shown to us clearly for the salvation of our souls. And it’s not just us who know these things, because God also spoke them to prophets in the past. |
| Jacob 4:14 | But behold, the Jews were a stiffnecked people; and they despised the words of plainness, and killed the prophets, and sought for things that they could not understand. Wherefore, because of their blindness, which blindness came by looking beyond the mark, they must needs fall; for God hath taken away his plainness from them, and delivered unto them many things which they cannot understand, because they desired it. And because they desired it God hath done it, that they may stumble. | But see, the Jews were stubborn and refused to accept simple truths. They killed the prophets and chased after things they couldn’t understand. So, because they couldn’t see clearly, because they looked beyond what was important, they had to fall. God took away the simple truths from them and gave them confusing things because that’s what they sought. And because they wanted it, God made it happen so they would stumble. |
| Jacob 4:15 | And now I, Jacob, am led on by the Spirit unto prophesying; for I perceive by the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that by the stumbling of the Jews they will reject the stone upon which they might build and have safe foundation. | Now, I, Jacob, guided by the Spirit, am moved to prophesy. I sense through the Spirit within me that because of the mistakes of the Jews, they will reject the cornerstone they could have used for a safe foundation. |
| Jacob 4:16 | But behold, according to the scriptures, this stone shall become the great, and the last, and the only sure foundation, upon which the Jews can build. | But look, according to the scriptures, this stone will become the great, final, and only sure foundation for the Jews to build on. |
| Jacob 4:17 | And now, my beloved, how is it possible that these, after having rejected the sure foundation, can ever build upon it, that it may become the head of their corner? | And now, my dear friends, how can these people, after rejecting the solid foundation, ever build on it again for it to become their cornerstone? |
| Jacob 4:18 | Behold, my beloved brethren, I will unfold this mystery unto you; if I do not, by any means, get shaken from my firmness in the Spirit, and stumble because of my over anxiety for you. | Listen, my dear brothers and sisters, I’m going to explain this mystery to you. As long as I don’t lose my steadiness in the Spirit or get too worried and mess up because of my concern for you. |
Jacob 5
| Verse | Original | 7th Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Jacob 5:1 | Behold, my brethren, do ye not remember to have read the words of the prophet Zenos, which he spake unto the house of Israel, saying: | Hey, my brothers, don’t you remember reading the words of the prophet Zenos, which he spoke to the house of Israel, saying: |
| Jacob 5:2 | Hearken, O ye house of Israel, and hear the words of me, a prophet of the Lord. | Listen up, people of Israel, and hear what I, a prophet of the Lord, have to say. |
| Jacob 5:3 | For behold, thus saith the Lord, I will liken thee, O house of Israel, like unto a tame olive-tree, which a man took and nourished in his vineyard; and it grew, and waxed old, and began to decay. | Listen, this is what the Lord says: I will compare you, O house of Israel, to a tame olive tree. A man took care of it in his vineyard, it grew old, and started to decay. |
| Jacob 5:4 | And it came to pass that the master of the vineyard went forth, and he saw that his olive-tree began to decay; and he said: I will prune it, and dig about it, and nourish it, that perhaps it may shoot forth young and tender branches, and it perish not. | The owner of the vineyard noticed his olive tree was starting to wither. He said, “I will prune it, dig around it, and give it extra care so that it might grow new, tender branches and not die.” |
| Jacob 5:5 | And it came to pass that he pruned it, and digged about it, and nourished it according to his word. | He pruned it, dug around it, and took care of it, just as he said he would. |
| Jacob 5:6 | And it came to pass that after many days it began to put forth somewhat a little, young and tender branches; but behold, the main top thereof began to perish. | After many days, it started to grow some small, young, and tender branches, but the main top began to wither. |
| Jacob 5:7 | And it came to pass that the master of the vineyard saw it, and he said unto his servant: It grieveth me that I should lose this tree; wherefore, go and pluck the branches from a wild olive-tree, and bring them hither unto me; and we will pluck off those main branches which are beginning to wither away, and we will cast them into the fire that they may be burned. | The owner of the vineyard saw it and said to his servant, “It makes me sad to lose this tree. So, go and get branches from a wild olive tree and bring them here. We’ll remove the main branches that are starting to wither and burn them in the fire.” |
| Jacob 5:8 | And behold, saith the Lord of the vineyard, I take away many of these young and tender branches, and I will graft them whithersoever I will; and it mattereth not that if it so be that the root of this tree will perish, I may preserve the fruit thereof unto myself; wherefore, I will take these young and tender branches, and I will graft them whithersoever I will. | Listen, says the Lord of the vineyard, I will take many of these young and tender branches and graft them wherever I want. And it doesn’t matter if the root of this tree perishes, because I can still preserve its fruit for myself. So I will take these young and tender branches and graft them wherever I want. |
| Jacob 5:9 | Take thou the branches of the wild olive-tree, and graft them in, in the stead thereof; and these which I have plucked off I will cast into the fire and burn them, that they may not cumber the ground of my vineyard. | Take the branches from the wild olive tree and graft them in their place. I’ll throw the ones I removed into the fire to burn them so they won’t take up space in my vineyard. |
| Jacob 5:10 | And it came to pass that the servant of the Lord of the vineyard did according to the word of the Lord of the vineyard, and grafted in the branches of the wild olive-tree. | So the servant of the Lord of the vineyard did what the Lord asked and grafted branches from the wild olive tree. |
| Jacob 5:11 | And the Lord of the vineyard caused that it should be digged about, and pruned, and nourished, saying unto his servant: It grieveth me that I should lose this tree; wherefore, that perhaps I might preserve the roots thereof that they perish not, that I might preserve them unto myself, I have done this thing. | The Lord of the vineyard had the tree dug around, pruned, and taken care of. He told his servant, “It makes me sad to lose this tree. I’ve done all this to keep its roots from dying so that I can save it for myself.” |
| Jacob 5:12 | Wherefore, go thy way; watch the tree, and nourish it, according to my words. | So, go your way; watch the tree, and take care of it, as I’ve instructed. |
| Jacob 5:13 | And these will I place in the nethermost part of my vineyard, whithersoever I will, it mattereth not unto thee; and I do it that I may preserve unto myself the natural branches of the tree; and also, that I may lay up fruit thereof against the season, unto myself; for it grieveth me that I should lose this tree and the fruit thereof. | I’m going to put these in the farthest parts of my vineyard, wherever I want. It doesn’t matter to you because I’m doing it to keep the natural branches of the tree and to gather fruit for myself when the season comes. It saddens me to think about losing this tree and its fruit. |
| Jacob 5:14 | And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard went his way, and hid the natural branches of the tame olive-tree in the nethermost parts of the vineyard, some in one and some in another, according to his will and pleasure. | The Lord of the vineyard went away and hid the natural branches of the tame olive tree in different parts of the vineyard as he saw fit. |
| Jacob 5:15 | And it came to pass that a long time passed away, and the Lord of the vineyard said unto his servant: Come, let us go down into the vineyard, that we may labor in the vineyard. | After a long time, the Lord of the vineyard said to his servant, “Come, let’s go down to the vineyard and work there.” |
| Jacob 5:16 | And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard, and also the servant, went down into the vineyard to labor. And it came to pass that the servant said unto his master: Behold, look here; behold the tree. | The Lord of the vineyard and his servant went down into the vineyard to work. The servant said to his master, “Look over here; look at this tree.” |
| Jacob 5:17 | And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard looked and beheld the tree in the which the wild olive branches had been grafted; and it had sprung forth and begun to bear fruit. And he beheld that it was good; and the fruit thereof was like unto the natural fruit. | The Lord of the vineyard looked at the tree where the wild olive branches had been grafted. It had started to grow and bear fruit, and the fruit was good and similar to the natural fruit. |
| Jacob 5:18 | And he said unto the servant: Behold, the branches of the wild tree have taken hold of the moisture of the root thereof, that the root thereof hath brought forth much strength; and because of the much strength of the root thereof the wild branches have brought forth tame fruit. Now, if we had not grafted in these branches, the tree thereof would have perished. And now, behold, I shall lay up much fruit, which the tree thereof hath brought forth; and the fruit thereof I shall lay up against the season, unto mine own self. | He said to his servant, “Look, the branches of the wild tree have absorbed the moisture from the roots, making the roots very strong. Because of this strength, the wild branches have produced good fruit. If we hadn’t grafted these branches, the tree would have died. Now, I will store up the good fruit the tree has produced for later.” |
| Jacob 5:19 | And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said unto the servant: Come, let us go to the nethermost part of the vineyard, and behold if the natural branches of the tree have not brought forth much fruit also, that I may lay up of the fruit thereof against the season, unto mine own self. | The Lord of the vineyard said to the servant, “Come, let’s go to the farthest part of the vineyard and see if the natural branches of the tree have produced a lot of fruit, so I can gather the fruit for myself for the coming season.” |
| Jacob 5:20 | And it came to pass that they went forth whither the master had hid the natural branches of the tree, and he said unto the servant: Behold these; and he beheld the first that it had brought forth much fruit; and he beheld also that it was good. And he said unto the servant: Take of the fruit thereof, and lay it up against the season, that I may preserve it unto mine own self; for behold, said he, this long time have I nourished it, and it hath brought forth much fruit. | They went to where the master had hidden the natural branches of the tree. The master said to the servant, “Look at these.” The servant saw that the first branch had produced a lot of fruit and that it was good. The master told the servant, “Take some of the fruit and store it for later, so I can keep it for myself. I’ve cared for it for a long time, and it has produced a lot of fruit.” |
| Jacob 5:21 | And it came to pass that the servant said unto his master: How comest thou hither to plant this tree, or this branch of the tree? For behold, it was the poorest spot in all the land of thy vineyard. | The servant asked his master, “Why did you come here to plant this tree or branch? This is the poorest spot in the whole vineyard.” |
| Jacob 5:22 | And the Lord of the vineyard said unto him: Counsel me not; I knew that it was a poor spot of ground; wherefore, I said unto thee, I have nourished it this long time, and thou beholdest that it hath brought forth much fruit. | The Lord of the vineyard said to him, “Don’t tell me what to do; I knew this was poor ground. That’s why I told you I have been taking care of it for a long time, and now you can see it has produced a lot of fruit.” |
| Jacob 5:23 | And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said unto his servant: Look hither; behold I have planted another branch of the tree also; and thou knowest that this spot of ground was poorer than the first. But, behold the tree. I have nourished it this long time, and it hath brought forth much fruit; therefore, gather it, and lay it up against the season, that I may preserve it unto mine own self. | The Lord of the vineyard said to his servant, “Look over here. I planted another branch of the tree in this spot, even though the ground here is poorer than the first spot. But look at the tree. I have taken care of it for a long time, and it has produced a lot of fruit. So, gather the fruit and store it for the season, so I can keep it for myself.” |
| Jacob 5:24 | And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said again unto his servant: Look hither, and behold another branch also, which I have planted; behold that I have nourished it also, and it hath brought forth fruit. | The Lord of the vineyard said to his servant again, “Look over here and see another branch that I planted. I’ve taken care of it too, and it’s produced fruit.” |
| Jacob 5:25 | And he said unto the servant: Look hither and behold the last. Behold, this have I planted in a good spot of ground; and I have nourished it this long time, and only a part of the tree hath brought forth tame fruit, and the other part of the tree hath brought forth wild fruit; behold, I have nourished this tree like unto the others. | He said to the servant, “Look here and see the last one. I planted it in a good spot and took care of it for a long time. Part of the tree has produced good fruit, but the other part has produced wild fruit. I’ve taken care of this tree just like the others.” |
| Jacob 5:26 | And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said unto the servant: Pluck off the branches that have not brought forth good fruit, and cast them into the fire. | The owner of the vineyard told the servant, “Remove the branches that haven’t produced good fruit and throw them into the fire.” |
| Jacob 5:27 | But behold, the servant said unto him: Let us prune it, and dig about it, and nourish it a little longer, that perhaps it may bring forth good fruit unto thee, that thou canst lay it up against the season. | But look, the servant said to him, “Let’s prune it, dig around it, and take care of it a little longer. Maybe it will produce good fruit for you, and then you can store it for the future.” |
| Jacob 5:28 | And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard and the servant of the Lord of the vineyard did nourish all the fruit of the vineyard. | The Lord and his servant took care of all the fruit in the vineyard. |
| Jacob 5:29 | And it came to pass that a long time had passed away, and the Lord of the vineyard said unto his servant: Come, let us go down into the vineyard, that we may labor again in the vineyard. For behold, the time draweth near, and the end soon cometh; wherefore, I must lay up fruit against the season, unto mine own self. | A long time passed, and the Lord of the vineyard said to his servant, “Come, let’s go down into the vineyard and work again. The time is near, and the end is coming soon; so I need to gather fruit for myself before the season ends.” |
| Jacob 5:30 | And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard and the servant went down into the vineyard; and they came to the tree whose natural branches had been broken off, and the wild branches had been grafted in; and behold all sorts of fruit did cumber the tree. | The Lord of the vineyard and the servant went down to the vineyard. They came to the tree where the natural branches had been broken off and wild branches had been grafted in. The tree had all sorts of fruit on it. |
| Jacob 5:31 | And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard did taste of the fruit, every sort according to its number. And the Lord of the vineyard said: Behold, this long time have we nourished this tree, and I have laid up unto myself against the season much fruit. | The Lord of the vineyard tasted the fruit of each kind. Seeing the good fruit, He said, “We have taken care of this tree for a long time, and I have stored up much fruit for the right season.” |
| Jacob 5:32 | But behold, this time it hath brought forth much fruit, and there is none of it which is good. And behold, there are all kinds of bad fruit; and it profiteth me nothing, notwithstanding all our labor; and now it grieveth me that I should lose this tree. | Look, this time the tree has produced a lot of fruit, but none of it is good. There are all kinds of bad fruit, and all our hard work has gained us nothing. It’s really upsetting that I might lose this tree. |
| Jacob 5:33 | And the Lord of the vineyard said unto the servant: What shall we do unto the tree, that I may preserve again good fruit thereof unto mine own self? | The owner of the vineyard said to the worker, “What should we do to the tree so I can get good fruit from it again for myself?” |
| Jacob 5:34 | And the servant said unto his master: Behold, because thou didst graft in the branches of the wild olive-tree they have nourished the roots, that they are alive and they have not perished; wherefore thou beholdest that they are yet good. | And the servant said to his master: Look, because you grafted branches from the wild olive tree, they have nourished the roots and kept them alive; so, you can see that they are still good. |
| Jacob 5:35 | And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said unto his servant: The tree profiteth me nothing, and the roots thereof profit me nothing so long as it shall bring forth evil fruit. | Then the owner of the vineyard said to his servant, “This tree and its roots are worthless to me as long as it keeps producing bad fruit.” |
| Jacob 5:36 | Nevertheless, I know that the roots are good, and for mine own purpose I have preserved them; and because of their much strength they have hitherto brought forth, from the wild branches, good fruit. | Even so, I know the roots are good. I’ve kept them for my own reasons, and because they’re so strong, they’ve managed to produce good fruit from the wild branches so far. |
| Jacob 5:37 | But behold, the wild branches have grown and have overrun the roots thereof; and because that the wild branches have overcome the roots thereof it hath brought forth much evil fruit; and because that it hath brought forth so much evil fruit thou beholdest that it beginneth to perish; and it will soon become ripened, that it may be cast into the fire, except we should do something for it to preserve it. | But look, the wild branches have grown and taken over the roots. Because of this, the tree has produced a lot of bad fruit. And because there is so much bad fruit, you can see it is starting to die. It will soon be ready to be burned unless we do something to save it. |
| Jacob 5:38 | And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said unto his servant: Let us go down into the nethermost parts of the vineyard, and behold if the natural branches have also brought forth evil fruit. | The Lord of the vineyard said to his servant, “Let’s go down to the lowest parts of the vineyard and see if the natural branches have produced bad fruit.” |
| Jacob 5:39 | And it came to pass that they went down into the nethermost parts of the vineyard. And it came to pass that they beheld that the fruit of the natural branches had become corrupt also; yea, the first and the second and also the last; and they had all become corrupt. | They went down to the lowest parts of the vineyard and saw that the fruit from the original branches had become bad too; the first, the second, and the last had all turned bad. |
| Jacob 5:40 | And the wild fruit of the last had overcome that part of the tree which brought forth good fruit, even that the branch had withered away and died. | The wild fruit from the last had taken over the part of the tree that once produced good fruit, causing the branch to wither and die. |
| Jacob 5:41 | And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard wept, and said unto the servant: What could I have done more for my vineyard? | The Lord of the vineyard wept and said to the servant, “Is there anything more I could have done for my vineyard?” |
| Jacob 5:42 | Behold, I knew that all the fruit of the vineyard, save it were these, had become corrupted. And now these which have once brought forth good fruit have also become corrupted; and now all the trees of my vineyard are good for nothing save it be to be hewn down and cast into the fire. | Look, I knew that all the fruit in the vineyard, except for these ones, had gone bad. And now, even these ones that once produced good fruit have also gone bad. Now, all the trees in my vineyard are useless except to be cut down and burned. |
| Jacob 5:43 | And behold this last, whose branch hath withered away, I did plant in a good spot of ground; yea, even that which was choice unto me above all other parts of the land of my vineyard. | And look, the last one whose branch has withered, I planted in a great spot of land, the best part of my vineyard. |
| Jacob 5:44 | And thou beheldest that I also cut down that which cumbered this spot of ground, that I might plant this tree in the stead thereof. | You saw that I also removed what was cluttering this spot of ground so I could plant this tree in its place. |
| Jacob 5:45 | And thou beheldest that a part thereof brought forth good fruit, and a part thereof brought forth wild fruit; and because I plucked not the branches thereof and cast them into the fire, behold, they have overcome the good branch that it hath withered away. | You saw that part of it produced good fruit, while another part produced wild fruit. Since I didn’t remove the branches that produced wild fruit and burn them, they’ve taken over the good branch, causing it to wither away. |
| Jacob 5:46 | And now, behold, notwithstanding all the care which we have taken of my vineyard, the trees thereof have become corrupted, that they bring forth no good fruit; and these I had hoped to preserve, to have laid up fruit thereof against the season, unto mine own self. But, behold, they have become like unto the wild olive-tree, and they are of no worth but to be hewn down and cast into the fire; and it grieveth me that I should lose them. | Now look, despite all the care we’ve given to my vineyard, the trees have become corrupt and aren’t producing good fruit. I had hoped to preserve them and store up their fruit for the right time. But now, they’re like wild olive trees and are only fit to be cut down and burned. It makes me sad to lose them. |
| Jacob 5:47 | But what could I have done more in my vineyard? Have I slackened mine hand, that I have not nourished it, Nay, I have nourished it, and I have digged about it, and I have pruned it, and I have dunged it; and I have stretched forth mine hand almost all the day long, and the end draweth nigh. And it grieveth me that I should hew down all the trees of my vineyard, and cast them into the fire that they should be burned. Who is it that has corrupted my vineyard? | What more could I have done for my vineyard? Did I hold back my efforts and not take care of it? No, I took care of it. I dug around it, pruned it, and fertilized it. I’ve worked hard almost all day long, and now the end is near. It pains me to have to cut down all the trees in my vineyard and throw them into the fire to be burned. Who has ruined my vineyard? |
| Jacob 5:48 | And it came to pass that the servant said unto his master: Is it not the loftiness of thy vineyard—have not the branches thereof overcome the roots which are good? And because the branches have overcome the roots thereof, behold they grew faster than the strength of the roots, taking strength unto themselves. Behold, I say, is not this the cause that the trees of thy vineyard have become corrupted? | The servant said to his master, “Isn’t it the height of your vineyard? Haven’t the branches overtaken the good roots? Because the branches have overtaken the roots, they grew faster than the roots could support, taking strength for themselves. Isn’t this why the trees in your vineyard have become corrupted?” |
| Jacob 5:49 | And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said unto the servant: Let us go to and hew down the trees of the vineyard and cast them into the fire, that they shall not cumber the ground of my vineyard, for I have done all. What could I have done more for my vineyard? | The Lord of the vineyard said to the servant, “Let’s go cut down the trees in the vineyard and throw them into the fire so they don’t waste space. I’ve done everything I could for my vineyard. What more could I have done?” |
| Jacob 5:50 | But, behold, the servant said unto the Lord of the vineyard: Spare it a little longer. | But look, the servant said to the Lord of the vineyard, “Give it a little more time.” |
| Jacob 5:51 | And the Lord said: Yea, I will spare it a little longer, for it grieveth me that I should lose the trees of my vineyard. | And the Lord said: Yes, I will let it be for a bit longer because it saddens me to lose the trees in my vineyard. |
| Jacob 5:52 | Wherefore, let us take of the branches of these which I have planted in the nethermost parts of my vineyard, and let us graft them into the tree from whence they came; and let us pluck from the tree those branches whose fruit is most bitter, and graft in the natural branches of the tree in the stead thereof. | So let’s take branches from the trees I planted in the farthest parts of my vineyard and graft them back onto the tree they came from. Let’s remove the branches with the most bitter fruit and replace them with the original, natural branches of the tree. |
| Jacob 5:53 | And this will I do that the tree may not perish, that, perhaps, I may preserve unto myself the roots thereof for mine own purpose. | I’ll do this so the tree won’t die, and maybe I can keep its roots for my own purposes. |
| Jacob 5:54 | And, behold, the roots of the natural branches of the tree which I planted whithersoever I would are yet alive; wherefore, that I may preserve them also for mine own purpose, I will take of the branches of this tree, and I will graft them in unto them. Yea, I will graft in unto them the branches of their mother tree, that I may preserve the roots also unto mine own self, that when they shall be sufficiently strong perhaps they may bring forth good fruit unto me, and I may yet have glory in the fruit of my vineyard. | Look, the roots of the natural branches of the tree I planted wherever I wanted are still alive. So, to preserve them for my own purposes, I’ll take branches from this tree and graft them into those roots. Yes, I’ll graft branches from their original tree into these roots, so I can keep the roots for myself. When they become strong enough, they might produce good fruit for me, and I can still take pride in the fruit from my vineyard. |
| Jacob 5:55 | And it came to pass that they took from the natural tree which had become wild, and grafted in unto the natural trees, which also had become wild. | They took branches from the wild tree and grafted them onto the other wild trees. |
| Jacob 5:56 | And they also took of the natural trees which had become wild, and grafted into their mother tree. | They also took some of the wild trees and grafted them back into their original tree. |
| Jacob 5:57 | And the Lord of the vineyard said unto the servant: Pluck not the wild branches from the trees, save it be those which are most bitter; and in them ye shall graft according to that which I have said. | The owner of the vineyard said to the worker: Don’t remove the wild branches from the trees, except for the ones that are the most bitter; and graft as I have instructed. |
| Jacob 5:58 | And we will nourish again the trees of the vineyard, and we will trim up the branches thereof; and we will pluck from the trees those branches which are ripened, that must perish, and cast them into the fire. | We’ll take care of the vineyard again: prune the branches, harvest the ripe ones that need to be cut off, and throw them into the fire. |
| Jacob 5:59 | And this I do that, perhaps, the roots thereof may take strength because of their goodness; and because of the change of the branches, that the good may overcome the evil. | I do this hoping that the roots might grow stronger because they’re good, and that changing the branches will help the good overcome the evil. |
| Jacob 5:60 | And because that I have preserved the natural branches and the roots thereof, and that I have grafted in the natural branches again into their mother tree, and have preserved the roots of their mother tree, that, perhaps, the trees of my vineyard may bring forth again good fruit; and that I may have joy again in the fruit of my vineyard, and, perhaps, that I may rejoice exceedingly that I have preserved the roots and the branches of the first fruit— | Because I have saved the natural branches and their roots, and grafted them back into their original tree, I’ve saved the roots of the original tree too. Maybe the trees in my vineyard will produce good fruit again, and I can enjoy the fruit of my vineyard and be really happy that I saved the roots and branches of the first tree. |
| Jacob 5:61 | Wherefore, go to, and call servants, that we may labor diligently with our might in the vineyard, that we may prepare the way, that I may bring forth again the natural fruit, which natural fruit is good and the most precious above all other fruit. | So go and call the workers, so we can work hard in the vineyard and prepare the way for me to bring back the natural fruit, which is the best and most valuable of all fruits. |
| Jacob 5:62 | Wherefore, let us go to and labor with our might this last time, for behold the end draweth nigh, and this is for the last time that I shall prune my vineyard. | So, let’s go work hard one last time, because the end is near, and this is the last time I will tend to my vineyard. |
| Jacob 5:63 | Graft in the branches; begin at the last that they may be first, and that the first may be last, and dig about the trees, both old and young, the first and the last; and the last and the first, that all may be nourished once again for the last time. | Graft the branches. Start with the last ones so they can be first, and the first can be last. Tend to the trees, both old and young, the first and the last, and the last and the first, so they can all be nourished one final time. |
| Jacob 5:64 | Wherefore, dig about them, and prune them, and dung them once more, for the last time, for the end draweth nigh. And if it be so that these last grafts shall grow, and bring forth the natural fruit, then shall ye prepare the way for them, that they may grow. | So, take care of them, trim them, and fertilize them one last time, because the end is near. If these last grafts grow and produce good fruit, then you should prepare the way for them to continue growing. |
| Jacob 5:65 | And as they begin to grow ye shall clear away the branches which bring forth bitter fruit, according to the strength of the good and the size thereof; and ye shall not clear away the bad thereof all at once, lest the roots thereof should be too strong for the graft, and the graft thereof shall perish, and I lose the trees of my vineyard. | As they start to grow, trim away the branches that produce bitter fruit, based on the strength and size of the good ones. Don’t remove all the bad ones at once, or their roots might overpower the graft, causing it to die and me to lose the trees in my vineyard. |
| Jacob 5:66 | For it grieveth me that I should lose the trees of my vineyard; wherefore ye shall clear away the bad according as the good shall grow, that the root and the top may be equal in strength, until the good shall overcome the bad, and the bad be hewn down and cast into the fire, that they cumber not the ground of my vineyard; and thus will I sweep away the bad out of my vineyard. | It makes me sad to lose the trees in my vineyard. So, you need to get rid of the bad parts as the good parts grow, so that the roots and the top of the tree are equally strong. This way, the good will eventually overcome the bad, and then you can cut down and burn the bad parts so they don’t take up space in my vineyard. This is how I’ll clear out all the bad from my vineyard. |
| Jacob 5:67 | And the branches of the natural tree will I graft in again into the natural tree; | I will graft the branches of the natural tree back into the natural tree. |
| Jacob 5:68 | And the branches of the natural tree will I graft into the natural branches of the tree; and thus will I bring them together again, that they shall bring forth the natural fruit, and they shall be one. | I’ll take the branches of the natural tree and graft them into the natural branches of the tree, so they will come together again and produce natural fruit, becoming one. |
| Jacob 5:69 | And the bad shall be cast away, yea, even out of all the land of my vineyard; for behold, only this once will I prune my vineyard. | And the bad will be thrown out of the land in my vineyard; because this is the only time I will prune my vineyard. |
| Jacob 5:70 | And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard sent his servant; and the servant went and did as the Lord had commanded him, and brought other servants; and they were few. | The Lord of the vineyard sent his servant, and the servant did as he was told, bringing a few other servants along. |
| Jacob 5:71 | And the Lord of the vineyard said unto them: Go to, and labor in the vineyard, with your might. For behold, this is the last time that I shall nourish my vineyard; for the end is nigh at hand, and the season speedily cometh; and if ye labor with your might with me ye shall have joy in the fruit which I shall lay up unto myself against the time which will soon come. | The Lord of the vineyard said to them, “Go work hard in the vineyard. This is the last time I will take care of it because the end is near and the season is coming soon. If you work hard with me, you’ll share in the joy of the fruits I will gather for the future.” |
| Jacob 5:72 | And it came to pass that the servants did go and labor with their mights; and the Lord of the vineyard labored also with them; and they did obey the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard in all things. | The workers went out and did their best, and the Lord of the vineyard worked with them. They followed all the instructions given by the Lord of the vineyard. |
| Jacob 5:73 | And there began to be the natural fruit again in the vineyard; and the natural branches began to grow and thrive exceedingly; and the wild branches began to be plucked off and to be cast away; and they did keep the root and the top thereof equal, according to the strength thereof. | The natural fruit started growing again in the vineyard. The natural branches began to grow and flourish really well while the wild branches were removed and tossed away. They made sure that the root and the top were balanced, matching their strength. |
| Jacob 5:74 | And thus they labored, with all diligence, according to the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard, even until the bad had been cast away out of the vineyard, and the Lord had preserved unto himself that the trees had become again the natural fruit; and they became like unto one body; and the fruits were equal; and the Lord of the vineyard had preserved unto himself the natural fruit, which was most precious unto him from the beginning. | So they worked hard, following the Lord’s instructions, until they got rid of the bad stuff from the vineyard. The Lord saved the trees so they could produce the natural fruit again, making them all like one. The fruit became equal, and the Lord kept the natural fruit, which was very precious to Him from the start. |
| Jacob 5:75 | And it came to pass that when the Lord of the vineyard saw that his fruit was good, and that his vineyard was no more corrupt, he called up his servants, and said unto them: Behold, for this last time have we nourished my vineyard; and thou beholdest that I have done according to my will; and I have preserved the natural fruit, that it is good, even like as it was in the beginning. And blessed art thou; for because ye have been diligent in laboring with me in my vineyard, and have kept my commandments, and have brought unto me again the natural fruit, that my vineyard is no more corrupted, and the bad is cast away, behold ye shall have joy with me because of the fruit of my vineyard. | When the Lord of the vineyard saw that the fruit was good and the vineyard was no longer corrupted, He called his servants and said, “Look, for the last time we have nourished my vineyard; you see that I have done according to my will. I have preserved the natural fruit and it is good, just like it was in the beginning. You are blessed because you diligently worked with me in my vineyard, kept my commandments, and brought back the natural fruit. The vineyard is no longer corrupted, and the bad has been cast away. You will have joy with me because of the fruit of my vineyard.” |
| Jacob 5:76 | For behold, for a long time will I lay up of the fruit of my vineyard unto mine own self against the season, which speedily cometh; and for the last time have I nourished my vineyard, and pruned it, and dug about it, and dunged it; wherefore I will lay up unto mine own self of the fruit, for a long time, according to that which I have spoken. | Look, I’ve saved up the fruit from my vineyard for myself for a long time because the harvest season is coming soon. This is the last time I’ve tended to my vineyard—pruning, digging around, and fertilizing it. So, I’ll keep the fruit for myself for a long time, just like I said. |
| Jacob 5:77 | And when the time cometh that evil fruit shall again come into my vineyard, then will I cause the good and the bad to be gathered; and the good will I preserve unto myself, and the bad will I cast away into its own place. And then cometh the season and the end; and my vineyard will I cause to be burned with fire. | When the time comes that bad things happen in my vineyard again, I will gather the good and the bad together. I will keep the good for myself and throw the bad away. Then will come the end, and I will burn my vineyard with fire. |
Jacob 6
| Verse | Original | 7th Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Jacob 6:1 | And now, behold, my brethren, as I said unto you that I would prophesy, behold, this is my prophecy—that the things which this prophet Zenos spake, concerning the house of Israel, in the which he likened them unto a tame olive-tree, must surely come to pass. | And now, my brothers, like I told you before, I’m going to prophesy. This is my prophecy: everything that the prophet Zenos said about the people of Israel, comparing them to a tame olive tree, will definitely happen. |
| Jacob 6:2 | And the day that he shall set his hand again the second time to recover his people, is the day, yea, even the last time, that the servants of the Lord shall go forth in his power, to nourish and prune his vineyard; and after that the end soon cometh. | When God reaches out to gather His people for the second and final time, that’s when the Lord’s servants will go out with His power to care for and refine His work. After that, the end will come soon. |
| Jacob 6:3 | And how blessed are they who have labored diligently in his vineyard; and how cursed are they who shall be cast out into their own place! And the world shall be burned with fire. | Blessed are those who worked hard in His vineyard, and cursed are those who will be cast out. The world will be burned with fire. |
| Jacob 6:4 | And how merciful is our God unto us, for he remembereth the house of Israel, both roots and branches; and he stretches forth his hands unto them all the day long; and they are a stiffnecked and a gainsaying people; but as many as will not harden their hearts shall be saved in the kingdom of God. | How merciful our God is to us! He remembers the house of Israel, both its ancestors and descendants. He reaches out to them constantly, even though they are stubborn and argumentative. But those who don’t harden their hearts will be saved in God’s kingdom. |
| Jacob 6:5 | Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I beseech of you in words of soberness that ye would repent, and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you. And while his arm of mercy is extended towards you in the light of the day, harden not your hearts. | So, my dear brothers and sisters, I earnestly ask you with sincere words to repent and turn to God with all your heart, holding onto Him as He holds onto you. And while His arm of mercy is outstretched towards you in the daylight, don’t harden your hearts. |
| Jacob 6:6 | Yea, today, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts; for why will ye die? | Listen up, if you hear God’s voice today, don’t ignore it; why would you choose to die? |
| Jacob 6:7 | For behold, after ye have been nourished by the good word of God all the day long, will ye bring forth evil fruit, that ye must be hewn down and cast into the fire? | After you have been uplifted by God’s good teachings all day, will you produce bad actions, causing you to be cut down and thrown into the fire? |
| Jacob 6:8 | Behold, will ye reject these words? Will ye reject the words of the prophets; and will ye reject all the words which have been spoken concerning Christ, after so many have spoken concerning him; and deny the good word of Christ, and the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and quench the Holy Spirit, and make a mock of the great plan of redemption, which hath been laid for you? | Look, are you going to reject these words? Will you reject the words of the prophets and everything said about Christ, despite so many people talking about Him? Will you deny the good word of Christ, the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost? Will you suppress the Holy Spirit and make fun of the great plan of redemption that has been set up for you? |
| Jacob 6:9 | Know ye not that if ye will do these things, that the power of the redemption and the resurrection, which is in Christ, will bring you to stand with shame and awful guilt before the bar of God? | Don’t you know that if you do these things, the power of Christ’s redemption and resurrection will make you stand with shame and terrible guilt before God’s judgment? |
| Jacob 6:10 | And according to the power of justice, for justice cannot be denied, ye must go away into that lake of fire and brimstone, whose flames are unquenchable, and whose smoke ascendeth up forever and ever, which lake of fire and brimstone is endless torment. | Because justice is absolute, and it cannot be denied, you will have to go into that lake of fire and brimstone, where the flames never go out and the smoke rises forever, which is an endless torment. |
| Jacob 6:11 | O then, my beloved brethren, repent ye, and enter in at the strait gate, and continue in the way which is narrow, until ye shall obtain eternal life. | So, my dear friends, change your ways and go through the narrow gate. Keep following the narrow path until you achieve eternal life. |
| Jacob 6:12 | O be wise; what can I say more? | Be wise; what else can I say? |
| Jacob 6:13 | Finally, I bid you farewell, until I shall meet you before the pleasing bar of God, which bar striketh the wicked with awful dread and fear. Amen. | I’ll say goodbye now until we meet again at God’s judgment, which fills the wicked with dreadful fear. Amen. |
Jacob 7
| Verse | Original | 7th Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Jacob 7:1 | And now it came to pass after some years had passed away, there came a man among the people of Nephi, whose name was Sherem. | Some years had passed, and a man named Sherem came among the people of Nephi. |
| Jacob 7:2 | And it came to pass that he began to preach among the people, and to declare unto them that there should be no Christ. And he preached many things which were flattering unto the people; and this he did that he might overthrow the doctrine of Christ. | He started preaching to the people, telling them that there wouldn’t be a Christ. He said many things that were flattering to them, aiming to dismantle the teachings of Christ. |
| Jacob 7:3 | And he labored diligently that he might lead away the hearts of the people, insomuch that he did lead away many hearts; and he knowing that I, Jacob, had faith in Christ who should come, he sought much opportunity that he might come unto me. | He worked hard to lead the people’s hearts astray, and he succeeded in leading many of them. Knowing that I, Jacob, had faith in Christ who would come, he looked for many opportunities to approach me. |
| Jacob 7:4 | And he was learned, that he had a perfect knowledge of the language of the people; wherefore, he could use much flattery, and much power of speech, according to the power of the devil. | He was very educated, knowing the language of the people perfectly. Because of this, he could use a lot of flattery and persuasive speech, influenced by the power of the devil. |
| Jacob 7:5 | And he had hope to shake me from the faith, notwithstanding the many revelations and the many things which I had seen concerning these things; for I truly had seen angels, and they had ministered unto me. And also, I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in very word, from time to time; wherefore, I could not be shaken. | He tried to shake my faith, even though I had received many revelations and seen many things. I had seen angels, and they had ministered to me. I had also heard the voice of the Lord speaking to me directly from time to time. Because of this, my faith could not be shaken. |
| Jacob 7:6 | And it came to pass that he came unto me, and on this wise did he speak unto me, saying: Brother Jacob, I have sought much opportunity that I might speak unto you; for I have heard and also know that thou goest about much, preaching that which ye call the gospel, or the doctrine of Christ. | He came to me and said, “Brother Jacob, I’ve been trying to find a chance to talk to you because I’ve heard and know that you spend a lot of time preaching what you call the gospel, or the doctrine of Christ.” |
| Jacob 7:7 | And ye have led away much of this people that they pervert the right way of God, and keep not the law of Moses which is the right way; and convert the law of Moses into the worship of a being which ye say shall come many hundred years hence. And now behold, I, Sherem, declare unto you that this is blasphemy; for no man knoweth of such things; for he cannot tell of things to come. And after this manner did Sherem contend against me. | You have led many of these people astray. They twist the right way of God and don’t keep the law of Moses, which is the true way. Instead, they’ve turned the law of Moses into the worship of a being you claim will come hundreds of years from now. Now look, I, Sherem, say that this is blasphemy; no one knows such things because no one can predict the future. This is how Sherem argued with me. |
| Jacob 7:8 | But behold, the Lord God poured in his Spirit into my soul, insomuch that I did confound him in all his words. | But look, the Lord filled me with His Spirit, so much that I was able to completely confuse him in everything he said. |
| Jacob 7:9 | And I said unto him: Deniest thou the Christ who shall come? And he said: If there should be a Christ, I would not deny him; but I know that there is no Christ, neither has been, nor ever will be. | I asked him, “Do you deny that Christ will come?” He replied, “If Christ does come, I won’t deny Him; but I know there is no Christ and never has been, nor ever will be.” |
| Jacob 7:10 | And I said unto him: Believest thou the scriptures? And he said, Yea. | I asked him, “Do you believe the scriptures?” And he said, “Yes.” |
| Jacob 7:11 | And I said unto him: Then ye do not understand them; for they truly testify of Christ. Behold, I say unto you that none of the prophets have written, nor prophesied, save they have spoken concerning this Christ. | And I said to him: Then you don’t understand them, because they really testify of Christ. Look, I tell you that none of the prophets have written or spoken without talking about this Christ. |
| Jacob 7:12 | And this is not all—it has been made manifest unto me, for I have heard and seen; and it also has been made manifest unto me by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, I know if there should be no atonement made all mankind must be lost. | This isn’t everything—I’ve been shown this because I have seen and heard it myself. The Holy Ghost has also revealed it to me. So, I know that if there were no atonement, all humanity would be lost. |
| Jacob 7:13 | And it came to pass that he said unto me: Show me a sign by this power of the Holy Ghost, in the which ye know so much. | Then he said to me, “Show me a sign with this power of the Holy Ghost that you know so much about.” |
| Jacob 7:14 | And I said unto him: What am I that I should tempt God to show unto thee a sign in the thing which thou knowest to be true? Yet thou wilt deny it, because thou art of the devil. Nevertheless, not my will be done; but if God shall smite thee, let that be a sign unto thee that he has power, both in heaven and in earth; and also, that Christ shall come. And thy will, O Lord, be done, and not mine. | I said to him, “Why should I ask God for a sign to show you something you already know is true? You will still deny it because you’re influenced by the devil. But it’s not about what I want; if God strikes you, let that be proof that He has power in heaven and on earth, and that Christ will come. Let Your will be done, Lord, not mine.” |
| Jacob 7:15 | And it came to pass that when I, Jacob, had spoken these words, the power of the Lord came upon him, insomuch that he fell to the earth. And it came to pass that he was nourished for the space of many days. | After I, Jacob, spoke these words, the power of the Lord came upon him, and he collapsed to the ground. He was taken care of for many days. |
| Jacob 7:16 | And it came to pass that he said unto the people: Gather together on the morrow, for I shall die; wherefore, I desire to speak unto the people before I shall die. | He told the people, “Gather together tomorrow because I am going to die. I want to speak to you all before I go.” |
| Jacob 7:17 | And it came to pass that on the morrow the multitude were gathered together; and he spake plainly unto them and denied the things which he had taught them, and confessed the Christ, and the power of the Holy Ghost, and the ministering of angels. | The next day, the crowd gathered, and he spoke clearly to them. He denied what he had previously taught, but confessed his belief in Christ, the power of the Holy Ghost, and the presence of angels. |
| Jacob 7:18 | And he spake plainly unto them, that he had been deceived by the power of the devil. And he spake of hell, and of eternity, and of eternal punishment. | He spoke clearly to them, saying he had been tricked by the devil’s power. He talked about hell, eternity, and eternal punishment. |
| Jacob 7:19 | And he said: I fear lest I have committed the unpardonable sin, for I have lied unto God; for I denied the Christ, and said that I believed the scriptures; and they truly testify of him. And because I have thus lied unto God I greatly fear lest my case shall be awful; but I confess unto God. | He said, “I’m afraid I might have committed the unforgivable sin because I lied to God. I denied Christ and said I believed in the scriptures, which actually testify about Him. Because of this lie, I’m really scared about my situation, but I’m confessing to God.” |
| Jacob 7:20 | And it came to pass that when he had said these words he could say no more, and he gave up the ghost. | When he finished speaking, he couldn’t say anything more and he passed away. |
| Jacob 7:21 | And when the multitude had witnessed that he spake these things as he was about to give up the ghost, they were astonished exceedingly; insomuch that the power of God came down upon them, and they were overcome that they fell to the earth. | When the crowd saw him speak these things as he was about to die, they were extremely surprised; the power of God came down on them, and they were so overwhelmed that they fell to the ground. |
| Jacob 7:22 | Now, this thing was pleasing unto me, Jacob, for I had requested it of my Father who was in heaven; for he had heard my cry and answered my prayer. | This made me, Jacob, really happy because I had asked my Heavenly Father for it; He heard my cry and answered my prayer. |
| Jacob 7:23 | And it came to pass that peace and the love of God was restored again among the people; and they searched the scriptures, and hearkened no more to the words of this wicked man. | Peace and God’s love were brought back among the people; they read the scriptures and stopped listening to the words of the wicked man. |
| Jacob 7:24 | And it came to pass that many means were devised to reclaim and restore the Lamanites to the knowledge of the truth; but it all was vain, for they delighted in wars and bloodshed, and they had an eternal hatred against us, their brethren. And they sought by the power of their arms to destroy us continually. | We tried many ways to bring the Lamanites back to the truth, but nothing worked. They loved fighting and killing, and they always hated us, their brothers. They kept trying to destroy us with their weapons. |
| Jacob 7:25 | Wherefore, the people of Nephi did fortify against them with their arms, and with all their might, trusting in the God and rock of their salvation; wherefore, they became as yet, conquerors of their enemies. | So, the people of Nephi fortified themselves with their weapons and with all their strength, trusting in God, their rock and salvation. In doing so, they were able to defeat their enemies. |
| Jacob 7:26 | And it came to pass that I, Jacob, began to be old; and the record of this people being kept on the other plates of Nephi, wherefore, I conclude this record, declaring that I have written according to the best of my knowledge, by saying that the time passed away with us, and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream, we being a lonesome and a solemn people, wanderers, cast out from Jerusalem, born in tribulation, in a wilderness, and hated of our brethren, which caused wars and contentions; wherefore, we did mourn out our days. | I’m Jacob, and I’ve gotten old. The other plates of Nephi contain the record of our people, so I’ll finish my record here. I’ve written everything to the best of my ability. Our lives passed by like a dream; we were a lonely and solemn people, wanderers cast out from Jerusalem. Born into tribulation, we lived in the wilderness and were hated by our brethren, leading to wars and conflicts. So, we mourned throughout our days. |
| Jacob 7:27 | And I, Jacob, saw that I must soon go down to my grave; wherefore, I said unto my son Enos: Take these plates. And I told him the things which my brother Nephi had commanded me, and he promised obedience unto the commands. And I make an end of my writing upon these plates, which writing has been small; and to the reader I bid farewell, hoping that many of my brethren may read my words. Brethren, adieu. | I am Jacob, and I know I will soon pass away. So, I said to my son Enos: Take these plates. I told him what my brother Nephi had instructed me, and he promised to follow the commands. I finish my writing on these plates, though it has been brief. To the reader, I say goodbye, hoping that many of my people will read my words. Farewell, my brethren. |
Book of Mormon Simplified 