Mormon 1
| Verse | Original | 7th Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Mormon 1:1 | And now I, Mormon, make a record of the things which I have both seen and heard, and call it the Book of Mormon. | Now I, Mormon, am writing down the things I’ve seen and heard, and I’m calling it the Book of Mormon. |
| Mormon 1:2 | And about the time that Ammaron hid up the records unto the Lord, he came unto me, (I being about ten years of age, and I began to be learned somewhat after the manner of the learning of my people) and Ammaron said unto me: I perceive that thou art a sober child, and art quick to observe; | When Ammaron hid the records, he came to me. I was about ten years old and had started learning in the way of my people. Ammaron said to me, “I see that you are a serious child and quick to notice things.” |
| Mormon 1:3 | Therefore, when ye are about twenty and four years old I would that ye should remember the things that ye have observed concerning this people; and when ye are of that age go to the land Antum, unto a hill which shall be called Shim; and there have I deposited unto the Lord all the sacred engravings concerning this people. | So, when you’re about twenty-four, I want you to remember the things you’ve seen about these people. When you reach that age, go to the land of Antum, to a hill called Shim. There I’ve stored all the sacred records about these people for the Lord. |
| Mormon 1:4 | And behold, ye shall take the plates of Nephi unto yourself, and the remainder shall ye leave in the place where they are; and ye shall engrave on the plates of Nephi all the things that ye have observed concerning this people. | Take Nephi’s plates with you, and leave the rest where they are. Write on Nephi’s plates everything you have seen about this people. |
| Mormon 1:5 | And I, Mormon, being a descendant of Nephi, (and my father—s name was Mormon) I remembered the things which Ammaron commanded me. | I am Mormon, a descendant of Nephi. My father’s name was also Mormon. I remembered what Ammaron told me to do. |
| Mormon 1:6 | And it came to pass that I, being eleven years old, was carried by my father into the land southward, even to the land of Zarahemla. | When I was eleven years old, my father took me to the land southward, to the land of Zarahemla. |
| Mormon 1:7 | The whole face of the land had become covered with buildings, and the people were as numerous almost, as it were the sand of the sea. | The whole land was covered with buildings, and the people were almost as numerous as the sand on the beach. |
| Mormon 1:8 | And it came to pass in this year there began to be a war between the Nephites, who consisted of the Nephites and the Jacobites and the Josephites and the Zoramites; and this war was between the Nephites, and the Lamanites and the Lemuelites and the Ishmaelites. | In this year, a war began between the Nephites—which included the Nephites, Jacobites, Josephites, and Zoramites—and their enemies, the Lamanites, Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites. |
| Mormon 1:9 | Now the Lamanites and the Lemuelites and the Ishmaelites were called Lamanites, and the two parties were Nephites and Lamanites. | The Lamanites, Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites were all referred to as Lamanites, and there were just two groups: the Nephites and the Lamanites. |
| Mormon 1:10 | And it came to pass that the war began to be among them in the borders of Zarahemla, by the waters of Sidon. | The war began at the borders of Zarahemla, near the waters of Sidon. |
| Mormon 1:11 | And it came to pass that the Nephites had gathered together a great number of men, even to exceed the number of thirty thousand. And it came to pass that they did have in this same year a number of battles, in which the Nephites did beat the Lamanites and did slay many of them. | The Nephites gathered over thirty thousand men. That year, they had several battles where they defeated the Lamanites and killed many of them. |
| Mormon 1:12 | And it came to pass that the Lamanites withdrew their design, and there was peace settled in the land; and peace did remain for the space of about four years, that there was no bloodshed. | The Lamanites decided to stop their plans, and there was peace in the land. This peace lasted for about four years, and there was no bloodshed during that time. |
| Mormon 1:13 | But wickedness did prevail upon the face of the whole land, insomuch that the Lord did take away his beloved disciples, and the work of miracles and of healing did cease because of the iniquity of the people. | Wickedness spread throughout the whole land, so the Lord took away his beloved disciples, and the miracles and healing stopped because of the people’s sins. |
| Mormon 1:14 | And there were no gifts from the Lord, and the Holy Ghost did not come upon any, because of their wickedness and unbelief. | There were no gifts from the Lord, and the Holy Ghost didn’t come to anyone because of their wickedness and disbelief. |
| Mormon 1:15 | And I, being fifteen years of age and being somewhat of a sober mind, therefore I was visited of the Lord, and tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus. | I was fifteen years old and pretty serious-minded, so the Lord came to me, and I experienced and understood the goodness of Jesus. |
| Mormon 1:16 | And I did endeavor to preach unto this people, but my mouth was shut, and I was forbidden that I should preach unto them; for behold they had wilfully rebelled against their God; and the beloved disciples were taken away out of the land, because of their iniquity. | I tried to preach to the people, but I couldn’t speak and was forbidden from doing so. They had willfully rebelled against God, and the beloved disciples were taken away from the land because of their wickedness. |
| Mormon 1:17 | But I did remain among them, but I was forbidden to preach unto them, because of the hardness of their hearts; and because of the hardness of their hearts the land was cursed for their sake. | I stayed among them, but I wasn’t allowed to preach to them because their hearts were so hard. Because of their hard hearts, the land became cursed because of them. |
| Mormon 1:18 | And these Gadianton robbers, who were among the Lamanites, did infest the land, insomuch that the inhabitants thereof began to hide up their treasures in the earth; and they became slippery, because the Lord had cursed the land, that they could not hold them, nor retain them again. | These Gadianton robbers among the Lamanites spread so much trouble that the people started hiding their treasures in the ground. But the treasures became slippery and they couldn’t keep or find them again because the Lord had cursed the land. |
| Mormon 1:19 | And it came to pass that there were sorceries, and witchcrafts, and magics; and the power of the evil one was wrought upon all the face of the land, even unto the fulfilling of all the words of Abinadi, and also Samuel the Lamanite. | There were sorceries, witchcrafts, and magic happening everywhere, and the power of the devil was at work all over the land, fulfilling all the prophecies of Abinadi and Samuel the Lamanite. |
Mormon 2
| Verse | Original | 7th Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Mormon 2:1 | And it came to pass in that same year there began to be a war again between the Nephites and the Lamanites. And notwithstanding I being young, was large in stature; therefore the people of Nephi appointed me that I should be their leader, or the leader of their armies. | In that same year, a war started again between the Nephites and the Lamanites. Even though I was young, I was large and strong, so the people of Nephi chose me to be their leader, or the leader of their armies. |
| Mormon 2:2 | Therefore it came to pass that in my sixteenth year I did go forth at the head of an army of the Nephites, against the Lamanites; therefore three hundred and twenty and six years had passed away. | When I was sixteen, I led the Nephite army against the Lamanites; by then, 326 years had passed. |
| Mormon 2:3 | And it came to pass that in the three hundred and twenty and seventh year the Lamanites did come upon us with exceedingly great power, insomuch that they did frighten my armies; therefore they would not fight, and they began to retreat towards the north countries. | In the year 327, the Lamanites attacked us with such great force that my armies were scared. They didn’t want to fight and started retreating towards the northern lands. |
| Mormon 2:4 | And it came to pass that we did come to the city of Angola, and we did take possession of the city, and make preparations to defend ourselves against the Lamanites. And it came to pass that we did fortify the city with our might; but notwithstanding all our fortifications the Lamanites did come upon us and did drive us out of the city. | We reached the city of Angola and took control of it, preparing to defend ourselves against the Lamanites. We fortified the city as best as we could, but despite our efforts, the Lamanites came and drove us out of the city. |
| Mormon 2:5 | And they did also drive us forth out of the land of David. | They also kicked us out of the land of David. |
| Mormon 2:6 | And we marched forth and came to the land of Joshua, which was in the borders west by the seashore. | We marched on and arrived at the land of Joshua, which was near the sea on the western border. |
| Mormon 2:7 | And it came to pass that we did gather in our people as fast as it were possible, that we might get them together in one body. | So we brought our people together as quickly as we could so that we could unite them. |
| Mormon 2:8 | But behold, the land was filled with robbers and with Lamanites; and notwithstanding the great destruction which hung over my people, they did not repent of their evil doings; therefore there was blood and carnage spread throughout all the face of the land, both on the part of the Nephites and also on the part of the Lamanites; and it was one complete revolution throughout all the face of the land. | But look, the land was overrun with robbers and Lamanites. Despite the looming destruction over my people, they didn’t turn away from their wicked actions. So, there was blood and chaos all over the land, both among the Nephites and the Lamanites. It was total chaos everywhere. |
| Mormon 2:9 | And now, the Lamanites had a king, and his name was Aaron; and he came against us with an army of forty and four thousand. And behold, I withstood him with forty and two thousand. And it came to pass that I beat him with my army that he fled before me. And behold, all this was done, and three hundred and thirty years had passed away. | The Lamanites had a king named Aaron who came at us with an army of 44,000. I faced him with an army of 42,000 and managed to defeat him, causing him to flee. This all happened 330 years ago. |
| Mormon 2:10 | And it came to pass that the Nephites began to repent of their iniquity, and began to cry even as had been prophesied by Samuel the prophet; for behold no man could keep that which was his own, for the thieves, and the robbers, and the murderers, and the magic art, and the witchcraft which was in the land. | The Nephites started to feel sorry for their sins and began to cry out just like Samuel the prophet had said they would. Nobody could keep their own things because of the thieves, robbers, murderers, and witchcraft happening in the land. |
| Mormon 2:11 | Thus there began to be a mourning and a lamentation in all the land because of these things, and more especially among the people of Nephi. | So, there was mourning and lamenting all over the land because of these events, especially among the Nephites. |
| Mormon 2:12 | And it came to pass that when I, Mormon, saw their lamentation and their mourning and their sorrow before the Lord, my heart did begin to rejoice within me, knowing the mercies and the long-suffering of the Lord, therefore supposing that he would be merciful unto them that they would again become a righteous people. | When I, Mormon, saw them crying, grieving, and feeling sorrow before the Lord, my heart started to feel happy inside. I knew about the Lord’s kindness and patience, so I thought He would show mercy to them and that they would become a righteous people again. |
| Mormon 2:13 | But behold this my joy was vain, for their sorrowing was not unto repentance, because of the goodness of God; but it was rather the sorrowing of the damned, because the Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness in sin. | But my happiness was pointless, because their sorrow wasn’t about repenting due to God’s goodness; it was more like the sorrow of the damned, because the Lord wouldn’t let them find happiness in sin. |
| Mormon 2:14 | And they did not come unto Jesus with broken hearts and contrite spirits, but they did curse God, and wish to die. Nevertheless they would struggle with the sword for their lives. | They didn’t come to Jesus with humble hearts, but instead they cursed God and wished to die. Still, they fought with swords to stay alive. |
| Mormon 2:15 | And it came to pass that my sorrow did return unto me again, and I saw that the day of grace was passed with them, both temporally and spiritually; for I saw thousands of them hewn down in open rebellion against their God, and heaped up as dung upon the face of the land. And thus three hundred and forty and four years had passed away. | My sorrow returned to me again when I realized their chance for grace had ended, both in this life and spiritually. I saw thousands of them cut down in open rebellion against God, their bodies piled up like refuse on the land. And so, 344 years had passed. |
| Mormon 2:16 | And it came to pass that in the three hundred and forty and fifth year the Nephites did begin to flee before the Lamanites; and they were pursued until they came even to the land of Jashon, before it was possible to stop them in their retreat. | In the 345th year, the Nephites started fleeing from the Lamanites. They were chased all the way to the land of Jashon and couldn’t stop their retreat until they got there. |
| Mormon 2:17 | And now, the city of Jashon was near the land where Ammaron had deposited the records unto the Lord, that they might not be destroyed. And behold I had gone according to the word of Ammaron, and taken the plates of Nephi, and did make a record according to the words of Ammaron. | Now, the city of Jashon was close to where Ammaron had stored the records for safekeeping. I went there as Ammaron instructed and took the plates of Nephi, and I made a record just as Ammaron had told me. |
| Mormon 2:18 | And upon the plates of Nephi I did make a full account of all the wickedness and abominations; but upon these plates I did forbear to make a full account of their wickedness and abominations, for behold, a continual scene of wickedness and abominations has been before mine eyes ever since I have been sufficient to behold the ways of man. | I wrote a full account of all the wicked actions and abhorrent things on the plates of Nephi. But on these plates, I held back from giving a full account because I have witnessed constant wickedness and abominations ever since I was old enough to understand the ways of man. |
| Mormon 2:19 | And wo is me because of their wickedness; for my heart has been filled with sorrow because of their wickedness, all my days; nevertheless, I know that I shall be lifted up at the last day. | Woe is me because of their wickedness; my heart has been filled with sorrow over their actions all my life. Still, I know I will be lifted up in the end. |
| Mormon 2:20 | And it came to pass that in this year the people of Nephi again were hunted and driven. And it came to pass that we were driven forth until we had come northward to the land which was called Shem. | This year, the Nephites were hunted and driven away again. We were pushed northward to a land called Shem. |
| Mormon 2:21 | And it came to pass that we did fortify the city of Shem, and we did gather in our people as much as it were possible, that perhaps we might save them from destruction. | We fortified the city of Shem and gathered our people as much as possible, hoping to save them from destruction. |
| Mormon 2:22 | And it came to pass in the three hundred and forty and sixth year they began to come upon us again. | In the three hundred and forty-sixth year, they started attacking us again. |
| Mormon 2:23 | And it came to pass that I did speak unto my people, and did urge them with great energy, that they would stand boldly before the Lamanites and fight for their wives, and their children, and their houses, and their homes. | I spoke to my people and urged them passionately to stand bravely against the Lamanites and fight for their wives, children, and homes. |
| Mormon 2:24 | And my words did arouse them somewhat to vigor, insomuch that they did not flee from before the Lamanites, but did stand with boldness against them. | My words inspired them to be more courageous, so they didn’t run away from the Lamanites but instead stood up to them boldly. |
| Mormon 2:25 | And it came to pass that we did contend with an army of thirty thousand against an army of fifty thousand. And it came to pass that we did stand before them with such firmness that they did flee from before us. | We fought with an army of 30,000 against an army of 50,000. We stood so firm that they ended up running away from us. |
| Mormon 2:26 | And it came to pass that when they had fled we did pursue them with our armies, and did meet them again, and did beat them; nevertheless the strength of the Lord was not with us; yea, we were left to ourselves, that the Spirit of the Lord did not abide in us; therefore we had become weak like unto our brethren. | When they fled, we chased them with our armies and met them again, beating them. But the Lord’s strength wasn’t with us; we were left on our own, and the Spirit of the Lord wasn’t with us. So, we became weak like our enemies. |
| Mormon 2:27 | And my heart did sorrow because of this the great calamity of my people, because of their wickedness and their abominations. But behold, we did go forth against the Lamanites and the robbers of Gadianton, until we had again taken possession of the lands of our inheritance. | My heart was heavy because of the great disaster that befell my people, due to their wickedness and evil deeds. But we went out to fight against the Lamanites and the Gadianton robbers until we had reclaimed our lands. |
| Mormon 2:28 | And the three hundred and forty and ninth year had passed away. And in the three hundred and fiftieth year we made a treaty with the Lamanites and the robbers of Gadianton, in which we did get the lands of our inheritance divided. | The year three hundred forty-nine passed. In the year three hundred fifty, we made a treaty with the Lamanites and the Gadianton robbers, and we divided the lands of our inheritance. |
| Mormon 2:29 | And the Lamanites did give unto us the land northward, yea, even to the narrow passage which led into the land southward. And we did give unto the Lamanites all the land southward. | The Lamanites gave us the land to the north, all the way to the narrow passage that leads to the land in the south. In return, we gave the Lamanites all the land to the south. |
Mormon 3
| Verse | Original | 7th Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Mormon 3:1 | And it came to pass that the Lamanites did not come to battle again until ten years more had passed away. And behold, I had employed my people, the Nephites, in preparing their lands and their arms against the time of battle. | The Lamanites didn’t come to fight again until ten more years had passed. During that time, I had my people, the Nephites, prepare their lands and weapons for the next battle. |
| Mormon 3:2 | And it came to pass that the Lord did say unto me: Cry unto this people—Repent ye, and come unto me, and be ye baptized, and build up again my church, and ye shall be spared. | The Lord spoke to me: Tell the people to repent, come to me, get baptized, rebuild my church, and you will be saved. |
| Mormon 3:3 | And I did cry unto this people, but it was in vain; and they did not realize that it was the Lord that had spared them, and granted unto them a chance for repentance. And behold they did harden their hearts against the Lord their God. | I cried out to these people, but it was useless; they didn’t realize it was the Lord who spared them and gave them a chance to repent. Instead, they hardened their hearts against the Lord their God. |
| Mormon 3:4 | And it came to pass that after this tenth year had passed away, making, in the whole, three hundred and sixty years from the coming of Christ, the king of the Lamanites sent an epistle unto me, which gave unto me to know that they were preparing to come again to battle against us. | After this tenth year ended, which made it three hundred and sixty years since Christ’s coming, the king of the Lamanites sent me a letter telling me they were getting ready to come battle us again. |
| Mormon 3:5 | And it came to pass that I did cause my people that they should gather themselves together at the land Desolation, to a city which was in the borders, by the narrow pass which led into the land southward. | I had my people gather at the land called Desolation, near a city on the border by the narrow pass that led to the southern lands. |
| Mormon 3:6 | And there we did place our armies, that we might stop the armies of the Lamanites, that they might not get possession of any of our lands; therefore we did fortify against them with all our force. | We positioned our armies to block the Lamanites from taking any of our lands; so, we fortified against them with all our strength. |
| Mormon 3:7 | And it came to pass that in the three hundred and sixty and first year the Lamanites did come down to the city of Desolation to battle against us; and it came to pass that in that year we did beat them, insomuch that they did return to their own lands again. | In the three hundred and sixty-first year, the Lamanites came to the city of Desolation to fight us. But, that year, we defeated them, and they went back to their own land. |
| Mormon 3:8 | And in the three hundred and sixty and second year they did come down again to battle. And we did beat them again, and did slay a great number of them, and their dead were cast into the sea. | In the 362nd year, they attacked us again. We defeated them once more and killed many of them, and their bodies were thrown into the sea. |
| Mormon 3:9 | And now, because of this great thing which my people, the Nephites, had done, they began to boast in their own strength, and began to swear before the heavens that they would avenge themselves of the blood of their brethren who had been slain by their enemies. | Now, because of the great thing the Nephites had done, they started bragging about their own strength and swore that they would get revenge for the blood of their brothers who had been killed by their enemies. |
| Mormon 3:10 | And they did swear by the heavens, and also by the throne of God, that they would go up to battle against their enemies, and would cut them off from the face of the land. | They swore by the heavens and the throne of God that they would go to battle against their enemies and destroy them from the land. |
| Mormon 3:11 | And it came to pass that I, Mormon, did utterly refuse from this time forth to be a commander and a leader of this people, because of their wickedness and abomination. | I, Mormon, decided from this point on to refuse being a leader and commander of this people because of their wickedness and abominations. |
| Mormon 3:12 | Behold, I had led them, notwithstanding their wickedness I had led them many times to battle, and had loved them, according to the love of God which was in me, with all my heart; and my soul had been poured out in prayer unto my God all the day long for them; nevertheless, it was without faith, because of the hardness of their hearts. | Even though they were wicked, I led them into battle many times. I loved them with all my heart, with a love that came from God. I prayed for them all day long. But they were faithless because their hearts were hard. |
| Mormon 3:13 | And thrice have I delivered them out of the hands of their enemies, and they have repented not of their sins. | Three times I saved them from their enemies, and they still haven’t repented of their sins. |
| Mormon 3:14 | And when they had sworn by all that had been forbidden them by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that they would go up unto their enemies to battle, and avenge themselves of the blood of their brethren, behold the voice of the Lord came unto me saying: | After they swore by all that Jesus Christ had forbidden, saying they would go fight their enemies and avenge their brothers’ deaths, the voice of the Lord came to me saying: |
| Mormon 3:15 | Vengeance is mine, and I will repay; and because this people repented not after I had delivered them, behold, they shall be cut off from the face of the earth. | Vengeance is mine, and I will repay; and because these people didn’t repent after I delivered them, they will be removed from the face of the earth. |
| Mormon 3:16 | And it came to pass that I utterly refused to go up against mine enemies; and I did even as the Lord had commanded me; and I did stand as an idle witness to manifest unto the world the things which I saw and heard, according to the manifestations of the Spirit which had testified of things to come. | I completely refused to fight my enemies; I did just as the Lord told me. I stood by and watched to show the world the things I saw and heard, according to the Spirit’s revelations about the future. |
| Mormon 3:17 | Therefore I write unto you, Gentiles, and also unto you, house of Israel, when the work shall commence, that ye shall be about to prepare to return to the land of your inheritance; | So, I’m writing to you, Gentiles, and also to you, house of Israel, for when the work begins, so you can get ready to return to your inherited land. |
| Mormon 3:18 | Yea, behold, I write unto all the ends of the earth; yea, unto you, twelve tribes of Israel, who shall be judged according to your works by the twelve whom Jesus chose to be his disciples in the land of Jerusalem. | I am writing to everyone, to all the ends of the earth. I’m writing to you, twelve tribes of Israel, who will be judged based on your actions by the twelve disciples that Jesus chose in Jerusalem. |
| Mormon 3:19 | And I write also unto the remnant of this people, who shall also be judged by the twelve whom Jesus chose in this land; and they shall be judged by the other twelve whom Jesus chose in the land of Jerusalem. | I am also writing to the remaining people here, who will be judged by the twelve Jesus chose in this land; and they will be judged by the other twelve Jesus chose in Jerusalem. |
| Mormon 3:20 | And these things doth the Spirit manifest unto me; therefore I write unto you all. And for this cause I write unto you, that ye may know that ye must all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ, yea, every soul who belongs to the whole human family of Adam; and ye must stand to be judged of your works, whether they be good or evil; | The Spirit shows me these things, so I write to all of you. I write so you may know that everyone will stand before the judgment seat of Christ—every person in the human family of Adam—to be judged for their actions, whether good or bad. |
| Mormon 3:21 | And also that ye may believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, which ye shall have among you; and also that the Jews, the covenant people of the Lord, shall have other witness besides him whom they saw and heard, that Jesus, whom they slew, was the very Christ and the very God. | I want you to believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ, which you will have with you. Also, the Jews, God’s chosen people, will have another witness besides Jesus, whom they saw and heard, that Jesus, whom they killed, was truly the Christ and truly God. |
| Mormon 3:22 | And I would that I could persuade all ye ends of the earth to repent and prepare to stand before the judgment-seat of Christ. | I wish I could convince everyone around the world to repent and get ready to stand before Christ’s judgment seat. |
Mormon 4
| Verse | Original | 7th Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Mormon 4:1 | And now it came to pass that in the three hundred and sixty and third year the Nephites did go up with their armies to battle against the Lamanites, out of the land Desolation. | So, in the year three hundred sixty-three, the Nephites took their armies and went to fight the Lamanites, leaving the land of Desolation. |
| Mormon 4:2 | And it came to pass that the armies of the Nephites were driven back again to the land of Desolation. And while they were yet weary, a fresh army of the Lamanites did come upon them; and they had a sore battle, insomuch that the Lamanites did take possession of the city Desolation, and did slay many of the Nephites, and did take many prisoners. | The Nephite armies were pushed back to the land of Desolation. While they were still exhausted, a fresh Lamanite army attacked them. The battle was fierce, and the Lamanites took control of the city of Desolation, killing many Nephites and taking many prisoners. |
| Mormon 4:3 | And the remainder did flee and join the inhabitants of the city Teancum. Now the city Teancum lay in the borders by the seashore; and it was also near the city Desolation. | The rest ran away and joined the people living in Teancum. Now, Teancum was on the border by the seashore, and it was also close to the city Desolation. |
| Mormon 4:4 | And it was because the armies of the Nephites went up unto the Lamanites that they began to be smitten; for were it not for that, the Lamanites could have had no power over them. | The Nephite armies went up to fight the Lamanites and started losing. If they hadn’t gone up, the Lamanites wouldn’t have had any power over them. |
| Mormon 4:5 | But, behold, the judgments of God will overtake the wicked; and it is by the wicked that the wicked are punished; for it is the wicked that stir up the hearts of the children of men unto bloodshed. | But look, God’s judgments will catch up to the wicked. The wicked end up punishing each other, because it’s the wicked who incite people to violence. |
| Mormon 4:6 | And it came to pass that the Lamanites did make preparations to come against the city Teancum. | The Lamanites started getting ready to attack the city of Teancum. |
| Mormon 4:7 | And it came to pass in the three hundred and sixty and fourth year the Lamanites did come against the city Teancum, that they might take possession of the city Teancum also. | In the year 364, the Lamanites came to attack the city of Teancum so they could take control of it too. |
| Mormon 4:8 | And it came to pass that they were repulsed and driven back by the Nephites. And when the Nephites saw that they had driven the Lamanites they did again boast of their own strength; and they went forth in their own might, and took possession again of the city Desolation. | The Nephites managed to push back the Lamanites. Seeing that they had succeeded, they boasted about their own strength. Confident, they went forward and retook the city of Desolation. |
| Mormon 4:9 | And now all these things had been done, and there had been thousands slain on both sides, both the Nephites and the Lamanites. | Now all these things had happened, and there had been thousands killed on both sides, both the Nephites and the Lamanites. |
| Mormon 4:10 | And it came to pass that the three hundred and sixty and sixth year had passed away, and the Lamanites came again upon the Nephites to battle; and yet the Nephites repented not of the evil they had done, but persisted in their wickedness continually. | The year 366 had passed, and the Lamanites attacked the Nephites again. The Nephites still didn’t repent for their wrongdoings, but kept on being wicked. |
| Mormon 4:11 | And it is impossible for the tongue to describe, or for man to write a perfect description of the horrible scene of the blood and carnage which was among the people, both of the Nephites and of the Lamanites; and every heart was hardened, so that they delighted in the shedding of blood continually. | It’s impossible to fully describe or write about the terrible bloodshed and carnage among the Nephites and Lamanites. Everyone’s hearts were so hardened that they took pleasure in shedding blood all the time. |
| Mormon 4:12 | And there never had been so great wickedness among all the children of Lehi, nor even among all the house of Israel, according to the words of the Lord, as was among this people. | There had never been such great wickedness among all the descendants of Lehi, or even among all the house of Israel, as there was among this people, according to the words of the Lord. |
| Mormon 4:13 | And it came to pass that the Lamanites did take possession of the city Desolation, and this because their number did exceed the number of the Nephites. | The Lamanites took over the city called Desolation because their numbers were greater than the Nephites’. |
| Mormon 4:14 | And they did also march forward against the city Teancum, and did drive the inhabitants forth out of her, and did take many prisoners both women and children, and did offer them up as sacrifices unto their idol gods. | They also advanced towards the city of Teancum, drove out the inhabitants, captured many women and children, and offered them as sacrifices to their idol gods. |
| Mormon 4:15 | And it came to pass that in the three hundred and sixty and seventh year, the Nephites being angry because the Lamanites had sacrificed their women and their children, that they did go against the Lamanites with exceedingly great anger, insomuch that they did beat again the Lamanites, and drive them out of their lands. | In the year 367, the Nephites were furious because the Lamanites had sacrificed their women and children. In their rage, they attacked the Lamanites, defeated them again, and drove them out of their lands. |
| Mormon 4:16 | And the Lamanites did not come again against the Nephites until the three hundred and seventy and fifth year. | The Lamanites didn’t attack the Nephites again until the year 375. |
| Mormon 4:17 | And in this year they did come down against the Nephites with all their powers; and they were not numbered because of the greatness of their number. | This year, they attacked the Nephites with everything they had. There were so many of them that they couldn’t even be counted. |
| Mormon 4:18 | And from this time forth did the Nephites gain no power over the Lamanites, but began to be swept off by them even as a dew before the sun. | From this point on, the Nephites couldn’t overpower the Lamanites. They started being defeated by them as quickly as dew vanishes before the sun. |
| Mormon 4:19 | And it came to pass that the Lamanites did come down against the city Desolation; and there was an exceedingly sore battle fought in the land Desolation, in the which they did beat the Nephites. | The Lamanites came down to attack the city Desolation, and there was a terrible battle fought in the land Desolation, in which they defeated the Nephites. |
| Mormon 4:20 | And they fled again from before them, and they came to the city Boaz; and there they did stand against the Lamanites with exceeding boldness, insomuch that the Lamanites did not beat them until they had come again the second time. | They ran away again and went to the city Boaz. There, they stood up to the Lamanites with a lot of courage, so much that the Lamanites didn’t defeat them until they came back a second time. |
| Mormon 4:21 | And when they had come the second time, the Nephites were driven and slaughtered with an exceedingly great slaughter; their women and their children were again sacrificed unto idols. | When they came back the second time, the Nephites were driven back and killed in huge numbers, and their women and children were once again sacrificed to idols. |
| Mormon 4:22 | And it came to pass that the Nephites did again flee from before them, taking all the inhabitants with them, both in towns and villages. | The Nephites had to run away again, bringing everyone from the towns and villages with them. |
| Mormon 4:23 | And now I, Mormon, seeing that the Lamanites were about to overthrow the land, therefore I did go to the hill Shim, and did take up all the records which Ammaron had hid up unto the Lord. | Seeing that the Lamanites were about to take over the land, I, Mormon, went to the hill Shim and retrieved all the records that Ammaron had hidden there for the Lord. |
Mormon 5
| Verse | Original | 7th Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Mormon 5:1 | And it came to pass that I did go forth among the Nephites, and did repent of the oath which I had made that I would no more assist them; and they gave me command again of their armies, for they looked upon me as though I could deliver them from their afflictions. | I went to the Nephites and took back the oath I made to no longer help them. They gave me command of their armies again because they believed I could save them from their troubles. |
| Mormon 5:2 | But behold, I was without hope, for I knew the judgments of the Lord which should come upon them; for they repented not of their iniquities, but did struggle for their lives without calling upon that Being who created them. | But I had no hope because I knew the Lord’s judgments would come upon them; they didn’t repent of their sins, but fought for their lives without praying to the one who created them. |
| Mormon 5:3 | And it came to pass that the Lamanites did come against us as we had fled to the city of Jordan; but behold, they were driven back that they did not take the city at that time. | The Lamanites came after us as we fled to the city of Jordan, but they were driven back and didn’t take the city at that time. |
| Mormon 5:4 | And it came to pass that they came against us again, and we did maintain the city. And there were also other cities which were maintained by Nephites, which strongholds did cut them off that they could not get into the country which lay before us, to destroy the inhabitants of our land. | They attacked us again, but we held onto the city. There were other cities defended by the Nephites, and those strongholds blocked the enemy from advancing into our land to destroy our people. |
| Mormon 5:5 | And it came to pass that whatsoever lands we had passed by, and the inhabitants thereof were not gathered in, were destroyed by the Lamanites, and their towns, and villages, and cities were burned with fire; and thus three hundred and seventy and nine years passed away. | Any lands we passed by where the people weren’t gathered in were destroyed by the Lamanites. Their towns, villages, and cities were burned with fire. And so, 379 years went by. |
| Mormon 5:6 | And it came to pass that in the three hundred and eightieth year the Lamanites did come again against us to battle, and we did stand against them boldly; but it was all in vain, for so great were their numbers that they did tread the people of the Nephites under their feet. | In the 380th year, the Lamanites came to battle us again. We stood against them bravely, but it was pointless, because their numbers were so large that they trampled the Nephites. |
| Mormon 5:7 | And it came to pass that we did again take to flight, and those whose flight was swifter than the Lamanites— did escape, and those whose flight did not exceed the Lamanites— were swept down and destroyed. | So, we ran away again. Those who could run faster than the Lamanites got away, but those who couldn’t were caught and killed. |
| Mormon 5:8 | And now behold, I, Mormon, do not desire to harrow up the souls of men in casting before them such an awful scene of blood and carnage as was laid before mine eyes; but I, knowing that these things must surely be made known, and that all things which are hid must be revealed upon the house-tops— | I am Mormon, and I don’t want to upset people by describing the terrible scene of blood and carnage I witnessed. But I know these things have to be made known, and that all hidden things will eventually be revealed. |
| Mormon 5:9 | And also that a knowledge of these things must come unto the remnant of these people, and also unto the Gentiles, who the Lord hath said should scatter this people, and this people should be counted as naught among them—therefore I write a small abridgment, daring not to give a full account of the things which I have seen, because of the commandment which I have received, and also that ye might not have too great sorrow because of the wickedness of this people. | I also need to share this knowledge with the remaining people and the Gentiles, who the Lord said would scatter these people and disregard them. So, I’m writing a short summary, not a full account of what I’ve seen, because of the commandment I received, and so you won’t be too sorrowful because of this people’s wickedness. |
| Mormon 5:10 | And now behold, this I speak unto their seed, and also to the Gentiles who have care for the house of Israel, that realize and know from whence their blessings come. | Now listen, I’m speaking to their descendants, and also to the non-Israelites who care about the family of Israel, those who understand and recognize where their blessings come from. |
| Mormon 5:11 | For I know that such will sorrow for the calamity of the house of Israel; yea, they will sorrow for the destruction of this people; they will sorrow that this people had not repented that they might have been clasped in the arms of Jesus. | I know that they will feel sorrow for the troubles of the house of Israel. They will grieve for this people’s destruction and regret that the people didn’t repent so they could have embraced Jesus. |
| Mormon 5:12 | Now these things are written unto the remnant of the house of Jacob; and they are written after this manner, because it is known of God that wickedness will not bring them forth unto them; and they are to be hid up unto the Lord that they may come forth in his own due time. | This message is written to the remaining descendants of Jacob’s house. God knows that evil won’t bring it to them, so it is being kept hidden until the right time when the Lord will reveal it. |
| Mormon 5:13 | And this is the commandment which I have received; and behold, they shall come forth according to the commandment of the Lord, when he shall see fit, in his wisdom. | This is the commandment I have received: When the Lord sees fit, these things will come to pass according to His wisdom. |
| Mormon 5:14 | And behold, they shall go unto the unbelieving of the Jews; and for this intent shall they go—that they may be persuaded that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God; that the Father may bring about, through his most Beloved, his great and eternal purpose, in restoring the Jews, or all the house of Israel, to the land of their inheritance, which the Lord their God hath given them, unto the fulfilling of his covenant; | They will go to the non-believing Jews to persuade them that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. The Father aims to restore the Jews, or all of Israel, to their promised land through his Beloved Son, fulfilling his covenant. |
| Mormon 5:15 | And also that the seed of this people may more fully believe his gospel, which shall go forth unto them from the Gentiles; for this people shall be scattered, and shall become a dark, a filthy, and a loathsome people, beyond the description of that which ever hath been amongst us, yea, even that which hath been among the Lamanites, and this because of their unbelief and idolatry. | And also, so that these people may better believe his gospel, which will be given to them by the Gentiles; because these people will be scattered and will become a dark, filthy, and undesirable people, worse than anything we’ve seen, even worse than the Lamanites, and this is because of their unbelief and idolatry. |
| Mormon 5:16 | For behold, the Spirit of the Lord hath already ceased to strive with their fathers; and they are without Christ and God in the world; and they are driven about as chaff before the wind. | The Spirit of the Lord has already stopped trying with their fathers; and they are without Christ and God in the world; and they are blown around like chaff in the wind. |
| Mormon 5:17 | They were once a delightsome people, and they had Christ for their shepherd; yea, they were led even by God the Father. | They used to be a happy and blessed people, and they had Christ as their guide; yes, they were led by God the Father. |
| Mormon 5:18 | But now, behold, they are led about by Satan, even as chaff is driven before the wind, or as a vessel is tossed about upon the waves, without sail or anchor, or without anything wherewith to steer her; and even as she is, so are they. | But now, look, they are being led by Satan, just like chaff is blown by the wind, or like a ship is tossed around on the waves without a sail or anchor and no way to steer. Just like that ship, so are they. |
| Mormon 5:19 | And behold, the Lord hath reserved their blessings, which they might have received in the land, for the Gentiles who shall possess the land. | And look, the Lord has saved the blessings that could’ve been theirs for the Gentiles who will live in the land. |
| Mormon 5:20 | But behold, it shall come to pass that they shall be driven and scattered by the Gentiles; and after they have been driven and scattered by the Gentiles, behold, then will the Lord remember the covenant which he made unto Abraham and unto all the house of Israel. | But look, they will be driven and scattered by the Gentiles. After that happens, the Lord will remember the covenant He made with Abraham and all of Israel. |
| Mormon 5:21 | And also the Lord will remember the prayers of the righteous, which have been put up unto him for them. | The Lord will remember the prayers of good people who have prayed for them. |
| Mormon 5:22 | And then, O ye Gentiles, how can ye stand before the power of God, except ye shall repent and turn from your evil ways? | And then, O you Gentiles, how can you face the power of God unless you repent and turn away from your evil ways? |
| Mormon 5:23 | Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God? Know ye not that he hath all power, and at his great command the earth shall be rolled together as a scroll? | Don’t you know that you’re in God’s hands? Don’t you realize he has all power, and at his command, the earth can be rolled up like a scroll? |
| Mormon 5:24 | Therefore, repent ye, and humble yourselves before him, lest he shall come out in justice against you—lest a remnant of the seed of Jacob shall go forth among you as a lion, and tear you in pieces, and there is none to deliver. | So, repent and humble yourselves before him, or he will come against you with justice—like a lion from the descendants of Jacob, tearing you apart with no one to save you. |
Mormon 6
| Verse | Original | 7th Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Mormon 6:1 | And now I finish my record concerning the destruction of my people, the Nephites. And it came to pass that we did march forth before the Lamanites. | I’m wrapping up my account of the destruction of my people, the Nephites. We marched out to face the Lamanites. |
| Mormon 6:2 | And I, Mormon, wrote an epistle unto the king of the Lamanites, and desired of him that he would grant unto us that we might gather together our people unto the land of Cumorah, by a hill which was called Cumorah, and there we could give them battle. | I am Mormon. I wrote a letter to the king of the Lamanites, asking him to let us gather our people at the land of Cumorah, near a hill called Cumorah, so we could fight them there. |
| Mormon 6:3 | And it came to pass that the king of the Lamanites did grant unto me the thing which I desired. | The king of the Lamanites gave me what I asked for. |
| Mormon 6:4 | And it came to pass that we did march forth to the land of Cumorah, and we did pitch our tents around about the hill Cumorah; and it was in a land of many waters, rivers, and fountains; and here we had hope to gain advantage over the Lamanites. | We marched to the land of Cumorah and set up our tents around the hill Cumorah. This land had lots of waters, rivers, and springs. Here, we hoped to gain an advantage over the Lamanites. |
| Mormon 6:5 | And when three hundred and eighty and four years had passed away, we had gathered in all the remainder of our people unto the land of Cumorah. | After 384 years had passed, we gathered all our remaining people in the land of Cumorah. |
| Mormon 6:6 | And it came to pass that when we had gathered in all our people in one to the land of Cumorah, behold I, Mormon, began to be old; and knowing it to be the last struggle of my people, and having been commanded of the Lord that I should not suffer the records which had been handed down by our fathers, which were sacred, to fall into the hands of the Lamanites, (for the Lamanites would destroy them) therefore I made this record out of the plates of Nephi, and hid up in the hill Cumorah all the records which had been entrusted to me by the hand of the Lord, save it were these few plates which I gave unto my son Moroni. | When we had gathered all our people in the land of Cumorah, I, Mormon, realized I was getting old. Knowing this would be the final battle for my people, and following the Lord’s command to keep the sacred records out of Lamanite hands (since they would destroy them), I made this record from the plates of Nephi. I hid all the records in the hill Cumorah except for these few plates that I gave to my son Moroni. |
| Mormon 6:7 | And it came to pass that my people, with their wives and their children, did now behold the armies of the Lamanites marching towards them; and with that awful fear of death which fills the breasts of all the wicked, did they await to receive them. | My people, along with their wives and kids, saw the Lamanite armies coming towards them. They felt that terrible fear of death that wicked people feel as they waited for the enemy to arrive. |
| Mormon 6:8 | And it came to pass that they came to battle against us, and every soul was filled with terror because of the greatness of their numbers. | They came to fight us, and everyone was terrified because there were so many of them. |
| Mormon 6:9 | And it came to pass that they did fall upon my people with the sword, and with the bow, and with the arrow, and with the ax, and with all manner of weapons of war. | They attacked my people with swords, bows, arrows, axes, and all sorts of weapons. |
| Mormon 6:10 | And it came to pass that my men were hewn down, yea, even my ten thousand who were with me, and I fell wounded in the midst; and they passed by me that they did not put an end to my life. | My men were cut down, all ten thousand of them who were with me, and I fell wounded amidst the battle; they passed by without killing me. |
| Mormon 6:11 | And when they had gone through and hewn down all my people save it were twenty and four of us, (among whom was my son Moroni) and we having survived the dead of our people, did behold on the morrow, when the Lamanites had returned unto their camps, from the top of the hill Cumorah, the ten thousand of my people who were hewn down, being led in the front by me. | After the Lamanites killed all of my people except for 24 of us—including my son Moroni—and we survived the massacre, we looked out from the top of the hill Cumorah the next day. We saw the ten thousand of my people who were killed, with me leading them in the front. |
| Mormon 6:12 | And we also beheld the ten thousand of my people who were led by my son Moroni. | We also saw the ten thousand of my people who were led by my son Moroni. |
| Mormon 6:13 | And behold, the ten thousand of Gidgiddonah had fallen, and he also in the midst. | And look, the ten thousand people led by Gidgiddonah had fallen, and he was among them. |
| Mormon 6:14 | And Lamah had fallen with his ten thousand; and Gilgal had fallen with his ten thousand; and Limhah had fallen with his ten thousand; and Jeneum had fallen with his ten thousand; and Cumenihah, and Moronihah, and Antionum, and Shiblom, and Shem, and Josh, had fallen with their ten thousand each. | Lamah and his ten thousand had fallen; Gilgal and his ten thousand had fallen; Limhah and his ten thousand had fallen; Jeneum and his ten thousand had fallen; and Cumenihah, Moronihah, Antionum, Shiblom, Shem, and Josh had each fallen with their ten thousand. |
| Mormon 6:15 | And it came to pass that there were ten more who did fall by the sword, with their ten thousand each; yea, even all my people, save it were those twenty and four who were with me, and also a few who had escaped into the south countries, and a few who had deserted over unto the Lamanites, had fallen; and their flesh, and bones, and blood lay upon the face of the earth, being left by the hands of those who slew them to molder upon the land, and to crumble and to return to their mother earth. | Ten more groups of ten thousand each were killed by the sword. All my people, except the twenty-four who were with me and a few who escaped to the south or joined the Lamanites, were dead. Their bodies, bones, and blood were left on the ground to decay and return to the earth. |
| Mormon 6:16 | And my soul was rent with anguish, because of the slain of my people, and I cried: | My heart was broken because of the loss of my people, and I cried out. |
| Mormon 6:17 | O ye fair ones, how could ye have departed from the ways of the Lord! O ye fair ones, how could ye have rejected that Jesus, who stood with open arms to receive you! | Oh, how could you have strayed from the ways of the Lord! How could you have turned away from Jesus, who was ready to welcome you with open arms? |
| Mormon 6:18 | Behold, if ye had not done this, ye would not have fallen. But behold, ye are fallen, and I mourn your loss. | Look, if you hadn’t done this, you wouldn’t have fallen. But here you are, fallen, and I feel sad for your loss. |
| Mormon 6:19 | O ye fair sons and daughters, ye fathers and mothers, ye husbands and wives, ye fair ones, how is it that ye could have fallen! | Oh you lovely sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, how could you have fallen! |
| Mormon 6:20 | But behold, ye are gone, and my sorrows cannot bring your return. | But see, you are gone, and my sadness can’t bring you back. |
| Mormon 6:21 | And the day soon cometh that your mortal must put on immortality, and these bodies which are now moldering in corruption must soon become incorruptible bodies; and then ye must stand before the judgment-seat of Christ to be judged according to your works and if it so be that ye are righteous, then are ye blessed with your fathers who have gone before you. | The day is coming soon when your mortal body will become immortal. These bodies that are now decaying will soon be made perfect. Then you will have to stand before Christ’s judgment seat to be judged based on your actions. If you are righteous, you will be blessed, just like your ancestors who were righteous before you. |
| Mormon 6:22 | O that ye had repented before this great destruction had come upon you. But behold, ye are gone, and the Father, yea, the Eternal Father of heaven, knoweth your state; and he doeth with you according to his justice and mercy. | I wish you had repented before this great destruction happened. But now, you’re gone, and God, the Eternal Father, knows your situation; He will act according to His justice and mercy. |
Mormon 7
| Verse | Original | 7th Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Mormon 7:1 | And now, behold, I would speak somewhat unto the remnant of this people who are spared, if it so be that God may give unto them my words, that they may know of the things of their fathers; yea, I speak unto you, ye remnant of the house of Israel; and these are the words which I speak: | Now, listen, I want to talk to the remaining people who are still here, hoping that God lets them hear my words, so they can learn about their ancestors. Yes, I’m talking to you, the remaining people of the house of Israel, and these are my words to you: |
| Mormon 7:2 | Know ye that ye are of the house of Israel. | Know that you are part of the house of Israel. |
| Mormon 7:3 | Know ye that ye must come unto repentance, or ye cannot be saved. | You need to repent or you cannot be saved. |
| Mormon 7:4 | Know ye that ye must lay down your weapons of war, and delight no more in the shedding of blood, and take them not again, save it be that God shall command you. | You need to put down your weapons of war and stop enjoying the shedding of blood. Only pick them up again if God commands you to. |
| Mormon 7:5 | Know ye that ye must come to the knowledge of your fathers, and repent of all your sins and iniquities, and believe in Jesus Christ, that he is the Son of God, and that he was slain by the Jews, and by the power of the Father he hath risen again, whereby he hath gained the victory over the grave; and also in him is the sting of death swallowed up. | You need to learn about your ancestors, repent of all your sins and wrongdoings, and believe in Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God, and he was killed by the Jews. By the power of God the Father, he has risen again, overcoming the grave and defeating death. |
| Mormon 7:6 | And he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead, whereby man must be raised to stand before his judgment-seat. | He makes the resurrection happen, so everyone will have to stand before His judgment seat. |
| Mormon 7:7 | And he hath brought to pass the redemption of the world, whereby he that is found guiltless before him at the judgment day hath it given unto him to dwell in the presence of God in his kingdom, to sing ceaseless praises with the choirs above, unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto the Holy Ghost, which are one God, in a state of happiness which hath no end. | He has made the redemption of the world possible. Those who are found innocent on judgment day will be allowed to live in God’s kingdom, singing endless praises with the heavenly choirs to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, who are one God, in a state of never-ending happiness. |
| Mormon 7:8 | Therefore repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus, and lay hold upon the gospel of Christ, which shall be set before you, not only in this record but also in the record which shall come unto the Gentiles from the Jews, which record shall come from the Gentiles unto you. | So, repent and get baptized in Jesus’ name. Embrace the gospel of Christ that will be presented to you, not only in this record but also in another one that will come to the Gentiles from the Jews, and then from the Gentiles to you. |
| Mormon 7:9 | For behold, this is written for the intent that ye may believe that; and if ye believe that ye will believe this also; and if ye believe this ye will know concerning your fathers, and also the marvelous works which were wrought by the power of God among them. | This is written so you can believe it. If you believe it, you will also believe this. And if you believe this, you will understand about your ancestors and the amazing things God did for them. |
| Mormon 7:10 | And ye will also know that ye are a remnant of the seed of Jacob; therefore ye are numbered among the people of the first covenant; and if it so be that ye believe in Christ, and are baptized, first with water, then with fire and with the Holy Ghost, following the example of our Savior, according to that which he hath commanded us, it shall be well with you in the day of judgment. Amen. | You will also know that you are descendants of Jacob and part of God’s first covenant people. If you believe in Christ and get baptized—first with water, then with fire and the Holy Ghost—following the example of our Savior as He commanded us, everything will be fine for you on judgment day. Amen. |
Mormon 8
| Verse | Original | 7th Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Mormon 8:1 | Behold I, Moroni, do finish the record of my father, Mormon. Behold, I have but few things to write, which things I have been commanded by my father. | I’m Moroni, and I’m finishing the record my father, Mormon, started. I don’t have much to write, just a few things my father asked me to. |
| Mormon 8:2 | And now it came to pass that after the great and tremendous battle at Cumorah, behold, the Nephites who had escaped into the country southward were hunted by the Lamanites, until they were all destroyed. | After the huge and terrible battle at Cumorah, the Nephites who managed to escape to the south were hunted down by the Lamanites until they were all killed. |
| Mormon 8:3 | And my father also was killed by them, and I even remain alone to write the sad tale of the destruction of my people. But behold, they are gone, and I fulfil the commandment of my father. And whether they will slay me, I know not. | My father was also killed by them. Now I am left alone to write the sorrowful story of my people’s destruction. But now they are gone, and I am fulfilling my father’s command. I don’t know if they will kill me too. |
| Mormon 8:4 | Therefore I will write and hide up the records in the earth; and whither I go it mattereth not. | So I’m going to write down the records and hide them in the ground; it doesn’t matter where I go. |
| Mormon 8:5 | Behold, my father hath made this record, and he hath written the intent thereof. And behold, I would write it also if I had room upon the plates, but I have not; and ore I have none, for I am alone. My father hath been slain in battle, and all my kinsfolk, and I have not friends nor whither to go; and how long the Lord will suffer that I may live I know not. | Look, my dad made this record and wrote down its purpose. I’d write it too if I had space on the plates, but I don’t. I also don’t have any ore because I’m all alone. My dad was killed in battle, along with all my relatives, and I have no friends and nowhere to go. I don’t know how long the Lord will let me live. |
| Mormon 8:6 | Behold, four hundred years have passed away since the coming of our Lord and Savior. | Look, it’s been four hundred years since our Lord and Savior came. |
| Mormon 8:7 | And behold, the Lamanites have hunted my people, the Nephites, down from city to city and from place to place, even until they are no more; and great has been their fall; yea, great and marvelous is the destruction of my people, the Nephites. | The Lamanites have chased my people, the Nephites, from city to city and place to place until we’re no more; the fall of my people, the Nephites, has been great and devastating. |
| Mormon 8:8 | And behold, it is the hand of the Lord which hath done it. And behold also, the Lamanites are at war one with another; and the whole face of this land is one continual round of murder and bloodshed; and no one knoweth the end of the war. | Look, it’s the Lord’s doing. And also, the Lamanites are fighting among themselves; the entire land is caught up in murder and bloodshed, and no one knows when the war will end. |
| Mormon 8:9 | And now, behold, I say no more concerning them, for there are none save it be the Lamanites and robbers that do exist upon the face of the land. | And now, I have nothing more to say about them, because only the Lamanites and robbers are left on the land. |
| Mormon 8:10 | And there are none that do know the true God save it be the disciples of Jesus, who did tarry in the land until the wickedness of the people was so great that the Lord would not suffer them to remain with the people; and whether they be upon the face of the land no man knoweth. | No one knows the true God except the disciples of Jesus who stayed in the land until the people’s wickedness got so bad that the Lord wouldn’t let them stay any longer. No one knows where they are now. |
| Mormon 8:11 | But behold, my father and I have seen them, and they have ministered unto us. | But look, my dad and I have seen them, and they have helped us. |
| Mormon 8:12 | And whoso receiveth this record, and shall not condemn it because of the imperfections which are in it, the same shall know of greater things than these. Behold, I am Moroni; and were it possible, I would make all things known unto you. | If you accept this record and don’t judge it for its imperfections, you will come to know even greater things. I am Moroni, and if it were possible, I would tell you everything. |
| Mormon 8:13 | Behold, I make an end of speaking concerning this people. I am the son of Mormon, and my father was a descendant of Nephi. | I’m done talking about these people. I’m the son of Mormon, and my father was a descendant of Nephi. |
| Mormon 8:14 | And I am the same who hideth up this record unto the Lord; the plates thereof are of no worth, because of the commandment of the Lord. For he truly saith that no one shall have them to get gain; but the record thereof is of great worth; and whoso shall bring it to light, him will the Lord bless. | I am the one who hid this record for the Lord. The plates themselves have no value because of the Lord’s command. He said that no one should have them to make money, but the record itself is very valuable. The Lord will bless anyone who brings it to light. |
| Mormon 8:15 | For none can have power to bring it to light save it be given him of God; for God wills that it shall be done with an eye single to his glory, or the welfare of the ancient and long dispersed covenant people of the Lord. | No one has the power to reveal it unless God grants it to them; because God desires it to be done with a focus on His glory, or for the benefit of His ancient people who have been scattered for a long time. |
| Mormon 8:16 | And blessed be he that shall bring this thing to light; for it shall be brought out of darkness unto light, according to the word of God; yea, it shall be brought out of the earth, and it shall shine forth out of darkness, and come unto the knowledge of the people; and it shall be done by the power of God. | Blessed is the person who brings this to light; it will come out of darkness into light, as God has said. Yes, it will come out of the earth, shine out of darkness, and be known to the people, all done by God’s power. |
| Mormon 8:17 | And if there be faults they be the faults of a man. But behold, we know no fault; nevertheless God knoweth all things; therefore, he that condemneth, let him be aware lest he shall be in danger of hell fire. | If there are mistakes, they are human mistakes. But we don’t see any mistakes; still, God knows everything. So, anyone who judges should be careful or they risk going to hell. |
| Mormon 8:18 | And he that saith: Show unto me, or ye shall be smitten—let him beware lest he commandeth that which is forbidden of the Lord. | And whoever says, “Show me or you’ll be punished”—they should be careful not to demand something the Lord has forbidden. |
| Mormon 8:19 | For behold, the same that judgeth rashly shall be judged rashly again; for according to his works shall his wages be; therefore, he that smiteth shall be smitten again, of the Lord. | The one who judges others harshly will also be judged harshly; you get what you deserve based on what you do. So, if you hurt others, you will be hurt in return by the Lord. |
| Mormon 8:20 | Behold what the scripture says—man shall not smite, neither shall he judge; for judgment is mine, saith the Lord, and vengeance is mine also, and I will repay. | Look, the scripture says: people shouldn’t hit each other or judge others, because judgment is God’s job, and so is taking revenge. He will take care of it. |
| Mormon 8:21 | And he that shall breathe out wrath and strifes against the work of the Lord, and against the covenant people of the Lord who are the house of Israel, and shall say: We will destroy the work of the Lord, and the Lord will not remember his covenant which he hath made unto the house of Israel—the same is in danger to be hewn down and cast into the fire; | Anyone who speaks out in anger and causes conflict against the Lord’s work and His covenant people, the house of Israel, and says they will destroy the Lord’s work and that the Lord will forget His covenant with Israel, is at risk of being cut down and thrown into the fire. |
| Mormon 8:22 | For the eternal purposes of the Lord shall roll on, until all his promises shall be fulfilled. | The Lord’s eternal purposes will keep moving forward until all His promises are fulfilled. |
| Mormon 8:23 | Search the prophecies of Isaiah. Behold, I cannot write them. Yea, behold I say unto you, that those saints who have gone before me, who have possessed this land, shall cry, yea, even from the dust will they cry unto the Lord; and as the Lord liveth he will remember the covenant which he hath made with them. | Look at the prophecies of Isaiah. I can’t write them down. Those saints who lived here before me will cry out to the Lord, even from the dust, and the Lord, as he lives, will remember the covenant he made with them. |
| Mormon 8:24 | And he knoweth their prayers, that they were in behalf of their brethren. And he knoweth their faith, for in his name could they remove mountains; and in his name could they cause the earth to shake; and by the power of his word did they cause prisons to tumble to the earth; yea, even the fiery furnace could not harm them, neither wild beasts nor poisonous serpents, because of the power of his word. | He knows their prayers for their brothers and their faith, which is so strong that in His name they could move mountains, cause the earth to shake, make prisons collapse, and even walk unharmed through fire or among wild beasts and poisonous snakes because of the power of His word. |
| Mormon 8:25 | And behold, their prayers were also in behalf of him that the Lord should suffer to bring these things forth. | And look, they also prayed for him whom the Lord allowed to bring forth these things. |
| Mormon 8:26 | And no one need say they shall not come, for they surely shall, for the Lord hath spoken it; for out of the earth shall they come, by the hand of the Lord, and none can stay it; and it shall come in a day when it shall be said that miracles are done away; and it shall come even as if one should speak from the dead. | No one should say these things won’t happen, because they surely will, as the Lord has said. They will come from the earth by the Lord’s hand, and no one can stop it. This will happen at a time when people say that miracles are no longer happening; it will be as if someone is speaking from the dead. |
| Mormon 8:27 | And it shall come in a day when the blood of saints shall cry unto the Lord, because of secret combinations and the works of darkness. | There will come a time when the blood of saints will cry out to the Lord because of secret plots and evil deeds. |
| Mormon 8:28 | Yea, it shall come in a day when the power of God shall be denied, and churches become defiled and be lifted up in the pride of their hearts; yea, even in a day when leaders of churches and teachers shall rise in the pride of their hearts, even to the envying of them who belong to their churches. | Yes, this will happen when God’s power is denied, and churches become corrupt and full of pride. It will be a time when church leaders and teachers are so full of pride that they become jealous of their own members. |
| Mormon 8:29 | Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be heard of fires, and tempests, and vapors of smoke in foreign lands; | It will happen at a time when we hear about fires, storms, and smoke in distant places. |
| Mormon 8:30 | And there shall also be heard of wars, rumors of wars, and earthquakes in divers places. | There will be news of wars, talks about potential wars, and earthquakes in various places. |
| Mormon 8:31 | Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be great pollutions upon the face of the earth; there shall be murders, and robbing, and lying, and deceivings, and whoredoms, and all manner of abominations; when there shall be many who will say, Do this, or do that, and it mattereth not, for the Lord will uphold such at the last day. But wo unto such for they are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity. | Yes, it will happen at a time when there is a lot of pollution on the earth; there will be murders, robberies, lying, deceiving, sexual immoralities, and all sorts of wicked behaviors. During this time, many people will say, “Do this or that; it doesn’t matter, because the Lord will ultimately support us.” But woe to them, for they are full of bitterness and trapped in sin. |
| Mormon 8:32 | Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be churches built up that shall say: Come unto me, and for your money you shall be forgiven of your sins. | There will come a time when churches will be established that say: “Come to me, and for your money, you will be forgiven of your sins.” |
| Mormon 8:33 | O ye wicked and perverse and stiffnecked people, why have ye built up churches unto yourselves to get gain? Why have ye transfigured the holy word of God, that ye might bring damnation upon your souls? Behold, look ye unto the revelations of God; for behold, the time cometh at that day when all these things must be fulfilled. | You evil, stubborn people, why have you made churches just to make money? Why have you changed God’s holy word, bringing damnation upon yourselves? Look to God’s revelations, for the time will come when all these things will be fulfilled. |
| Mormon 8:34 | Behold, the Lord hath shown unto me great and marvelous things concerning that which must shortly come, at that day when these things shall come forth among you. | Look, the Lord has shown me amazing things about what will happen soon, when these things become known to you. |
| Mormon 8:35 | Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing. | Listen, I’m talking to you as if you were here with me, even though you’re not. But Jesus Christ has shown you to me, and I know what you’re doing. |
| Mormon 8:36 | And I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities; and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts. | I can see that you’re full of pride; only a few of you aren’t caught up in it. You’re all about wearing fancy clothes, being envious, fighting, hating, persecuting, and doing all kinds of wrong things. Even your churches have become corrupt because of your pride. |
| Mormon 8:37 | For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted. | You love money, your possessions, your fancy clothes, and the decorations of your churches more than you love the poor, the needy, the sick, and the suffering. |
| Mormon 8:38 | O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God? Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies—because of the praise of the world? | You hypocrites, you corrupt teachers who sell yourselves for things that will ruin you, why have you corrupted the holy church of God? Why are you ashamed to follow Christ? Why don’t you realize that endless happiness is worth more than the never-ending misery that comes from seeking the praise of the world? |
| Mormon 8:39 | Why do ye adorn yourselves with that which hath no life, and yet suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the naked, and the sick and the afflicted to pass by you, and notice them not? | Why do you dress yourself up with lifeless things, yet ignore the hungry, the needy, the naked, the sick, and the afflicted when they pass by? |
| Mormon 8:40 | Yea, why do ye build up your secret abominations to get gain, and cause that widows should mourn before the Lord, and also orphans to mourn before the Lord, and also the blood of their fathers and their husbands to cry unto the Lord from the ground, for vengeance upon your heads? | Why do you engage in secret evil practices to make money, causing widows and orphans to cry out to the Lord in sorrow? The blood of their loved ones cries out to the Lord from the ground for vengeance on you. |
| Mormon 8:41 | Behold, the sword of vengeance hangeth over you; and the time soon cometh that he avengeth the blood of the saints upon you, for he will not suffer their cries any longer. | Look, the sword of vengeance is hanging over you; the time is coming soon when he will avenge the blood of the saints on you, for he won’t ignore their cries any longer. |
Mormon 9
| Verse | Original | 7th Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Mormon 9:1 | And now, I speak also concerning those who do not believe in Christ. | Now, I want to talk about those who don’t believe in Christ. |
| Mormon 9:2 | Behold, will ye believe in the day of your visitation—behold, when the Lord shall come, yea, even that great day when the earth shall be rolled together as a scroll, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, yea, in that great day when ye shall be brought to stand before the Lamb of God—then will ye say that there is no God? | Will you believe when it’s your turn to be visited—when the Lord comes on that great day, when the earth will be rolled up like a scroll and everything will melt with intense heat? On that awesome day, when you stand before the Lamb of God, will you still say there is no God? |
| Mormon 9:3 | Then will ye longer deny the Christ, or can ye behold the Lamb of God? Do ye suppose that ye shall dwell with him under a consciousness of your guilt? Do ye suppose that ye could be happy to dwell with that holy Being, when your souls are racked with a consciousness of guilt that ye have ever abused his laws? | Will you still deny Christ, or can you see the Lamb of God? Do you think you can live with Him while feeling guilty about your sins? Do you believe you could be happy living with that holy Being when your soul is tormented by the guilt of breaking His laws? |
| Mormon 9:4 | Behold, I say unto you that ye would be more miserable to dwell with a holy and just God, under a consciousness of your filthiness before him, than ye would to dwell with the damned souls in hell. | Listen, I’m telling you that being in the presence of a holy and just God, fully aware of your own filthiness, would make you more miserable than being in hell with the damned souls. |
| Mormon 9:5 | For behold, when ye shall be brought to see your nakedness before God, and also the glory of God, and the holiness of Jesus Christ, it will kindle a flame of unquenchable fire upon you. | When you come to see your weaknesses before God, and also the glory of God and the holiness of Jesus Christ, it will ignite a flame of unquenchable fire within you. |
| Mormon 9:6 | O then ye unbelieving, turn ye unto the Lord; cry mightily unto the Father in the name of Jesus, that perhaps ye may be found spotless, pure, fair, and white, having been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, at that great and last day. | Oh, you who don’t believe, turn to the Lord and pray earnestly to the Father in the name of Jesus. Maybe then you can be found clean, pure, and righteous, having been made spotless by the blood of Christ, on that final day. |
| Mormon 9:7 | And again I speak unto you who deny the revelations of God, and say that they are done away, that there are no revelations, nor prophecies, nor gifts, nor healing, nor speaking with tongues, and the interpretation of tongues; | Now, I’m talking to those who deny God’s revelations and claim that they don’t happen anymore—no revelations, no prophecies, no gifts, no healings, no speaking in tongues, and no interpretation of tongues. |
| Mormon 9:8 | Behold I say unto you, he that denieth these things knoweth not the gospel of Christ; yea, he has not read the scriptures; if so, he does not understand them. | Listen, if anyone denies these things, they don’t really know the gospel of Christ. It means they haven’t read the scriptures, or if they have, they don’t understand them. |
| Mormon 9:9 | For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing? | Don’t we read that God is always the same—yesterday, today, and forever, and there’s no change or inconsistency in Him? |
| Mormon 9:10 | And now if ye have imagined up unto yourselves a god who doth vary, and in whom there is shadow of changing, then have ye imagined up unto yourselves a god who is not God of miracles. | If you’ve imagined a god who changes or isn’t constant, then you’ve imagined a god who isn’t the God of miracles. |
| Mormon 9:11 | But behold, I will show unto you a God of miracles, even the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and it is that same God who created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. | But look, I’m going to show you a God of miracles—the same God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; the same God who created the heavens, the earth, and everything in them. |
| Mormon 9:12 | Behold he created Adam, and by Adam came the fall of man. And because of the fall of man came Jesus Christ, even the Father and the Son; and because of Jesus Christ came the redemption of man. | God created Adam. Because of Adam, mankind experienced the Fall. Due to the Fall of mankind, Jesus Christ, who is both the Father and the Son, came. Because of Jesus Christ, humans can be redeemed. |
| Mormon 9:13 | And because of the redemption of man, which came by Jesus Christ, they are brought back into the presence of the Lord; yea, this is wherein all men are redeemed, because the death of Christ bringeth to pass the resurrection, which bringeth to pass a redemption from an endless sleep, from which sleep all men shall be awakened by the power of God when the trump shall sound; and they shall come forth, both small and great, and all shall stand before his bar, being redeemed and loosed from this eternal band of death, which death is a temporal death. | Because of Jesus Christ’s redemption, everyone is brought back into God’s presence. Through Christ’s resurrection, everyone is saved from eternal death. When God’s trumpet sounds, everyone will wake up, both young and old, and stand before Him, freed from this eternal death, which is only temporary. |
| Mormon 9:14 | And then cometh the judgment of the Holy One upon them; and then cometh the time that he that is filthy shall be filthy still; and he that is righteous shall be righteous still; he that is happy shall be happy still; and he that is unhappy shall be unhappy still. | Then comes the judgment of the Holy One upon them. At that time, those who are filthy will remain filthy, those who are righteous will remain righteous, those who are happy will remain happy, and those who are unhappy will remain unhappy. |
| Mormon 9:15 | And now, O all ye that have imagined up unto yourselves a god who can do no miracles, I would ask of you, have all these things passed, of which I have spoken? Has the end come yet? Behold I say unto you, Nay; and God has not ceased to be a God of miracles. | Now, to all of you who think you’ve imagined a god who can’t perform miracles, I ask you: have all the things I’ve talked about already happened? Has the end come yet? No, it hasn’t; and God is still a God of miracles. |
| Mormon 9:16 | Behold, are not the things that God hath wrought marvelous in our eyes? Yea, and who can comprehend the marvelous works of God? | Look, aren’t the things God has done amazing to us? Yes, and who can truly understand the incredible works of God? |
| Mormon 9:17 | Who shall say that it was not a miracle that by his word the heaven and the earth should be; and by the power of his word man was created of the dust of the earth; and by the power of his word have miracles been wrought? | Who can deny that it was a miracle that God created the heavens and the earth with His word, and made man from the dust of the earth by His power, and that miracles have happened because of His word? |
| Mormon 9:18 | And who shall say that Jesus Christ did not many mighty miracles? And there were many mighty miracles wrought by the hands of the apostles. | Who can say that Jesus Christ didn’t perform many powerful miracles? The apostles also performed many miracles. |
| Mormon 9:19 | And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles. | If there were miracles back then, why would God stop doing miracles now if He never changes? Listen, He doesn’t change; if He did, He wouldn’t be God anymore. But He never stops being God and is always a God of miracles. |
| Mormon 9:20 | And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust. | The reason he stops performing miracles among people is that they lose faith, stray from the right path, and don’t know the God they should trust. |
| Mormon 9:21 | Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth. | Listen, I’m telling you, anyone who believes in Christ without any doubts and asks the Father for something in Christ’s name will be given what they ask for. This promise applies to everyone, no matter where they are in the world. |
| Mormon 9:22 | For behold, thus said Jesus Christ, the Son of God, unto his disciples who should tarry, yea, and also to all his disciples, in the hearing of the multitude: Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature; | Jesus Christ, the Son of God, said to his disciples who would remain, and to all his disciples in front of the crowd: Go into all the world and share the gospel with everyone. |
| Mormon 9:23 | And he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned; | Whoever believes and gets baptized will be saved, but whoever doesn’t believe will be condemned. |
| Mormon 9:24 | And these signs shall follow them that believe—in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover; | These signs will follow those who believe: they will cast out demons in my name, speak in new languages, handle snakes safely, be unharmed if they drink poison, and heal the sick by laying hands on them. |
| Mormon 9:25 | And whosoever shall believe in my name, doubting nothing, unto him will I confirm all my words, even unto the ends of the earth. | Whoever believes in my name without doubting, I will confirm all my words to them, no matter where they are in the world. |
| Mormon 9:26 | And now, behold, who can stand against the works of the Lord? Who can deny his sayings? Who will rise up against the almighty power of the Lord? Who will despise the works of the Lord? Who will despise the children of Christ? Behold, all ye who are despisers of the works of the Lord, for ye shall wonder and perish. | Who can oppose the Lord’s works? Who can ignore His words? Who will challenge the almighty power of the Lord? Who will reject God’s works? Who will reject the followers of Christ? Listen up, all you who oppose the works of the Lord, for you will wonder and perish. |
| Mormon 9:27 | O then despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him. | So don’t look down on this or be skeptical. Listen to the Lord’s words and ask the Father in Jesus’ name for anything you need. Don’t doubt, but believe. Just like people did long ago, come to the Lord with all your heart and work on your own salvation with reverence and respect before Him. |
| Mormon 9:28 | Be wise in the days of your probation; strip yourselves of all uncleanness; ask not, that ye may consume it on your lusts, but ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no temptation, but that ye will serve the true and living God. | Be smart during your time on earth; get rid of all bad habits; don’t ask for things to satisfy your desires, but ask with unshakeable resolve to avoid temptation and serve the true and living God. |
| Mormon 9:29 | See that ye are not baptized unworthily; see that ye partake not of the sacrament of Christ unworthily; but see that ye do all things in worthiness, and do it in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God; and if ye do this, and endure to the end, ye will in nowise be cast out. | Make sure you don’t get baptized or take the sacrament of Christ if you’re not ready. Always do everything in a worthy way, and do it in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. If you do this and stay faithful until the end, you will never be cast out. |
| Mormon 9:30 | Behold, I speak unto you as though I spake from the dead; for I know that ye shall have my words. | Listen, it’s like I’m talking to you from beyond the grave because I know you’ll be reading my words. |
| Mormon 9:31 | Condemn me not because of mine imperfection, neither my father, because of his imperfection, neither them who have written before him; but rather give thanks unto God that he hath made manifest unto you our imperfections, that ye may learn to be more wise than we have been. | Don’t judge me for my imperfections, or my dad for his, or the people who wrote before him. Instead, be grateful to God for showing you our flaws so that you can become wiser than we were. |
| Mormon 9:32 | And now, behold, we have written this record according to our knowledge, in the characters which are called among us the reformed Egyptian, being handed down and altered by us, according to our manner of speech. | Now look, we’ve written this record based on what we know, in the characters we call reformed Egyptian, which we’ve passed down and changed over time to match how we speak. |
| Mormon 9:33 | And if our plates had been sufficiently large we should have written in Hebrew; but the Hebrew hath been altered by us also; and if we could have written in Hebrew, behold, ye would have had no imperfection in our record. | If our plates had been big enough, we would have written in Hebrew, but we’ve also changed the Hebrew language. If we could have written in Hebrew, you wouldn’t have found any mistakes in our record. |
| Mormon 9:34 | But the Lord knoweth the things which we have written, and also that none other people knoweth our language; and because that none other people knoweth our language, therefore he hath prepared means for the interpretation thereof. | The Lord knows what we have written, and no other people know our language. Because of that, He has prepared a way for it to be interpreted. |
| Mormon 9:35 | And these things are written that we may rid our garments of the blood of our brethren, who have dwindled in unbelief. | These things are written so we can clear ourselves of the guilt for our friends and family who have lost their faith. |
| Mormon 9:36 | And behold, these things which we have desired concerning our brethren, yea, even their restoration to the knowledge of Christ, are according to the prayers of all the saints who have dwelt in the land. | Look, what we’ve wanted for our brothers, specifically them coming back to know Christ, has been the prayer of all the saints who have lived in this land. |
| Mormon 9:37 | And may the Lord Jesus Christ grant that their prayers may be answered according to their faith; and may God the Father remember the covenant which he hath made with the house of Israel; and may he bless them forever, through faith on the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. | May the Lord Jesus Christ answer their prayers based on their faith; and may God the Father remember His covenant with the house of Israel and bless them always through faith in Jesus Christ. Amen. |
Book of Mormon Simplified 