Site:SS lessons/BOM lesson 36

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This page allows you to see all the commentary pages together for this Book of Mormon Gospel Doctrine lesson. Click on the heading to go to a specific page. Click the edit links below to edit text on any pages.


Third Nephi

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi

Subpages: Chapter 1a  •  1b-5a  •  5b  •  6-7  •  8-10
Subpages: Chapter 11  •  12-15a  •  15b-16  •  17-18  •  19-20a  •  20b-23a  •  23b-26  •  27-28  •  29-30

                                                                 Next page: Chapter 1a


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.

Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Book of Mormon. The relationship of Third Nephi to the Book of Mormon as a whole is discussed at Book of Mormon: Unities.

Story. The book of Third Nephi relates two sets of stories:

  • Third Nephi 1-10: The destruction of Nephite society.
  • Third Nephi 11-30: Christ's ministry to the Nephites.

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Third Nephi include:

Historical setting[edit]

This heading should be brief and explain facts about the historical setting that will help a reader to understand the book. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Calendar systems.

Third Nephi begins in the 92nd year of the reign of the judges over the Nephites ("92 J") (1:1). The year 92 J corresponds to 1 AD, but Third Nephi does not switch to the AD counting system until the year 100 J, or 9 AD (2:6-8). On this wiki page, however, all dates after Christ's birth are converted to the AD counting system in order to avoid confusion.

This page does not address the relationship between the Nephite calendar and Old World calendars in the mideast, but that topic is discussed at Historical Overview of the Nephites.

Chapters 1-10.

Third Nephi 1-10 covers a period of 33 years from the sign of Christ's birth in 1 AD (1:13-15; 2:7-8) to the sign of his death on the third to fifth days of 34 AD (8:5; 10:9). Following the sign of Christ's birth, the Nephites enjoyed relative peace for about three years (

Chapters 11-30.

The events related in Third Nephi 11-30 mostly occurred on only four days in about late 34 AD. Several months after the sign of Christ's death, Christ appeared to a group of Nephites in late 34 AD and taught them for three days at the temple in Bountiful as related in Chapters 11-26 (10:18; 26:13-16). He then appeared on a separate occasion to the Twelve disciples, likely in late 34 AD or 35 AD, as related in Chapters 27-28 (27:1-2; 4 Ne 1:1-2). Christ also appeared to the Nephites on several other occasions at about this time, but the only thing we are told about those visits is that he administered the sacrament (26:13).

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Editorial comment[edit]

  • 3 Ne 30:1-2

Chapters 11-30: The structure of the account of Christ's visitation[edit]

Christ's visit to the Nephites (as a "whole people") breaks quite easily into two parts: first day (3 Ne 11-18), second day (3 Ne 19-26). Though the record of this double visit is then followed by the record of another visit (one further visit among many, apparently, that followed the first two), it is clear from the way Mormon writes the record that the first two visits should be considered separate from the other, at least at first. Together, the three visits are considered quite widely to be the heart of the Book of Mormon, the highlight of the Book of Mormon, the meaning of the Book of Mormon. As such, it might be worth considering them collectively in order to draw from them an overall structure, which should in turn allow for richer readings of the details as they occur in the text. According to the comments above, the first two visits will be considered together, apart from the third recorded visit, before any consideration of the third is taken up. Now, in order to approach the structural possibilities, it might be best first to list the several events of the three visits:

  First visit
  Christ descends (after a three-fold word from the Father) and introduces Himself (3 Ne 11:1-12)
  The multitude feels the Savior's hands and feet (3 Ne 11:13-17)
  Christ gives Nephi the authority to baptize and teaches the order of baptism (3 Ne 11:18-28)
  Jesus offers a short discourse on the "trinity" (3 Ne 11:29-41)
  Christ then (nearly) repeats the "Sermon on the Mount" (3 Ne 12-14)
  He explains the meaning of the supersession of the Law (3 Ne 15:1-10)
  The twelve disciples are taught of the Abrahamic covenant (3 Ne 15:11-3 Ne 16:20)
  Christ goes to leave, but is pursuaded (silently) to stay (3 Ne 17:1-6)
  He heals all the people and prays before them (3 Ne 17:7-10)
  He blesses the children and angels surround them (3 Ne 17:11-25)
  Christ institutes the sacrament (3 Ne 18:1-14)
  He offers a few closing words concerning prayer and leaves (3 Ne 18:15-39)
  
  Second visit
  Christ returns during baptisms, and a series of prayers ensues (3 Ne 19)
  He provides the sacrament for the now larger multitude (3 Ne 20:1-9)
  Jesus teaches the whole multitude of the Abrahamic covenant (3 Ne 20:10-3 Ne 26:12)

With these details in order, some consideration of the structure of the text becomes possible.

Perhaps the best starting point in discovering a structure here is to note a sort of chiasm formed by the close of the first visit and the opening of the second:

  Christ institutes the sacrament
     He offers a few closing words concerning prayer
        He leaves
           The multitude gathers about the baptism of the twelve disciples
        Jesus returns
     Jesus and the people pray
  Christ administers the sacrament again

The chiasm laid out here is doubly significant. It is highlighted by the events immediately preceding and following it. Just before the institution of the sacrament is the visitation of the angels as Jesus blesses the children--certainly a climactic moment. Immediately following the second administration of the sacrament is what Mormon apparently considered to be the most important part of the first two visits: a lecture on the meaning of the Abrahamic covenant (Mormon emphasizes the importance of this last event in two ways: he records more of this lecture--3 Nephi 20-26--than of any other event during the two visits, and he says quite explicitly in 3 Ne 26:6 that he had not written "a hundreth part" of what Jesus taught during the lecture). The chiastic series follows the breaking of the veil (the literal formation of the heavenly council on earth) and opens onto what might be called the most important discourse ever given. Certainly, the structure of the two visits is of some significance, but it remains to work out what exactly the structure implies.

The historical weight of the events preceding the chiasm must also be felt, and this weight perhaps helps to open the meaning of the chiastic structure of the transition between visits. The event in which Christ blesses the children and the angels descend to attend them is of great importance in the Nephite tradition. On one reading of the writings of Nephi, son of Lehi, there is an implicit promise made to the Nephites/Lamanites that they will eventually be gathered into an angelic chorus. (The promise might be read by connecting 1 Ne 1:8 to 2 Ne 31:13, Lehi's vision of the angelic praise to God opening Nephi's record and Nephi's promise that the baptized will sing and shout praises to God in the angelic tongue. The implication is that the Nephites/Lamanites are to proceed through Nephi's two books from the distant possibility of the angelic chorus to actual choral inclusion. If the angelic chorus is understood as the council at work in the Holy of Holies, Nephi's two books might well be read as a temple text, one to be historically fulfilled. Not until 3 Nephi 17 does any real fulfillment of that broad promise appear.) If the angelic encounter is read in connection with the implicit promises of Nephi, another aspect of Christ's two visitations is of some significance: while Nephi (and Jacob with him) speaks extensively of the Abrahamic covenant (of Israel, the Jews, and the Gentiles), the prophets between Nephi's time and the visitation of Christ almost entirely (if not entirely) ignore the theme. The parting of the veil and the formation of the heavenly council of angels, then, parallels the return to the theme of the Abrahamic covenant.

The theme of the Abrahamic covenant certainly underlies much of the structure of these first two visits. The first hint of the theme is in chapter 11, when Christ dedicates Himself to a discourse on the "trinity." Though the theme does not appear at first to be a question of the Abrahamic covenant, it becomes clear in chapters 15-16, when Jesus teaches the disciples concerning the covenant, that the "trinity" teachings were preparatory to understanding the historical meaning of that covenant. The disciples, then, are twice taught during the first visit concerning the Abrahamic covenant, and this double discussion meets up with the incredibly abbreviated discourse of the second visit. Taking the focus of the two visits to be the Abrahamic covenant, the remainder of the events fall into some coherent order:

  Towards the foundation of the covenant (the "trinity")
  Descent and introduction: Christ implicitly ties Himself to the covenant by making reference to the OT prophets
  The multitude feels Him: Christ explains that they are to do this to know that He is "the God of Israel"
  Setting up baptism: Christ offers the Nephites/Lamanites the ordinance Nephi tied to the Abrahamic covenant
  Concerning the "trinity": Jesus teaches the "trinity" in connection with baptism, since all three are named in it
  
  From the foundation to a first summary of the covenant
  The Sermon on the Mount: Jesus takes the Nephites/Lamanites beyond the Law and, hence, back to the covenant behind it
  Explaining the Law: Christ's teachings concerning the supersession of the Law just go to explain the point above
  Of the Abrahamic covenant: Christ offers the disciples a preliminary understanding of the covenant--but just them
  
  Sudden fulfillment of Nephi's implicit promise
  Christ decides to stay: pursuaded by the desire of the people, Jesus begins to fulfill the promises made through Nephi
  Jesus heals the people: a work of atonement is undertaken, and all then witness the prayer that inaugurates the chorus
  Children blessed, chorus arrives: with the people arranged circularly, the chorus itself descends and Nephi is fulfilled
  
  Chiastic transition from fulfillment to covenant discourse
  The sacrament instituted: contextually, the sacrament becomes the rite of the angelic discourse (as in Revelation?)
  Words on prayer, departure: with the Spirit promised in the sacrament, prayer becomes a possibility in the purest sense
  Baptism of the disciples: since the twelve heard a first summary of the covenant, they enter into it through baptism
  Arrival, series of prayers: possibility becomes reality and the praying Nephites/Lamanites becomes (?) angels in chorus
  The sacrament issued again: the increased multitude is all joined to the angelic chorus in preparation for the dicourse
  
  The covenant itself is put on display
  Of the Abrahamic covenant: all are taught of the covenant at length (7 chapters are not a hundredth of it!)--apparently 
  in preparation for their own baptismal entrances into the covenant

At the very least, the experience seems to center on the Abrahamic covenant, even to restore the focus on the Abrahamic covenant. With that broad theme in place, one might read the whole account more fruitfully: every step of the way is a working out of the explication of the covenant.

Complete outline and page map[edit]

This heading contains an outline for the entire book. Items in blue or purple text indicate hyperlinked pages that address specific portions of the book. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

● The Destruction of Nephite society (Chapters 1-10)

A. The sign of Christ's birth (Chapter 1a)
• Nephi (son of Helaman) leaves (1:1-3)
• anxiety for the sign of Christ's birth (1:4-8)
• the sign appears and foils the plan to kill believers (1:9-23)
• the Law of Moses is not yet fulfilled by Christ's birth (1:24-26)
B. Gadianton robbers do not destroy righteous Nephite society from outside (Chapter 1b-5a)
• Gadianton robbers begin to grow through Nephite and Lamanite dissensions (1:27-30)
• people begin to disbelieve the signs they have seen (2:1-10)
• Gadianton robbers attack combined Nephites and Lamanites, see-saw results (2:11-19)
• Lachoneus (Nephite chief judge) receives request for surrender from Giddianhi (3:1-10)
• Lachoneus leads people to prepare defenses and to repent (3:11-16)
• Gidgiddoni (Nephite chief captain) refuses to launch a preventive attack (3:17-21)
• Nephites continue to gather for defense and repent (3:22-26)
• Gadianton robbers occupy scorched Nephite lands but find no sustenance (4:1-4)
• Gaddianhi (Gadianton leader) attacks and is slain in a great battle (4:5-15)
• Zemnarihah (Gadianton leader) besieges Nephites but has no sustenance (4:16-22)
• Zemnarihah's retreat is cut off and Gadianton robbers are destroyed (4:23-33)
• captured Gadianton robbers are allowed to unite with people or else executed (5:1-7)
C. Mormon's editorial interlude (Chapter 5b)
• about Mormon's record (5:8-19)
• Mormon's personal witness (5:20-26)
B. Social elites do destroy wicked Nephite society from within (Chapter 6-7)
• Nephites return to their lands and establish peace (6:1-9)
• pride leads to social division and abuse to point that church is broken up (6:10-18)
• social elites put prophets to death and form a secret combination to install a king (6:19-30)
• the chief judge is murdered and the Nephite government is broken up (7:1-8)
• Jacob (king of the secret combination) sees he is outnumbered and flees northward (7:9-13)
• the Nephites separate into tribes, which allows continued killing of the prophets (7:14)
• when Nephi's preaching cannot be disbelieved, most Nephites are angered rather than converted (7:15-26)
A. The sign of Christ's death (Chapter 8-10)
• anxiety for the sign of Christ's death (8:1-4)
• destruction occurs amid natural disasters and darkness (8:5-25)
• the first voice: destruction was in consequence of the people's great wickedness (9:1-12)
• the first voice continues: invitation to come unto Christ, the Law of Moses is fulfilled (9:13-22)
• silence for many hours (10:1-2)
• the second voice: invitation for the House of Israel to be gathered or destroyed (10:3-7)
• darkness for three days, then light (10:8-10)
• the destruction was in fulfillment of prophecy (10:11-19)


● Christ's ministry to the Nephites (Chapters 11-30)

● First day of Christ's ministry to the Nephites (Chapters 11-18)
A. Christ appears to multitude, selects Twelve disciples, baptism, no contention (Chapter 11)
to the multitude:
• Christ announced by the Father and descends from heaven (11:1-7)
• Christ announces himself, the multitude feels the prints of the nails in his hands (11:8-17)
to the Twelve:
• conferral of authority to baptize (11:18-30)
• announcement of Christ's doctrine, no contention (11:31-41)
B. Christ gives the Nephites more scripture (Chapter 12-15a)
to the multitude:
• the Sermon on the Mount is given to the Nephites (12:1-14:27 / Matthew 5-7)
• announcement that the Law of Moses is fulfilled (15:1-10)
C. Exposition on the covenant of scattering and gathering (Chapter 15b-16)
to the Twelve:
• the Nephites are "other lost sheep" who have been scattered (15:11-16:3)
• the gathering of the scattred sheep of Israel (16:4-20)
D. Christ tarries: blessing, fire, and the sacrament (Chapter 17-18)
• Christ heals the sick and blesses the children (17:1-25)
to the multitude:
• Christ announces his departure (17:1-4)
• he stays and heals the sick (17:5-10)
• children are brought forward and Christ prays (17:11-17)
• Christ blesses the children and they are encircled by fire (17:18-25)
• the sacrament and shepherding members (18:1-39)
to the Twelve (mostly):
• instruction regarding the sacrament, the sacrament is administered (18:1-16)
• instruction about shepherding members, pray always (18:17-25)
• more instruction regarding the sacrament (18:26-34)
• Christ blesses the Twelve and ascends (18:35-39)
● Second day of Christ's ministry, to the Nephite multitude (Chapter 19-26a)
D. Christ returns: fire, blessing, and the sacrament (Chapters 19-20a)
• the Twelve teach the prior day's words, are baptized, and are encircled by fire (19:1-14)
• Christ appears, and he prays for and blesses the Twelve (19:15-36)
• the sacrament is administered miracuolously (20:1-9)
C. Exposition on the covenant of scattering and gathering (Chapter 20b-23a)
• Isaiah 54 quoted in its entirety (22:1-17)
• instruction to search Isaiah and the prophets (23:1-5)
B. Christ gives the Nephites more scripture (Chapter 23b-26a)
• instruction to record the fulfillment of Samuel's prophecy (23:6-14)
• Christ gives Malachi 3-4 to the Nephites (24:1-25:6 / Malachi 3-4)
• the Lord will send his messenger to his temple before the second coming and punish the wicked (24:1-6)
• the faithful are to bring in tithes and offerings (24:7-12)
• the Lord will send Elijah before the second coming and bless the righteous (24:13-25:6)
• summary: Christ expounds all things through the end of the world and the final judgment (26:1-5)
● Third day of Christ's ministry and other visitations summarized (Chapter 26b)
● Remainder of Christ's personal ministry summarized (Chapter 26b)
• Mormon states that he has written what is he is allowed (26:6-12)
• brief summary of the remainder of Christ's ministry to the Nephites (26:13-21)
● A subsequent personal visitation to the Twelve (Chapter 27-28)
A. Christ appears to Twelve, name of Church, no contention, Three Nephites (Chapters 27-28)
• Twelve pray, Christ appears and asks what they want (27:1-3)
• Christ's church is to be called in his name (27:4-8)
• the church and individuals will prosper if built on Christ's gospel (27:9-22)
• the Twelve are to write the words by which the Nephites will be judged (27:23-27)
• ask and you shall receive (27:28-29)
• prophecy that the fourth generation will be lost to wickedness (27:30-33)
• Christ asks what more the Twelve want, nine ask to go to heaven (28:1-3)
• three Nephite disciples ask to remain and labor saving souls (28:4-15)
• ministry of the Three Nephites to the Nephites (28:16-23)
• ministry of the Three Nephites to the Jews and Gentiles (28:24-35)
• the Three Nephites are transfigured until the final judgment (28:36-40)
● Mormon's closing message to the Gentiles (Chapter 29-30)
• do not think the Lord's covenant with Israel is vain (29:1-3)
• do not deny the power of God's miracles (29:4-7)
• do not mistreat the Jews (29:8-9)
• commandment to repent of dishonesty, idolatry, priestcrafts and murders (30:1-2)

Unanswered questions[edit]

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Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Previous editions.

The original 1830 edition of Alma was divided into only thirty chapters (I-XXX). For the 1879 edition Parley Pratt further divided those thirteen into the sixty three chapters (1-63) still used today. • I: 1-3 • II: 4 • III: 5 • IV: 6 • V: 7 • VI: 8 • VII: 9 • VIII: 10-11 • IX: CH.12-13:9 • X: 13:10-ch.15:19 • XI: 16 • XII: 17-20 • XIII: 21-22 • XIV: 23-26 • XV: 27-29 • XVI: 30-35 • XVII: 36-37 • XVIII: 38 • XIX: 39-42 • XX: 43-44 • XXI: 45-49 • XXII: 50 • XXIII: 51 • XXIV: 52-53 • XXV: 54-55 • XXVI: 56-68 • XXVII: 59-60 • XXVIII: 61 • XXIX: 62 • XXX: 63

References cited on this page.

Other resources.

  • 3 Ne 11-30. Welch, John W. "Worthy of Another Look: Reusages of the Words of Christ." In Journal of the Book of Mormon and Other Restoration Scripture, 22/1 (2013): p. 62-72 Provo, Utah: BYU University: Neil A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship. This article discusses Christ's reuse of portions of the Sermon on the Mount, quoted in 3 Nephi 12-14, in his subsequent teaching to the Nephites in 3 Nephi 15-28.

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.




                                                                 Next page: Chapter 1a


3 Ne 1:1-5

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapter 1 / Verses 1:1-26
Previous page: Third Nephi                      Next page: Chapters 2-4


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapter 1 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapter 1 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapter 1 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • This is one of many examples in the scriptures where believers are threatened to be put to death. Other examples include Dan 3:20 (Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego), Dan 6:7 (Daniel and the decree against praying), Acts 7:59 (Stephen), Acts 12:2 (James the brother of John), Acts 14:19 (Paul), Alma 14:8 (wives and children in Ammoniahah),Alma 25:7-8 (children of Amulon kill believing Lamanites), 4 Ne 1:31ff (disciples 200 years after Christ appears), and D&C 101:1 (cf. HC 1: 458—464, early Saints in Missouri).

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:1: What is the difference between being the "chief judge" and being the "governor".
  • 3 Ne 1:1: What is "the land" that Lachoneus was governor over? Zarahemla? What area is covered in this "land"?
  • 3 Ne 1:2: Why would Nephi leave the land of Zarahemla? How does this compare to the disappearance of his grandfather (Alma II)?
  • 3 Ne 1:2: Why are all the plates being kept by the religious leaders, rather than the political leaders?
  • 3 Ne 1:2: What were "all those things which had been kept sacred"? How were they kept, and for what purpose?
  • 3 Ne 1:3: Why wouldn't Nephi tell anyone where he was going?
  • 3 Ne 1:4: The people saw many signs before the day and night and day of light. Shouldn't the previous signs be enough to convert those people? Why or why not?
  • 3 Ne 1:5: Why would there be some question about the timing of Samuel's prophecy? Was there some ambiguity in the wording of his prophecy? What kind of calendar were the Nephites using to calculate the passage of time and the fulfillment of prophecy?
  • 3 Ne 1:14: Of the Father and of the Son. What does Christ mean when he says that He came to do the will both of the Father and the Son?
  • 3 Ne 1:14: Because of me. Why does Christ say he has come to do the will of the father because of himself?
  • 3 Ne 1:16: Many people fell down when they realized that their plan to destroy those who believed in Christ was frustrated. Why do people in the Book of Mormon fall down so much?
  • 3 Ne 1:23: What does it mean when it says Nephi was "baptizing unto repentance"? Is this a literal baptism or are the people simply repenting?
  • 3 Ne 1:23: Why would some people believe that the law of Moses had been done away with when Christ was born?

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Third Nephi                      Next page: Chapters 2-4

3 Ne 1:6-10

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapter 1 / Verses 1:1-26
Previous page: Third Nephi                      Next page: Chapters 2-4


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapter 1 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapter 1 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapter 1 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • This is one of many examples in the scriptures where believers are threatened to be put to death. Other examples include Dan 3:20 (Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego), Dan 6:7 (Daniel and the decree against praying), Acts 7:59 (Stephen), Acts 12:2 (James the brother of John), Acts 14:19 (Paul), Alma 14:8 (wives and children in Ammoniahah),Alma 25:7-8 (children of Amulon kill believing Lamanites), 4 Ne 1:31ff (disciples 200 years after Christ appears), and D&C 101:1 (cf. HC 1: 458—464, early Saints in Missouri).

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:1: What is the difference between being the "chief judge" and being the "governor".
  • 3 Ne 1:1: What is "the land" that Lachoneus was governor over? Zarahemla? What area is covered in this "land"?
  • 3 Ne 1:2: Why would Nephi leave the land of Zarahemla? How does this compare to the disappearance of his grandfather (Alma II)?
  • 3 Ne 1:2: Why are all the plates being kept by the religious leaders, rather than the political leaders?
  • 3 Ne 1:2: What were "all those things which had been kept sacred"? How were they kept, and for what purpose?
  • 3 Ne 1:3: Why wouldn't Nephi tell anyone where he was going?
  • 3 Ne 1:4: The people saw many signs before the day and night and day of light. Shouldn't the previous signs be enough to convert those people? Why or why not?
  • 3 Ne 1:5: Why would there be some question about the timing of Samuel's prophecy? Was there some ambiguity in the wording of his prophecy? What kind of calendar were the Nephites using to calculate the passage of time and the fulfillment of prophecy?
  • 3 Ne 1:14: Of the Father and of the Son. What does Christ mean when he says that He came to do the will both of the Father and the Son?
  • 3 Ne 1:14: Because of me. Why does Christ say he has come to do the will of the father because of himself?
  • 3 Ne 1:16: Many people fell down when they realized that their plan to destroy those who believed in Christ was frustrated. Why do people in the Book of Mormon fall down so much?
  • 3 Ne 1:23: What does it mean when it says Nephi was "baptizing unto repentance"? Is this a literal baptism or are the people simply repenting?
  • 3 Ne 1:23: Why would some people believe that the law of Moses had been done away with when Christ was born?

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Third Nephi                      Next page: Chapters 2-4

3 Ne 1:11-15

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapter 1 / Verses 1:1-26
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This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapter 1 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapter 1 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapter 1 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • This is one of many examples in the scriptures where believers are threatened to be put to death. Other examples include Dan 3:20 (Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego), Dan 6:7 (Daniel and the decree against praying), Acts 7:59 (Stephen), Acts 12:2 (James the brother of John), Acts 14:19 (Paul), Alma 14:8 (wives and children in Ammoniahah),Alma 25:7-8 (children of Amulon kill believing Lamanites), 4 Ne 1:31ff (disciples 200 years after Christ appears), and D&C 101:1 (cf. HC 1: 458—464, early Saints in Missouri).

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:1: What is the difference between being the "chief judge" and being the "governor".
  • 3 Ne 1:1: What is "the land" that Lachoneus was governor over? Zarahemla? What area is covered in this "land"?
  • 3 Ne 1:2: Why would Nephi leave the land of Zarahemla? How does this compare to the disappearance of his grandfather (Alma II)?
  • 3 Ne 1:2: Why are all the plates being kept by the religious leaders, rather than the political leaders?
  • 3 Ne 1:2: What were "all those things which had been kept sacred"? How were they kept, and for what purpose?
  • 3 Ne 1:3: Why wouldn't Nephi tell anyone where he was going?
  • 3 Ne 1:4: The people saw many signs before the day and night and day of light. Shouldn't the previous signs be enough to convert those people? Why or why not?
  • 3 Ne 1:5: Why would there be some question about the timing of Samuel's prophecy? Was there some ambiguity in the wording of his prophecy? What kind of calendar were the Nephites using to calculate the passage of time and the fulfillment of prophecy?
  • 3 Ne 1:14: Of the Father and of the Son. What does Christ mean when he says that He came to do the will both of the Father and the Son?
  • 3 Ne 1:14: Because of me. Why does Christ say he has come to do the will of the father because of himself?
  • 3 Ne 1:16: Many people fell down when they realized that their plan to destroy those who believed in Christ was frustrated. Why do people in the Book of Mormon fall down so much?
  • 3 Ne 1:23: What does it mean when it says Nephi was "baptizing unto repentance"? Is this a literal baptism or are the people simply repenting?
  • 3 Ne 1:23: Why would some people believe that the law of Moses had been done away with when Christ was born?

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Third Nephi                      Next page: Chapters 2-4

3 Ne 1:16-20

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapter 1 / Verses 1:1-26
Previous page: Third Nephi                      Next page: Chapters 2-4


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapter 1 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapter 1 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapter 1 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • This is one of many examples in the scriptures where believers are threatened to be put to death. Other examples include Dan 3:20 (Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego), Dan 6:7 (Daniel and the decree against praying), Acts 7:59 (Stephen), Acts 12:2 (James the brother of John), Acts 14:19 (Paul), Alma 14:8 (wives and children in Ammoniahah),Alma 25:7-8 (children of Amulon kill believing Lamanites), 4 Ne 1:31ff (disciples 200 years after Christ appears), and D&C 101:1 (cf. HC 1: 458—464, early Saints in Missouri).

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:1: What is the difference between being the "chief judge" and being the "governor".
  • 3 Ne 1:1: What is "the land" that Lachoneus was governor over? Zarahemla? What area is covered in this "land"?
  • 3 Ne 1:2: Why would Nephi leave the land of Zarahemla? How does this compare to the disappearance of his grandfather (Alma II)?
  • 3 Ne 1:2: Why are all the plates being kept by the religious leaders, rather than the political leaders?
  • 3 Ne 1:2: What were "all those things which had been kept sacred"? How were they kept, and for what purpose?
  • 3 Ne 1:3: Why wouldn't Nephi tell anyone where he was going?
  • 3 Ne 1:4: The people saw many signs before the day and night and day of light. Shouldn't the previous signs be enough to convert those people? Why or why not?
  • 3 Ne 1:5: Why would there be some question about the timing of Samuel's prophecy? Was there some ambiguity in the wording of his prophecy? What kind of calendar were the Nephites using to calculate the passage of time and the fulfillment of prophecy?
  • 3 Ne 1:14: Of the Father and of the Son. What does Christ mean when he says that He came to do the will both of the Father and the Son?
  • 3 Ne 1:14: Because of me. Why does Christ say he has come to do the will of the father because of himself?
  • 3 Ne 1:16: Many people fell down when they realized that their plan to destroy those who believed in Christ was frustrated. Why do people in the Book of Mormon fall down so much?
  • 3 Ne 1:23: What does it mean when it says Nephi was "baptizing unto repentance"? Is this a literal baptism or are the people simply repenting?
  • 3 Ne 1:23: Why would some people believe that the law of Moses had been done away with when Christ was born?

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Third Nephi                      Next page: Chapters 2-4

3 Ne 1:21-25

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapter 1 / Verses 1:1-26
Previous page: Third Nephi                      Next page: Chapters 2-4


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapter 1 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapter 1 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapter 1 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • This is one of many examples in the scriptures where believers are threatened to be put to death. Other examples include Dan 3:20 (Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego), Dan 6:7 (Daniel and the decree against praying), Acts 7:59 (Stephen), Acts 12:2 (James the brother of John), Acts 14:19 (Paul), Alma 14:8 (wives and children in Ammoniahah),Alma 25:7-8 (children of Amulon kill believing Lamanites), 4 Ne 1:31ff (disciples 200 years after Christ appears), and D&C 101:1 (cf. HC 1: 458—464, early Saints in Missouri).

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:1: What is the difference between being the "chief judge" and being the "governor".
  • 3 Ne 1:1: What is "the land" that Lachoneus was governor over? Zarahemla? What area is covered in this "land"?
  • 3 Ne 1:2: Why would Nephi leave the land of Zarahemla? How does this compare to the disappearance of his grandfather (Alma II)?
  • 3 Ne 1:2: Why are all the plates being kept by the religious leaders, rather than the political leaders?
  • 3 Ne 1:2: What were "all those things which had been kept sacred"? How were they kept, and for what purpose?
  • 3 Ne 1:3: Why wouldn't Nephi tell anyone where he was going?
  • 3 Ne 1:4: The people saw many signs before the day and night and day of light. Shouldn't the previous signs be enough to convert those people? Why or why not?
  • 3 Ne 1:5: Why would there be some question about the timing of Samuel's prophecy? Was there some ambiguity in the wording of his prophecy? What kind of calendar were the Nephites using to calculate the passage of time and the fulfillment of prophecy?
  • 3 Ne 1:14: Of the Father and of the Son. What does Christ mean when he says that He came to do the will both of the Father and the Son?
  • 3 Ne 1:14: Because of me. Why does Christ say he has come to do the will of the father because of himself?
  • 3 Ne 1:16: Many people fell down when they realized that their plan to destroy those who believed in Christ was frustrated. Why do people in the Book of Mormon fall down so much?
  • 3 Ne 1:23: What does it mean when it says Nephi was "baptizing unto repentance"? Is this a literal baptism or are the people simply repenting?
  • 3 Ne 1:23: Why would some people believe that the law of Moses had been done away with when Christ was born?

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Third Nephi                      Next page: Chapters 2-4

3 Ne 1:26-30

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 2-4 / Verses 1:27-5:7
Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 2-4 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 2-4 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 2-4 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:28. This verse tells us that there were many dissenters of the Nephites who went to join the Gadianton robbers. 3 Ne 3:4 tells us that these people believed that they had been wronged by the Nephites, and 3 Ne 3:10 tells us that they believed they had a right to the government. It looks like there was some struggle at this time over who should control the government and that this struggle ultimately lead to these dissenters joining the Gadianton robbers. It is interesting that it was also due to a struggle over who should control the government that gave rise originally to the Gadianton robbers (see Helaman chapters 1 & 2).
  • 3 Ne 1:29. Possible interpretations of the phrase "that they became for themselves" include:
    • they had reached an age where in their culture they were taken to be completely responsible for their own actions, e.g. something like turning 18 in our culture.
    • they no longer listened to their parents.
  • 3 Ne 2:15: White. Although many believe the mark of the Lamanites was a darker skin color because of their unrighteousness. However, there is little textual evidence in the Book of Mormon suggesting that skin color is related to righteousness. Here, the change in skin color is listed as a separate event, presumably a result of their intermarrying with the Nephites, than their becoming more righteous. (For more on this see the Tvedtnes article below.)
  • 3 Ne 3:19. It is interesting to note that during times of righteous living, the Nephites appointed prophets to be the commanders of their armies. This is not the only place in the scriptures where something like this is mentioned. In Alma 2:16 it talks about how Alma the younger led the army of the Nephites during battle. Also, in Alma 43:23 it mentions that Captain Moroni (although he wasn't the prophet) caused his men to go and ask Alma the younger (the prophet) to inquire of the Lord as to how the Nephites should best defend themselves. Even in times of wickedness, the Nephite armies appointed Mormon to be their leader (see Mormon 2:1). In modern times, this has occurred as well, such as when Joseph Smith was appointed to leadership in the Nauvoo Legion. Wouldn't it be nice if leaders of armies today were prophets or consulted with prophets for guidance?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-4. The robbers couldn't provide for themselves. They were dependent upon the Nephites for crops. It is similar to the relationship that a parasite has with its host.
  • 3 Ne 4:7-10. Before the ferocious appearance of the Lamanites, the Nephites began to cry unto the Lord for deliverance from their enemies. This however, gives the impression to Giddianhi's armies that the Nephites are terrified and will be an easy victory. But as verse 10 describes, the armies of Giddianhi "were disappointed, for the Nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for protection." The Nephites relied solely on the Lord for their deliverance and conquered the robbers while on the other hand, the robbers relied on their own strength and intimidation in order to try and defeat the Nephites. This shows the importance of trusting the Lord in an hour of need.
  • 3 Ne 4:18. In this verse can be seen the power of food storage. When the Nephites gathered together in the lands of Zarahemla and Bountiful, they took with them provisions that would last them seven years (see v. 4). Due to this preparation, the Gadianton robbers were unable to effectively lay siege on the Nephites. And having no provisions themselves, the robbers eventually ended up having to abandon their plan.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. See Alma 50 for a similar tactic of the Nephites preventing their enemies from fleeing to regroup--Moroni heading off Morianton.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. We read here how the Nephites attacked thousands and tens of thousands of robbers. The Gadianton Robbers must have been a huge group. Almost its own country.
  • 3 Ne 4:30. Note the two conditions that the people identify in their request in this verse for perpetual protection: 1) that the people are righteous--they only ask the Lord to protect them in righteousness; 2) that they continue to ask God for protection.
  • 3 Ne 4:31-33. In the KJV the phrase "Most High God" is consistently translated from the Hebrew title El Elyon. Given this, it is likely that the phrase here was translated from this same title. El Elyon refers to Elohim or God the Father, as opposed to Yahweh (Jehovah) who is Jesus Christ..
  • The phrase "God Almighty" is probably a translation of the Hebrew title El Shaddai.
  • El Elyon and El Shaddai are ancient titles for God closely associated with stories of the Patriarchs--and are appropriately used here where the Nephites are thanking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see verse 30).
  • Curiously, the term shaddai means "female breasts" and some have interpreted this to mean that God is the provider of all that is sufficient, just as a mother's breast provides all that is sufficient for an infant. Others have noted that shaddai has Semitic cognates that refer to mountains--which might indicate that El Shaddai is the God of the Mountain, the [Most High] God that rules from Mount Zion.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:29: What does the phrase "that they became for themselves" mean?
  • 3 Ne 2:8: Why do the people (who seem mainly to not believe in Christ at this time) begin to reckon time from his birth?
  • 3 Ne 2:9: It is mentioned that Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, never returned to the land of Zarahemla. Why is this mentioned again in this chapter when it was already mentioned in 3 Ne 1:3? Why is it necessary to mention it again?
  • 3 Ne 2:15: This verse tells us that curse of the Lamanites was suddenly removed and that their skin became white like the Nephites. Was this a literal change in their skin color?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-5: How can the information in these verses be applied to our struggles with the Adversary?
  • 3 Ne 4:4: The Nephites had enough provisions to last them 7 years. How is this similar to the story of Joseph in Egypt?
  • 3 Ne 4:6: Why were the Gadianton Robbers afraid to spread themselves out too thin?
  • 3 Ne 4:13: Why did the Nephites only pursue the Gadianton Robbers to the border of Nephite territory?
  • 3 Ne 4:14: The Gadianton Robbers retreated in such a frenzied way that their leader was caught.
  • 3 Ne 4:15: What metaphorical places of safety do we (or should we) retreat to while preparing for assaults on our faith?
  • 3 Ne 4:32: Why the emphasis here on God as the "Most High"? What does that mean?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: Why were humility and repentance essential to the Nephite's victory?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: This verse tells us that the Nephites knew they were delivered "from an everlasting destruction" because of their repentance and their humility. Does this everlasting destruction refer to the everlasting physical destruction of Nephites? Or is this a reference to the spiritual destruction we all face without repentance and humility? Or, does it refer to both at once?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: What would happen to the Gadianton Robbers that accepted the gospel and repented?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: How great was the amount of Nephites that were convinced of the gospel?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: The prison where the Gadianton Robbers were held is similar to spirit prison in that they are taught the gospel and given a chance to accept it.

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. Why wouldn't Gidgidoni want the Robbers to just run away? Why would he send out his army to attack them? Does this offer a model for how we should deal with evil and temptations that we encounter?

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5

3 Ne 2:1-5

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 2-4 / Verses 1:27-5:7
Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 2-4 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 2-4 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 2-4 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:28. This verse tells us that there were many dissenters of the Nephites who went to join the Gadianton robbers. 3 Ne 3:4 tells us that these people believed that they had been wronged by the Nephites, and 3 Ne 3:10 tells us that they believed they had a right to the government. It looks like there was some struggle at this time over who should control the government and that this struggle ultimately lead to these dissenters joining the Gadianton robbers. It is interesting that it was also due to a struggle over who should control the government that gave rise originally to the Gadianton robbers (see Helaman chapters 1 & 2).
  • 3 Ne 1:29. Possible interpretations of the phrase "that they became for themselves" include:
    • they had reached an age where in their culture they were taken to be completely responsible for their own actions, e.g. something like turning 18 in our culture.
    • they no longer listened to their parents.
  • 3 Ne 2:15: White. Although many believe the mark of the Lamanites was a darker skin color because of their unrighteousness. However, there is little textual evidence in the Book of Mormon suggesting that skin color is related to righteousness. Here, the change in skin color is listed as a separate event, presumably a result of their intermarrying with the Nephites, than their becoming more righteous. (For more on this see the Tvedtnes article below.)
  • 3 Ne 3:19. It is interesting to note that during times of righteous living, the Nephites appointed prophets to be the commanders of their armies. This is not the only place in the scriptures where something like this is mentioned. In Alma 2:16 it talks about how Alma the younger led the army of the Nephites during battle. Also, in Alma 43:23 it mentions that Captain Moroni (although he wasn't the prophet) caused his men to go and ask Alma the younger (the prophet) to inquire of the Lord as to how the Nephites should best defend themselves. Even in times of wickedness, the Nephite armies appointed Mormon to be their leader (see Mormon 2:1). In modern times, this has occurred as well, such as when Joseph Smith was appointed to leadership in the Nauvoo Legion. Wouldn't it be nice if leaders of armies today were prophets or consulted with prophets for guidance?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-4. The robbers couldn't provide for themselves. They were dependent upon the Nephites for crops. It is similar to the relationship that a parasite has with its host.
  • 3 Ne 4:7-10. Before the ferocious appearance of the Lamanites, the Nephites began to cry unto the Lord for deliverance from their enemies. This however, gives the impression to Giddianhi's armies that the Nephites are terrified and will be an easy victory. But as verse 10 describes, the armies of Giddianhi "were disappointed, for the Nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for protection." The Nephites relied solely on the Lord for their deliverance and conquered the robbers while on the other hand, the robbers relied on their own strength and intimidation in order to try and defeat the Nephites. This shows the importance of trusting the Lord in an hour of need.
  • 3 Ne 4:18. In this verse can be seen the power of food storage. When the Nephites gathered together in the lands of Zarahemla and Bountiful, they took with them provisions that would last them seven years (see v. 4). Due to this preparation, the Gadianton robbers were unable to effectively lay siege on the Nephites. And having no provisions themselves, the robbers eventually ended up having to abandon their plan.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. See Alma 50 for a similar tactic of the Nephites preventing their enemies from fleeing to regroup--Moroni heading off Morianton.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. We read here how the Nephites attacked thousands and tens of thousands of robbers. The Gadianton Robbers must have been a huge group. Almost its own country.
  • 3 Ne 4:30. Note the two conditions that the people identify in their request in this verse for perpetual protection: 1) that the people are righteous--they only ask the Lord to protect them in righteousness; 2) that they continue to ask God for protection.
  • 3 Ne 4:31-33. In the KJV the phrase "Most High God" is consistently translated from the Hebrew title El Elyon. Given this, it is likely that the phrase here was translated from this same title. El Elyon refers to Elohim or God the Father, as opposed to Yahweh (Jehovah) who is Jesus Christ..
  • The phrase "God Almighty" is probably a translation of the Hebrew title El Shaddai.
  • El Elyon and El Shaddai are ancient titles for God closely associated with stories of the Patriarchs--and are appropriately used here where the Nephites are thanking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see verse 30).
  • Curiously, the term shaddai means "female breasts" and some have interpreted this to mean that God is the provider of all that is sufficient, just as a mother's breast provides all that is sufficient for an infant. Others have noted that shaddai has Semitic cognates that refer to mountains--which might indicate that El Shaddai is the God of the Mountain, the [Most High] God that rules from Mount Zion.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:29: What does the phrase "that they became for themselves" mean?
  • 3 Ne 2:8: Why do the people (who seem mainly to not believe in Christ at this time) begin to reckon time from his birth?
  • 3 Ne 2:9: It is mentioned that Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, never returned to the land of Zarahemla. Why is this mentioned again in this chapter when it was already mentioned in 3 Ne 1:3? Why is it necessary to mention it again?
  • 3 Ne 2:15: This verse tells us that curse of the Lamanites was suddenly removed and that their skin became white like the Nephites. Was this a literal change in their skin color?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-5: How can the information in these verses be applied to our struggles with the Adversary?
  • 3 Ne 4:4: The Nephites had enough provisions to last them 7 years. How is this similar to the story of Joseph in Egypt?
  • 3 Ne 4:6: Why were the Gadianton Robbers afraid to spread themselves out too thin?
  • 3 Ne 4:13: Why did the Nephites only pursue the Gadianton Robbers to the border of Nephite territory?
  • 3 Ne 4:14: The Gadianton Robbers retreated in such a frenzied way that their leader was caught.
  • 3 Ne 4:15: What metaphorical places of safety do we (or should we) retreat to while preparing for assaults on our faith?
  • 3 Ne 4:32: Why the emphasis here on God as the "Most High"? What does that mean?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: Why were humility and repentance essential to the Nephite's victory?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: This verse tells us that the Nephites knew they were delivered "from an everlasting destruction" because of their repentance and their humility. Does this everlasting destruction refer to the everlasting physical destruction of Nephites? Or is this a reference to the spiritual destruction we all face without repentance and humility? Or, does it refer to both at once?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: What would happen to the Gadianton Robbers that accepted the gospel and repented?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: How great was the amount of Nephites that were convinced of the gospel?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: The prison where the Gadianton Robbers were held is similar to spirit prison in that they are taught the gospel and given a chance to accept it.

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. Why wouldn't Gidgidoni want the Robbers to just run away? Why would he send out his army to attack them? Does this offer a model for how we should deal with evil and temptations that we encounter?

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5

3 Ne 2:6-10

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 2-4 / Verses 1:27-5:7
Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 2-4 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 2-4 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 2-4 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:28. This verse tells us that there were many dissenters of the Nephites who went to join the Gadianton robbers. 3 Ne 3:4 tells us that these people believed that they had been wronged by the Nephites, and 3 Ne 3:10 tells us that they believed they had a right to the government. It looks like there was some struggle at this time over who should control the government and that this struggle ultimately lead to these dissenters joining the Gadianton robbers. It is interesting that it was also due to a struggle over who should control the government that gave rise originally to the Gadianton robbers (see Helaman chapters 1 & 2).
  • 3 Ne 1:29. Possible interpretations of the phrase "that they became for themselves" include:
    • they had reached an age where in their culture they were taken to be completely responsible for their own actions, e.g. something like turning 18 in our culture.
    • they no longer listened to their parents.
  • 3 Ne 2:15: White. Although many believe the mark of the Lamanites was a darker skin color because of their unrighteousness. However, there is little textual evidence in the Book of Mormon suggesting that skin color is related to righteousness. Here, the change in skin color is listed as a separate event, presumably a result of their intermarrying with the Nephites, than their becoming more righteous. (For more on this see the Tvedtnes article below.)
  • 3 Ne 3:19. It is interesting to note that during times of righteous living, the Nephites appointed prophets to be the commanders of their armies. This is not the only place in the scriptures where something like this is mentioned. In Alma 2:16 it talks about how Alma the younger led the army of the Nephites during battle. Also, in Alma 43:23 it mentions that Captain Moroni (although he wasn't the prophet) caused his men to go and ask Alma the younger (the prophet) to inquire of the Lord as to how the Nephites should best defend themselves. Even in times of wickedness, the Nephite armies appointed Mormon to be their leader (see Mormon 2:1). In modern times, this has occurred as well, such as when Joseph Smith was appointed to leadership in the Nauvoo Legion. Wouldn't it be nice if leaders of armies today were prophets or consulted with prophets for guidance?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-4. The robbers couldn't provide for themselves. They were dependent upon the Nephites for crops. It is similar to the relationship that a parasite has with its host.
  • 3 Ne 4:7-10. Before the ferocious appearance of the Lamanites, the Nephites began to cry unto the Lord for deliverance from their enemies. This however, gives the impression to Giddianhi's armies that the Nephites are terrified and will be an easy victory. But as verse 10 describes, the armies of Giddianhi "were disappointed, for the Nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for protection." The Nephites relied solely on the Lord for their deliverance and conquered the robbers while on the other hand, the robbers relied on their own strength and intimidation in order to try and defeat the Nephites. This shows the importance of trusting the Lord in an hour of need.
  • 3 Ne 4:18. In this verse can be seen the power of food storage. When the Nephites gathered together in the lands of Zarahemla and Bountiful, they took with them provisions that would last them seven years (see v. 4). Due to this preparation, the Gadianton robbers were unable to effectively lay siege on the Nephites. And having no provisions themselves, the robbers eventually ended up having to abandon their plan.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. See Alma 50 for a similar tactic of the Nephites preventing their enemies from fleeing to regroup--Moroni heading off Morianton.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. We read here how the Nephites attacked thousands and tens of thousands of robbers. The Gadianton Robbers must have been a huge group. Almost its own country.
  • 3 Ne 4:30. Note the two conditions that the people identify in their request in this verse for perpetual protection: 1) that the people are righteous--they only ask the Lord to protect them in righteousness; 2) that they continue to ask God for protection.
  • 3 Ne 4:31-33. In the KJV the phrase "Most High God" is consistently translated from the Hebrew title El Elyon. Given this, it is likely that the phrase here was translated from this same title. El Elyon refers to Elohim or God the Father, as opposed to Yahweh (Jehovah) who is Jesus Christ..
  • The phrase "God Almighty" is probably a translation of the Hebrew title El Shaddai.
  • El Elyon and El Shaddai are ancient titles for God closely associated with stories of the Patriarchs--and are appropriately used here where the Nephites are thanking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see verse 30).
  • Curiously, the term shaddai means "female breasts" and some have interpreted this to mean that God is the provider of all that is sufficient, just as a mother's breast provides all that is sufficient for an infant. Others have noted that shaddai has Semitic cognates that refer to mountains--which might indicate that El Shaddai is the God of the Mountain, the [Most High] God that rules from Mount Zion.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:29: What does the phrase "that they became for themselves" mean?
  • 3 Ne 2:8: Why do the people (who seem mainly to not believe in Christ at this time) begin to reckon time from his birth?
  • 3 Ne 2:9: It is mentioned that Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, never returned to the land of Zarahemla. Why is this mentioned again in this chapter when it was already mentioned in 3 Ne 1:3? Why is it necessary to mention it again?
  • 3 Ne 2:15: This verse tells us that curse of the Lamanites was suddenly removed and that their skin became white like the Nephites. Was this a literal change in their skin color?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-5: How can the information in these verses be applied to our struggles with the Adversary?
  • 3 Ne 4:4: The Nephites had enough provisions to last them 7 years. How is this similar to the story of Joseph in Egypt?
  • 3 Ne 4:6: Why were the Gadianton Robbers afraid to spread themselves out too thin?
  • 3 Ne 4:13: Why did the Nephites only pursue the Gadianton Robbers to the border of Nephite territory?
  • 3 Ne 4:14: The Gadianton Robbers retreated in such a frenzied way that their leader was caught.
  • 3 Ne 4:15: What metaphorical places of safety do we (or should we) retreat to while preparing for assaults on our faith?
  • 3 Ne 4:32: Why the emphasis here on God as the "Most High"? What does that mean?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: Why were humility and repentance essential to the Nephite's victory?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: This verse tells us that the Nephites knew they were delivered "from an everlasting destruction" because of their repentance and their humility. Does this everlasting destruction refer to the everlasting physical destruction of Nephites? Or is this a reference to the spiritual destruction we all face without repentance and humility? Or, does it refer to both at once?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: What would happen to the Gadianton Robbers that accepted the gospel and repented?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: How great was the amount of Nephites that were convinced of the gospel?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: The prison where the Gadianton Robbers were held is similar to spirit prison in that they are taught the gospel and given a chance to accept it.

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. Why wouldn't Gidgidoni want the Robbers to just run away? Why would he send out his army to attack them? Does this offer a model for how we should deal with evil and temptations that we encounter?

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5

3 Ne 2:11-15

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 2-4 / Verses 1:27-5:7
Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 2-4 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 2-4 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 2-4 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:28. This verse tells us that there were many dissenters of the Nephites who went to join the Gadianton robbers. 3 Ne 3:4 tells us that these people believed that they had been wronged by the Nephites, and 3 Ne 3:10 tells us that they believed they had a right to the government. It looks like there was some struggle at this time over who should control the government and that this struggle ultimately lead to these dissenters joining the Gadianton robbers. It is interesting that it was also due to a struggle over who should control the government that gave rise originally to the Gadianton robbers (see Helaman chapters 1 & 2).
  • 3 Ne 1:29. Possible interpretations of the phrase "that they became for themselves" include:
    • they had reached an age where in their culture they were taken to be completely responsible for their own actions, e.g. something like turning 18 in our culture.
    • they no longer listened to their parents.
  • 3 Ne 2:15: White. Although many believe the mark of the Lamanites was a darker skin color because of their unrighteousness. However, there is little textual evidence in the Book of Mormon suggesting that skin color is related to righteousness. Here, the change in skin color is listed as a separate event, presumably a result of their intermarrying with the Nephites, than their becoming more righteous. (For more on this see the Tvedtnes article below.)
  • 3 Ne 3:19. It is interesting to note that during times of righteous living, the Nephites appointed prophets to be the commanders of their armies. This is not the only place in the scriptures where something like this is mentioned. In Alma 2:16 it talks about how Alma the younger led the army of the Nephites during battle. Also, in Alma 43:23 it mentions that Captain Moroni (although he wasn't the prophet) caused his men to go and ask Alma the younger (the prophet) to inquire of the Lord as to how the Nephites should best defend themselves. Even in times of wickedness, the Nephite armies appointed Mormon to be their leader (see Mormon 2:1). In modern times, this has occurred as well, such as when Joseph Smith was appointed to leadership in the Nauvoo Legion. Wouldn't it be nice if leaders of armies today were prophets or consulted with prophets for guidance?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-4. The robbers couldn't provide for themselves. They were dependent upon the Nephites for crops. It is similar to the relationship that a parasite has with its host.
  • 3 Ne 4:7-10. Before the ferocious appearance of the Lamanites, the Nephites began to cry unto the Lord for deliverance from their enemies. This however, gives the impression to Giddianhi's armies that the Nephites are terrified and will be an easy victory. But as verse 10 describes, the armies of Giddianhi "were disappointed, for the Nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for protection." The Nephites relied solely on the Lord for their deliverance and conquered the robbers while on the other hand, the robbers relied on their own strength and intimidation in order to try and defeat the Nephites. This shows the importance of trusting the Lord in an hour of need.
  • 3 Ne 4:18. In this verse can be seen the power of food storage. When the Nephites gathered together in the lands of Zarahemla and Bountiful, they took with them provisions that would last them seven years (see v. 4). Due to this preparation, the Gadianton robbers were unable to effectively lay siege on the Nephites. And having no provisions themselves, the robbers eventually ended up having to abandon their plan.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. See Alma 50 for a similar tactic of the Nephites preventing their enemies from fleeing to regroup--Moroni heading off Morianton.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. We read here how the Nephites attacked thousands and tens of thousands of robbers. The Gadianton Robbers must have been a huge group. Almost its own country.
  • 3 Ne 4:30. Note the two conditions that the people identify in their request in this verse for perpetual protection: 1) that the people are righteous--they only ask the Lord to protect them in righteousness; 2) that they continue to ask God for protection.
  • 3 Ne 4:31-33. In the KJV the phrase "Most High God" is consistently translated from the Hebrew title El Elyon. Given this, it is likely that the phrase here was translated from this same title. El Elyon refers to Elohim or God the Father, as opposed to Yahweh (Jehovah) who is Jesus Christ..
  • The phrase "God Almighty" is probably a translation of the Hebrew title El Shaddai.
  • El Elyon and El Shaddai are ancient titles for God closely associated with stories of the Patriarchs--and are appropriately used here where the Nephites are thanking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see verse 30).
  • Curiously, the term shaddai means "female breasts" and some have interpreted this to mean that God is the provider of all that is sufficient, just as a mother's breast provides all that is sufficient for an infant. Others have noted that shaddai has Semitic cognates that refer to mountains--which might indicate that El Shaddai is the God of the Mountain, the [Most High] God that rules from Mount Zion.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:29: What does the phrase "that they became for themselves" mean?
  • 3 Ne 2:8: Why do the people (who seem mainly to not believe in Christ at this time) begin to reckon time from his birth?
  • 3 Ne 2:9: It is mentioned that Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, never returned to the land of Zarahemla. Why is this mentioned again in this chapter when it was already mentioned in 3 Ne 1:3? Why is it necessary to mention it again?
  • 3 Ne 2:15: This verse tells us that curse of the Lamanites was suddenly removed and that their skin became white like the Nephites. Was this a literal change in their skin color?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-5: How can the information in these verses be applied to our struggles with the Adversary?
  • 3 Ne 4:4: The Nephites had enough provisions to last them 7 years. How is this similar to the story of Joseph in Egypt?
  • 3 Ne 4:6: Why were the Gadianton Robbers afraid to spread themselves out too thin?
  • 3 Ne 4:13: Why did the Nephites only pursue the Gadianton Robbers to the border of Nephite territory?
  • 3 Ne 4:14: The Gadianton Robbers retreated in such a frenzied way that their leader was caught.
  • 3 Ne 4:15: What metaphorical places of safety do we (or should we) retreat to while preparing for assaults on our faith?
  • 3 Ne 4:32: Why the emphasis here on God as the "Most High"? What does that mean?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: Why were humility and repentance essential to the Nephite's victory?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: This verse tells us that the Nephites knew they were delivered "from an everlasting destruction" because of their repentance and their humility. Does this everlasting destruction refer to the everlasting physical destruction of Nephites? Or is this a reference to the spiritual destruction we all face without repentance and humility? Or, does it refer to both at once?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: What would happen to the Gadianton Robbers that accepted the gospel and repented?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: How great was the amount of Nephites that were convinced of the gospel?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: The prison where the Gadianton Robbers were held is similar to spirit prison in that they are taught the gospel and given a chance to accept it.

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. Why wouldn't Gidgidoni want the Robbers to just run away? Why would he send out his army to attack them? Does this offer a model for how we should deal with evil and temptations that we encounter?

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5

3 Ne 2:16-19

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 2-4 / Verses 1:27-5:7
Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 2-4 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 2-4 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 2-4 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:28. This verse tells us that there were many dissenters of the Nephites who went to join the Gadianton robbers. 3 Ne 3:4 tells us that these people believed that they had been wronged by the Nephites, and 3 Ne 3:10 tells us that they believed they had a right to the government. It looks like there was some struggle at this time over who should control the government and that this struggle ultimately lead to these dissenters joining the Gadianton robbers. It is interesting that it was also due to a struggle over who should control the government that gave rise originally to the Gadianton robbers (see Helaman chapters 1 & 2).
  • 3 Ne 1:29. Possible interpretations of the phrase "that they became for themselves" include:
    • they had reached an age where in their culture they were taken to be completely responsible for their own actions, e.g. something like turning 18 in our culture.
    • they no longer listened to their parents.
  • 3 Ne 2:15: White. Although many believe the mark of the Lamanites was a darker skin color because of their unrighteousness. However, there is little textual evidence in the Book of Mormon suggesting that skin color is related to righteousness. Here, the change in skin color is listed as a separate event, presumably a result of their intermarrying with the Nephites, than their becoming more righteous. (For more on this see the Tvedtnes article below.)
  • 3 Ne 3:19. It is interesting to note that during times of righteous living, the Nephites appointed prophets to be the commanders of their armies. This is not the only place in the scriptures where something like this is mentioned. In Alma 2:16 it talks about how Alma the younger led the army of the Nephites during battle. Also, in Alma 43:23 it mentions that Captain Moroni (although he wasn't the prophet) caused his men to go and ask Alma the younger (the prophet) to inquire of the Lord as to how the Nephites should best defend themselves. Even in times of wickedness, the Nephite armies appointed Mormon to be their leader (see Mormon 2:1). In modern times, this has occurred as well, such as when Joseph Smith was appointed to leadership in the Nauvoo Legion. Wouldn't it be nice if leaders of armies today were prophets or consulted with prophets for guidance?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-4. The robbers couldn't provide for themselves. They were dependent upon the Nephites for crops. It is similar to the relationship that a parasite has with its host.
  • 3 Ne 4:7-10. Before the ferocious appearance of the Lamanites, the Nephites began to cry unto the Lord for deliverance from their enemies. This however, gives the impression to Giddianhi's armies that the Nephites are terrified and will be an easy victory. But as verse 10 describes, the armies of Giddianhi "were disappointed, for the Nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for protection." The Nephites relied solely on the Lord for their deliverance and conquered the robbers while on the other hand, the robbers relied on their own strength and intimidation in order to try and defeat the Nephites. This shows the importance of trusting the Lord in an hour of need.
  • 3 Ne 4:18. In this verse can be seen the power of food storage. When the Nephites gathered together in the lands of Zarahemla and Bountiful, they took with them provisions that would last them seven years (see v. 4). Due to this preparation, the Gadianton robbers were unable to effectively lay siege on the Nephites. And having no provisions themselves, the robbers eventually ended up having to abandon their plan.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. See Alma 50 for a similar tactic of the Nephites preventing their enemies from fleeing to regroup--Moroni heading off Morianton.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. We read here how the Nephites attacked thousands and tens of thousands of robbers. The Gadianton Robbers must have been a huge group. Almost its own country.
  • 3 Ne 4:30. Note the two conditions that the people identify in their request in this verse for perpetual protection: 1) that the people are righteous--they only ask the Lord to protect them in righteousness; 2) that they continue to ask God for protection.
  • 3 Ne 4:31-33. In the KJV the phrase "Most High God" is consistently translated from the Hebrew title El Elyon. Given this, it is likely that the phrase here was translated from this same title. El Elyon refers to Elohim or God the Father, as opposed to Yahweh (Jehovah) who is Jesus Christ..
  • The phrase "God Almighty" is probably a translation of the Hebrew title El Shaddai.
  • El Elyon and El Shaddai are ancient titles for God closely associated with stories of the Patriarchs--and are appropriately used here where the Nephites are thanking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see verse 30).
  • Curiously, the term shaddai means "female breasts" and some have interpreted this to mean that God is the provider of all that is sufficient, just as a mother's breast provides all that is sufficient for an infant. Others have noted that shaddai has Semitic cognates that refer to mountains--which might indicate that El Shaddai is the God of the Mountain, the [Most High] God that rules from Mount Zion.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:29: What does the phrase "that they became for themselves" mean?
  • 3 Ne 2:8: Why do the people (who seem mainly to not believe in Christ at this time) begin to reckon time from his birth?
  • 3 Ne 2:9: It is mentioned that Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, never returned to the land of Zarahemla. Why is this mentioned again in this chapter when it was already mentioned in 3 Ne 1:3? Why is it necessary to mention it again?
  • 3 Ne 2:15: This verse tells us that curse of the Lamanites was suddenly removed and that their skin became white like the Nephites. Was this a literal change in their skin color?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-5: How can the information in these verses be applied to our struggles with the Adversary?
  • 3 Ne 4:4: The Nephites had enough provisions to last them 7 years. How is this similar to the story of Joseph in Egypt?
  • 3 Ne 4:6: Why were the Gadianton Robbers afraid to spread themselves out too thin?
  • 3 Ne 4:13: Why did the Nephites only pursue the Gadianton Robbers to the border of Nephite territory?
  • 3 Ne 4:14: The Gadianton Robbers retreated in such a frenzied way that their leader was caught.
  • 3 Ne 4:15: What metaphorical places of safety do we (or should we) retreat to while preparing for assaults on our faith?
  • 3 Ne 4:32: Why the emphasis here on God as the "Most High"? What does that mean?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: Why were humility and repentance essential to the Nephite's victory?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: This verse tells us that the Nephites knew they were delivered "from an everlasting destruction" because of their repentance and their humility. Does this everlasting destruction refer to the everlasting physical destruction of Nephites? Or is this a reference to the spiritual destruction we all face without repentance and humility? Or, does it refer to both at once?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: What would happen to the Gadianton Robbers that accepted the gospel and repented?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: How great was the amount of Nephites that were convinced of the gospel?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: The prison where the Gadianton Robbers were held is similar to spirit prison in that they are taught the gospel and given a chance to accept it.

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. Why wouldn't Gidgidoni want the Robbers to just run away? Why would he send out his army to attack them? Does this offer a model for how we should deal with evil and temptations that we encounter?

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5

3 Ne 3:1-5

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 2-4 / Verses 1:27-5:7
Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 2-4 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 2-4 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 2-4 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:28. This verse tells us that there were many dissenters of the Nephites who went to join the Gadianton robbers. 3 Ne 3:4 tells us that these people believed that they had been wronged by the Nephites, and 3 Ne 3:10 tells us that they believed they had a right to the government. It looks like there was some struggle at this time over who should control the government and that this struggle ultimately lead to these dissenters joining the Gadianton robbers. It is interesting that it was also due to a struggle over who should control the government that gave rise originally to the Gadianton robbers (see Helaman chapters 1 & 2).
  • 3 Ne 1:29. Possible interpretations of the phrase "that they became for themselves" include:
    • they had reached an age where in their culture they were taken to be completely responsible for their own actions, e.g. something like turning 18 in our culture.
    • they no longer listened to their parents.
  • 3 Ne 2:15: White. Although many believe the mark of the Lamanites was a darker skin color because of their unrighteousness. However, there is little textual evidence in the Book of Mormon suggesting that skin color is related to righteousness. Here, the change in skin color is listed as a separate event, presumably a result of their intermarrying with the Nephites, than their becoming more righteous. (For more on this see the Tvedtnes article below.)
  • 3 Ne 3:19. It is interesting to note that during times of righteous living, the Nephites appointed prophets to be the commanders of their armies. This is not the only place in the scriptures where something like this is mentioned. In Alma 2:16 it talks about how Alma the younger led the army of the Nephites during battle. Also, in Alma 43:23 it mentions that Captain Moroni (although he wasn't the prophet) caused his men to go and ask Alma the younger (the prophet) to inquire of the Lord as to how the Nephites should best defend themselves. Even in times of wickedness, the Nephite armies appointed Mormon to be their leader (see Mormon 2:1). In modern times, this has occurred as well, such as when Joseph Smith was appointed to leadership in the Nauvoo Legion. Wouldn't it be nice if leaders of armies today were prophets or consulted with prophets for guidance?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-4. The robbers couldn't provide for themselves. They were dependent upon the Nephites for crops. It is similar to the relationship that a parasite has with its host.
  • 3 Ne 4:7-10. Before the ferocious appearance of the Lamanites, the Nephites began to cry unto the Lord for deliverance from their enemies. This however, gives the impression to Giddianhi's armies that the Nephites are terrified and will be an easy victory. But as verse 10 describes, the armies of Giddianhi "were disappointed, for the Nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for protection." The Nephites relied solely on the Lord for their deliverance and conquered the robbers while on the other hand, the robbers relied on their own strength and intimidation in order to try and defeat the Nephites. This shows the importance of trusting the Lord in an hour of need.
  • 3 Ne 4:18. In this verse can be seen the power of food storage. When the Nephites gathered together in the lands of Zarahemla and Bountiful, they took with them provisions that would last them seven years (see v. 4). Due to this preparation, the Gadianton robbers were unable to effectively lay siege on the Nephites. And having no provisions themselves, the robbers eventually ended up having to abandon their plan.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. See Alma 50 for a similar tactic of the Nephites preventing their enemies from fleeing to regroup--Moroni heading off Morianton.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. We read here how the Nephites attacked thousands and tens of thousands of robbers. The Gadianton Robbers must have been a huge group. Almost its own country.
  • 3 Ne 4:30. Note the two conditions that the people identify in their request in this verse for perpetual protection: 1) that the people are righteous--they only ask the Lord to protect them in righteousness; 2) that they continue to ask God for protection.
  • 3 Ne 4:31-33. In the KJV the phrase "Most High God" is consistently translated from the Hebrew title El Elyon. Given this, it is likely that the phrase here was translated from this same title. El Elyon refers to Elohim or God the Father, as opposed to Yahweh (Jehovah) who is Jesus Christ..
  • The phrase "God Almighty" is probably a translation of the Hebrew title El Shaddai.
  • El Elyon and El Shaddai are ancient titles for God closely associated with stories of the Patriarchs--and are appropriately used here where the Nephites are thanking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see verse 30).
  • Curiously, the term shaddai means "female breasts" and some have interpreted this to mean that God is the provider of all that is sufficient, just as a mother's breast provides all that is sufficient for an infant. Others have noted that shaddai has Semitic cognates that refer to mountains--which might indicate that El Shaddai is the God of the Mountain, the [Most High] God that rules from Mount Zion.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:29: What does the phrase "that they became for themselves" mean?
  • 3 Ne 2:8: Why do the people (who seem mainly to not believe in Christ at this time) begin to reckon time from his birth?
  • 3 Ne 2:9: It is mentioned that Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, never returned to the land of Zarahemla. Why is this mentioned again in this chapter when it was already mentioned in 3 Ne 1:3? Why is it necessary to mention it again?
  • 3 Ne 2:15: This verse tells us that curse of the Lamanites was suddenly removed and that their skin became white like the Nephites. Was this a literal change in their skin color?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-5: How can the information in these verses be applied to our struggles with the Adversary?
  • 3 Ne 4:4: The Nephites had enough provisions to last them 7 years. How is this similar to the story of Joseph in Egypt?
  • 3 Ne 4:6: Why were the Gadianton Robbers afraid to spread themselves out too thin?
  • 3 Ne 4:13: Why did the Nephites only pursue the Gadianton Robbers to the border of Nephite territory?
  • 3 Ne 4:14: The Gadianton Robbers retreated in such a frenzied way that their leader was caught.
  • 3 Ne 4:15: What metaphorical places of safety do we (or should we) retreat to while preparing for assaults on our faith?
  • 3 Ne 4:32: Why the emphasis here on God as the "Most High"? What does that mean?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: Why were humility and repentance essential to the Nephite's victory?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: This verse tells us that the Nephites knew they were delivered "from an everlasting destruction" because of their repentance and their humility. Does this everlasting destruction refer to the everlasting physical destruction of Nephites? Or is this a reference to the spiritual destruction we all face without repentance and humility? Or, does it refer to both at once?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: What would happen to the Gadianton Robbers that accepted the gospel and repented?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: How great was the amount of Nephites that were convinced of the gospel?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: The prison where the Gadianton Robbers were held is similar to spirit prison in that they are taught the gospel and given a chance to accept it.

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. Why wouldn't Gidgidoni want the Robbers to just run away? Why would he send out his army to attack them? Does this offer a model for how we should deal with evil and temptations that we encounter?

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5

3 Ne 3:6-10

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 2-4 / Verses 1:27-5:7
Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 2-4 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 2-4 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 2-4 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:28. This verse tells us that there were many dissenters of the Nephites who went to join the Gadianton robbers. 3 Ne 3:4 tells us that these people believed that they had been wronged by the Nephites, and 3 Ne 3:10 tells us that they believed they had a right to the government. It looks like there was some struggle at this time over who should control the government and that this struggle ultimately lead to these dissenters joining the Gadianton robbers. It is interesting that it was also due to a struggle over who should control the government that gave rise originally to the Gadianton robbers (see Helaman chapters 1 & 2).
  • 3 Ne 1:29. Possible interpretations of the phrase "that they became for themselves" include:
    • they had reached an age where in their culture they were taken to be completely responsible for their own actions, e.g. something like turning 18 in our culture.
    • they no longer listened to their parents.
  • 3 Ne 2:15: White. Although many believe the mark of the Lamanites was a darker skin color because of their unrighteousness. However, there is little textual evidence in the Book of Mormon suggesting that skin color is related to righteousness. Here, the change in skin color is listed as a separate event, presumably a result of their intermarrying with the Nephites, than their becoming more righteous. (For more on this see the Tvedtnes article below.)
  • 3 Ne 3:19. It is interesting to note that during times of righteous living, the Nephites appointed prophets to be the commanders of their armies. This is not the only place in the scriptures where something like this is mentioned. In Alma 2:16 it talks about how Alma the younger led the army of the Nephites during battle. Also, in Alma 43:23 it mentions that Captain Moroni (although he wasn't the prophet) caused his men to go and ask Alma the younger (the prophet) to inquire of the Lord as to how the Nephites should best defend themselves. Even in times of wickedness, the Nephite armies appointed Mormon to be their leader (see Mormon 2:1). In modern times, this has occurred as well, such as when Joseph Smith was appointed to leadership in the Nauvoo Legion. Wouldn't it be nice if leaders of armies today were prophets or consulted with prophets for guidance?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-4. The robbers couldn't provide for themselves. They were dependent upon the Nephites for crops. It is similar to the relationship that a parasite has with its host.
  • 3 Ne 4:7-10. Before the ferocious appearance of the Lamanites, the Nephites began to cry unto the Lord for deliverance from their enemies. This however, gives the impression to Giddianhi's armies that the Nephites are terrified and will be an easy victory. But as verse 10 describes, the armies of Giddianhi "were disappointed, for the Nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for protection." The Nephites relied solely on the Lord for their deliverance and conquered the robbers while on the other hand, the robbers relied on their own strength and intimidation in order to try and defeat the Nephites. This shows the importance of trusting the Lord in an hour of need.
  • 3 Ne 4:18. In this verse can be seen the power of food storage. When the Nephites gathered together in the lands of Zarahemla and Bountiful, they took with them provisions that would last them seven years (see v. 4). Due to this preparation, the Gadianton robbers were unable to effectively lay siege on the Nephites. And having no provisions themselves, the robbers eventually ended up having to abandon their plan.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. See Alma 50 for a similar tactic of the Nephites preventing their enemies from fleeing to regroup--Moroni heading off Morianton.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. We read here how the Nephites attacked thousands and tens of thousands of robbers. The Gadianton Robbers must have been a huge group. Almost its own country.
  • 3 Ne 4:30. Note the two conditions that the people identify in their request in this verse for perpetual protection: 1) that the people are righteous--they only ask the Lord to protect them in righteousness; 2) that they continue to ask God for protection.
  • 3 Ne 4:31-33. In the KJV the phrase "Most High God" is consistently translated from the Hebrew title El Elyon. Given this, it is likely that the phrase here was translated from this same title. El Elyon refers to Elohim or God the Father, as opposed to Yahweh (Jehovah) who is Jesus Christ..
  • The phrase "God Almighty" is probably a translation of the Hebrew title El Shaddai.
  • El Elyon and El Shaddai are ancient titles for God closely associated with stories of the Patriarchs--and are appropriately used here where the Nephites are thanking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see verse 30).
  • Curiously, the term shaddai means "female breasts" and some have interpreted this to mean that God is the provider of all that is sufficient, just as a mother's breast provides all that is sufficient for an infant. Others have noted that shaddai has Semitic cognates that refer to mountains--which might indicate that El Shaddai is the God of the Mountain, the [Most High] God that rules from Mount Zion.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:29: What does the phrase "that they became for themselves" mean?
  • 3 Ne 2:8: Why do the people (who seem mainly to not believe in Christ at this time) begin to reckon time from his birth?
  • 3 Ne 2:9: It is mentioned that Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, never returned to the land of Zarahemla. Why is this mentioned again in this chapter when it was already mentioned in 3 Ne 1:3? Why is it necessary to mention it again?
  • 3 Ne 2:15: This verse tells us that curse of the Lamanites was suddenly removed and that their skin became white like the Nephites. Was this a literal change in their skin color?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-5: How can the information in these verses be applied to our struggles with the Adversary?
  • 3 Ne 4:4: The Nephites had enough provisions to last them 7 years. How is this similar to the story of Joseph in Egypt?
  • 3 Ne 4:6: Why were the Gadianton Robbers afraid to spread themselves out too thin?
  • 3 Ne 4:13: Why did the Nephites only pursue the Gadianton Robbers to the border of Nephite territory?
  • 3 Ne 4:14: The Gadianton Robbers retreated in such a frenzied way that their leader was caught.
  • 3 Ne 4:15: What metaphorical places of safety do we (or should we) retreat to while preparing for assaults on our faith?
  • 3 Ne 4:32: Why the emphasis here on God as the "Most High"? What does that mean?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: Why were humility and repentance essential to the Nephite's victory?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: This verse tells us that the Nephites knew they were delivered "from an everlasting destruction" because of their repentance and their humility. Does this everlasting destruction refer to the everlasting physical destruction of Nephites? Or is this a reference to the spiritual destruction we all face without repentance and humility? Or, does it refer to both at once?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: What would happen to the Gadianton Robbers that accepted the gospel and repented?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: How great was the amount of Nephites that were convinced of the gospel?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: The prison where the Gadianton Robbers were held is similar to spirit prison in that they are taught the gospel and given a chance to accept it.

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. Why wouldn't Gidgidoni want the Robbers to just run away? Why would he send out his army to attack them? Does this offer a model for how we should deal with evil and temptations that we encounter?

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5

3 Ne 3:11-15

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 2-4 / Verses 1:27-5:7
Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 2-4 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 2-4 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 2-4 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:28. This verse tells us that there were many dissenters of the Nephites who went to join the Gadianton robbers. 3 Ne 3:4 tells us that these people believed that they had been wronged by the Nephites, and 3 Ne 3:10 tells us that they believed they had a right to the government. It looks like there was some struggle at this time over who should control the government and that this struggle ultimately lead to these dissenters joining the Gadianton robbers. It is interesting that it was also due to a struggle over who should control the government that gave rise originally to the Gadianton robbers (see Helaman chapters 1 & 2).
  • 3 Ne 1:29. Possible interpretations of the phrase "that they became for themselves" include:
    • they had reached an age where in their culture they were taken to be completely responsible for their own actions, e.g. something like turning 18 in our culture.
    • they no longer listened to their parents.
  • 3 Ne 2:15: White. Although many believe the mark of the Lamanites was a darker skin color because of their unrighteousness. However, there is little textual evidence in the Book of Mormon suggesting that skin color is related to righteousness. Here, the change in skin color is listed as a separate event, presumably a result of their intermarrying with the Nephites, than their becoming more righteous. (For more on this see the Tvedtnes article below.)
  • 3 Ne 3:19. It is interesting to note that during times of righteous living, the Nephites appointed prophets to be the commanders of their armies. This is not the only place in the scriptures where something like this is mentioned. In Alma 2:16 it talks about how Alma the younger led the army of the Nephites during battle. Also, in Alma 43:23 it mentions that Captain Moroni (although he wasn't the prophet) caused his men to go and ask Alma the younger (the prophet) to inquire of the Lord as to how the Nephites should best defend themselves. Even in times of wickedness, the Nephite armies appointed Mormon to be their leader (see Mormon 2:1). In modern times, this has occurred as well, such as when Joseph Smith was appointed to leadership in the Nauvoo Legion. Wouldn't it be nice if leaders of armies today were prophets or consulted with prophets for guidance?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-4. The robbers couldn't provide for themselves. They were dependent upon the Nephites for crops. It is similar to the relationship that a parasite has with its host.
  • 3 Ne 4:7-10. Before the ferocious appearance of the Lamanites, the Nephites began to cry unto the Lord for deliverance from their enemies. This however, gives the impression to Giddianhi's armies that the Nephites are terrified and will be an easy victory. But as verse 10 describes, the armies of Giddianhi "were disappointed, for the Nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for protection." The Nephites relied solely on the Lord for their deliverance and conquered the robbers while on the other hand, the robbers relied on their own strength and intimidation in order to try and defeat the Nephites. This shows the importance of trusting the Lord in an hour of need.
  • 3 Ne 4:18. In this verse can be seen the power of food storage. When the Nephites gathered together in the lands of Zarahemla and Bountiful, they took with them provisions that would last them seven years (see v. 4). Due to this preparation, the Gadianton robbers were unable to effectively lay siege on the Nephites. And having no provisions themselves, the robbers eventually ended up having to abandon their plan.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. See Alma 50 for a similar tactic of the Nephites preventing their enemies from fleeing to regroup--Moroni heading off Morianton.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. We read here how the Nephites attacked thousands and tens of thousands of robbers. The Gadianton Robbers must have been a huge group. Almost its own country.
  • 3 Ne 4:30. Note the two conditions that the people identify in their request in this verse for perpetual protection: 1) that the people are righteous--they only ask the Lord to protect them in righteousness; 2) that they continue to ask God for protection.
  • 3 Ne 4:31-33. In the KJV the phrase "Most High God" is consistently translated from the Hebrew title El Elyon. Given this, it is likely that the phrase here was translated from this same title. El Elyon refers to Elohim or God the Father, as opposed to Yahweh (Jehovah) who is Jesus Christ..
  • The phrase "God Almighty" is probably a translation of the Hebrew title El Shaddai.
  • El Elyon and El Shaddai are ancient titles for God closely associated with stories of the Patriarchs--and are appropriately used here where the Nephites are thanking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see verse 30).
  • Curiously, the term shaddai means "female breasts" and some have interpreted this to mean that God is the provider of all that is sufficient, just as a mother's breast provides all that is sufficient for an infant. Others have noted that shaddai has Semitic cognates that refer to mountains--which might indicate that El Shaddai is the God of the Mountain, the [Most High] God that rules from Mount Zion.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:29: What does the phrase "that they became for themselves" mean?
  • 3 Ne 2:8: Why do the people (who seem mainly to not believe in Christ at this time) begin to reckon time from his birth?
  • 3 Ne 2:9: It is mentioned that Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, never returned to the land of Zarahemla. Why is this mentioned again in this chapter when it was already mentioned in 3 Ne 1:3? Why is it necessary to mention it again?
  • 3 Ne 2:15: This verse tells us that curse of the Lamanites was suddenly removed and that their skin became white like the Nephites. Was this a literal change in their skin color?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-5: How can the information in these verses be applied to our struggles with the Adversary?
  • 3 Ne 4:4: The Nephites had enough provisions to last them 7 years. How is this similar to the story of Joseph in Egypt?
  • 3 Ne 4:6: Why were the Gadianton Robbers afraid to spread themselves out too thin?
  • 3 Ne 4:13: Why did the Nephites only pursue the Gadianton Robbers to the border of Nephite territory?
  • 3 Ne 4:14: The Gadianton Robbers retreated in such a frenzied way that their leader was caught.
  • 3 Ne 4:15: What metaphorical places of safety do we (or should we) retreat to while preparing for assaults on our faith?
  • 3 Ne 4:32: Why the emphasis here on God as the "Most High"? What does that mean?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: Why were humility and repentance essential to the Nephite's victory?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: This verse tells us that the Nephites knew they were delivered "from an everlasting destruction" because of their repentance and their humility. Does this everlasting destruction refer to the everlasting physical destruction of Nephites? Or is this a reference to the spiritual destruction we all face without repentance and humility? Or, does it refer to both at once?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: What would happen to the Gadianton Robbers that accepted the gospel and repented?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: How great was the amount of Nephites that were convinced of the gospel?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: The prison where the Gadianton Robbers were held is similar to spirit prison in that they are taught the gospel and given a chance to accept it.

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. Why wouldn't Gidgidoni want the Robbers to just run away? Why would he send out his army to attack them? Does this offer a model for how we should deal with evil and temptations that we encounter?

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5

3 Ne 3:16-20

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 2-4 / Verses 1:27-5:7
Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 2-4 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 2-4 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 2-4 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:28. This verse tells us that there were many dissenters of the Nephites who went to join the Gadianton robbers. 3 Ne 3:4 tells us that these people believed that they had been wronged by the Nephites, and 3 Ne 3:10 tells us that they believed they had a right to the government. It looks like there was some struggle at this time over who should control the government and that this struggle ultimately lead to these dissenters joining the Gadianton robbers. It is interesting that it was also due to a struggle over who should control the government that gave rise originally to the Gadianton robbers (see Helaman chapters 1 & 2).
  • 3 Ne 1:29. Possible interpretations of the phrase "that they became for themselves" include:
    • they had reached an age where in their culture they were taken to be completely responsible for their own actions, e.g. something like turning 18 in our culture.
    • they no longer listened to their parents.
  • 3 Ne 2:15: White. Although many believe the mark of the Lamanites was a darker skin color because of their unrighteousness. However, there is little textual evidence in the Book of Mormon suggesting that skin color is related to righteousness. Here, the change in skin color is listed as a separate event, presumably a result of their intermarrying with the Nephites, than their becoming more righteous. (For more on this see the Tvedtnes article below.)
  • 3 Ne 3:19. It is interesting to note that during times of righteous living, the Nephites appointed prophets to be the commanders of their armies. This is not the only place in the scriptures where something like this is mentioned. In Alma 2:16 it talks about how Alma the younger led the army of the Nephites during battle. Also, in Alma 43:23 it mentions that Captain Moroni (although he wasn't the prophet) caused his men to go and ask Alma the younger (the prophet) to inquire of the Lord as to how the Nephites should best defend themselves. Even in times of wickedness, the Nephite armies appointed Mormon to be their leader (see Mormon 2:1). In modern times, this has occurred as well, such as when Joseph Smith was appointed to leadership in the Nauvoo Legion. Wouldn't it be nice if leaders of armies today were prophets or consulted with prophets for guidance?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-4. The robbers couldn't provide for themselves. They were dependent upon the Nephites for crops. It is similar to the relationship that a parasite has with its host.
  • 3 Ne 4:7-10. Before the ferocious appearance of the Lamanites, the Nephites began to cry unto the Lord for deliverance from their enemies. This however, gives the impression to Giddianhi's armies that the Nephites are terrified and will be an easy victory. But as verse 10 describes, the armies of Giddianhi "were disappointed, for the Nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for protection." The Nephites relied solely on the Lord for their deliverance and conquered the robbers while on the other hand, the robbers relied on their own strength and intimidation in order to try and defeat the Nephites. This shows the importance of trusting the Lord in an hour of need.
  • 3 Ne 4:18. In this verse can be seen the power of food storage. When the Nephites gathered together in the lands of Zarahemla and Bountiful, they took with them provisions that would last them seven years (see v. 4). Due to this preparation, the Gadianton robbers were unable to effectively lay siege on the Nephites. And having no provisions themselves, the robbers eventually ended up having to abandon their plan.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. See Alma 50 for a similar tactic of the Nephites preventing their enemies from fleeing to regroup--Moroni heading off Morianton.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. We read here how the Nephites attacked thousands and tens of thousands of robbers. The Gadianton Robbers must have been a huge group. Almost its own country.
  • 3 Ne 4:30. Note the two conditions that the people identify in their request in this verse for perpetual protection: 1) that the people are righteous--they only ask the Lord to protect them in righteousness; 2) that they continue to ask God for protection.
  • 3 Ne 4:31-33. In the KJV the phrase "Most High God" is consistently translated from the Hebrew title El Elyon. Given this, it is likely that the phrase here was translated from this same title. El Elyon refers to Elohim or God the Father, as opposed to Yahweh (Jehovah) who is Jesus Christ..
  • The phrase "God Almighty" is probably a translation of the Hebrew title El Shaddai.
  • El Elyon and El Shaddai are ancient titles for God closely associated with stories of the Patriarchs--and are appropriately used here where the Nephites are thanking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see verse 30).
  • Curiously, the term shaddai means "female breasts" and some have interpreted this to mean that God is the provider of all that is sufficient, just as a mother's breast provides all that is sufficient for an infant. Others have noted that shaddai has Semitic cognates that refer to mountains--which might indicate that El Shaddai is the God of the Mountain, the [Most High] God that rules from Mount Zion.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:29: What does the phrase "that they became for themselves" mean?
  • 3 Ne 2:8: Why do the people (who seem mainly to not believe in Christ at this time) begin to reckon time from his birth?
  • 3 Ne 2:9: It is mentioned that Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, never returned to the land of Zarahemla. Why is this mentioned again in this chapter when it was already mentioned in 3 Ne 1:3? Why is it necessary to mention it again?
  • 3 Ne 2:15: This verse tells us that curse of the Lamanites was suddenly removed and that their skin became white like the Nephites. Was this a literal change in their skin color?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-5: How can the information in these verses be applied to our struggles with the Adversary?
  • 3 Ne 4:4: The Nephites had enough provisions to last them 7 years. How is this similar to the story of Joseph in Egypt?
  • 3 Ne 4:6: Why were the Gadianton Robbers afraid to spread themselves out too thin?
  • 3 Ne 4:13: Why did the Nephites only pursue the Gadianton Robbers to the border of Nephite territory?
  • 3 Ne 4:14: The Gadianton Robbers retreated in such a frenzied way that their leader was caught.
  • 3 Ne 4:15: What metaphorical places of safety do we (or should we) retreat to while preparing for assaults on our faith?
  • 3 Ne 4:32: Why the emphasis here on God as the "Most High"? What does that mean?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: Why were humility and repentance essential to the Nephite's victory?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: This verse tells us that the Nephites knew they were delivered "from an everlasting destruction" because of their repentance and their humility. Does this everlasting destruction refer to the everlasting physical destruction of Nephites? Or is this a reference to the spiritual destruction we all face without repentance and humility? Or, does it refer to both at once?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: What would happen to the Gadianton Robbers that accepted the gospel and repented?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: How great was the amount of Nephites that were convinced of the gospel?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: The prison where the Gadianton Robbers were held is similar to spirit prison in that they are taught the gospel and given a chance to accept it.

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. Why wouldn't Gidgidoni want the Robbers to just run away? Why would he send out his army to attack them? Does this offer a model for how we should deal with evil and temptations that we encounter?

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5

3 Ne 3:21-26

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 2-4 / Verses 1:27-5:7
Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 2-4 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 2-4 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 2-4 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:28. This verse tells us that there were many dissenters of the Nephites who went to join the Gadianton robbers. 3 Ne 3:4 tells us that these people believed that they had been wronged by the Nephites, and 3 Ne 3:10 tells us that they believed they had a right to the government. It looks like there was some struggle at this time over who should control the government and that this struggle ultimately lead to these dissenters joining the Gadianton robbers. It is interesting that it was also due to a struggle over who should control the government that gave rise originally to the Gadianton robbers (see Helaman chapters 1 & 2).
  • 3 Ne 1:29. Possible interpretations of the phrase "that they became for themselves" include:
    • they had reached an age where in their culture they were taken to be completely responsible for their own actions, e.g. something like turning 18 in our culture.
    • they no longer listened to their parents.
  • 3 Ne 2:15: White. Although many believe the mark of the Lamanites was a darker skin color because of their unrighteousness. However, there is little textual evidence in the Book of Mormon suggesting that skin color is related to righteousness. Here, the change in skin color is listed as a separate event, presumably a result of their intermarrying with the Nephites, than their becoming more righteous. (For more on this see the Tvedtnes article below.)
  • 3 Ne 3:19. It is interesting to note that during times of righteous living, the Nephites appointed prophets to be the commanders of their armies. This is not the only place in the scriptures where something like this is mentioned. In Alma 2:16 it talks about how Alma the younger led the army of the Nephites during battle. Also, in Alma 43:23 it mentions that Captain Moroni (although he wasn't the prophet) caused his men to go and ask Alma the younger (the prophet) to inquire of the Lord as to how the Nephites should best defend themselves. Even in times of wickedness, the Nephite armies appointed Mormon to be their leader (see Mormon 2:1). In modern times, this has occurred as well, such as when Joseph Smith was appointed to leadership in the Nauvoo Legion. Wouldn't it be nice if leaders of armies today were prophets or consulted with prophets for guidance?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-4. The robbers couldn't provide for themselves. They were dependent upon the Nephites for crops. It is similar to the relationship that a parasite has with its host.
  • 3 Ne 4:7-10. Before the ferocious appearance of the Lamanites, the Nephites began to cry unto the Lord for deliverance from their enemies. This however, gives the impression to Giddianhi's armies that the Nephites are terrified and will be an easy victory. But as verse 10 describes, the armies of Giddianhi "were disappointed, for the Nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for protection." The Nephites relied solely on the Lord for their deliverance and conquered the robbers while on the other hand, the robbers relied on their own strength and intimidation in order to try and defeat the Nephites. This shows the importance of trusting the Lord in an hour of need.
  • 3 Ne 4:18. In this verse can be seen the power of food storage. When the Nephites gathered together in the lands of Zarahemla and Bountiful, they took with them provisions that would last them seven years (see v. 4). Due to this preparation, the Gadianton robbers were unable to effectively lay siege on the Nephites. And having no provisions themselves, the robbers eventually ended up having to abandon their plan.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. See Alma 50 for a similar tactic of the Nephites preventing their enemies from fleeing to regroup--Moroni heading off Morianton.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. We read here how the Nephites attacked thousands and tens of thousands of robbers. The Gadianton Robbers must have been a huge group. Almost its own country.
  • 3 Ne 4:30. Note the two conditions that the people identify in their request in this verse for perpetual protection: 1) that the people are righteous--they only ask the Lord to protect them in righteousness; 2) that they continue to ask God for protection.
  • 3 Ne 4:31-33. In the KJV the phrase "Most High God" is consistently translated from the Hebrew title El Elyon. Given this, it is likely that the phrase here was translated from this same title. El Elyon refers to Elohim or God the Father, as opposed to Yahweh (Jehovah) who is Jesus Christ..
  • The phrase "God Almighty" is probably a translation of the Hebrew title El Shaddai.
  • El Elyon and El Shaddai are ancient titles for God closely associated with stories of the Patriarchs--and are appropriately used here where the Nephites are thanking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see verse 30).
  • Curiously, the term shaddai means "female breasts" and some have interpreted this to mean that God is the provider of all that is sufficient, just as a mother's breast provides all that is sufficient for an infant. Others have noted that shaddai has Semitic cognates that refer to mountains--which might indicate that El Shaddai is the God of the Mountain, the [Most High] God that rules from Mount Zion.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:29: What does the phrase "that they became for themselves" mean?
  • 3 Ne 2:8: Why do the people (who seem mainly to not believe in Christ at this time) begin to reckon time from his birth?
  • 3 Ne 2:9: It is mentioned that Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, never returned to the land of Zarahemla. Why is this mentioned again in this chapter when it was already mentioned in 3 Ne 1:3? Why is it necessary to mention it again?
  • 3 Ne 2:15: This verse tells us that curse of the Lamanites was suddenly removed and that their skin became white like the Nephites. Was this a literal change in their skin color?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-5: How can the information in these verses be applied to our struggles with the Adversary?
  • 3 Ne 4:4: The Nephites had enough provisions to last them 7 years. How is this similar to the story of Joseph in Egypt?
  • 3 Ne 4:6: Why were the Gadianton Robbers afraid to spread themselves out too thin?
  • 3 Ne 4:13: Why did the Nephites only pursue the Gadianton Robbers to the border of Nephite territory?
  • 3 Ne 4:14: The Gadianton Robbers retreated in such a frenzied way that their leader was caught.
  • 3 Ne 4:15: What metaphorical places of safety do we (or should we) retreat to while preparing for assaults on our faith?
  • 3 Ne 4:32: Why the emphasis here on God as the "Most High"? What does that mean?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: Why were humility and repentance essential to the Nephite's victory?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: This verse tells us that the Nephites knew they were delivered "from an everlasting destruction" because of their repentance and their humility. Does this everlasting destruction refer to the everlasting physical destruction of Nephites? Or is this a reference to the spiritual destruction we all face without repentance and humility? Or, does it refer to both at once?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: What would happen to the Gadianton Robbers that accepted the gospel and repented?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: How great was the amount of Nephites that were convinced of the gospel?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: The prison where the Gadianton Robbers were held is similar to spirit prison in that they are taught the gospel and given a chance to accept it.

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. Why wouldn't Gidgidoni want the Robbers to just run away? Why would he send out his army to attack them? Does this offer a model for how we should deal with evil and temptations that we encounter?

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5

3 Ne 4:1-5

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 2-4 / Verses 1:27-5:7
Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 2-4 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 2-4 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 2-4 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:28. This verse tells us that there were many dissenters of the Nephites who went to join the Gadianton robbers. 3 Ne 3:4 tells us that these people believed that they had been wronged by the Nephites, and 3 Ne 3:10 tells us that they believed they had a right to the government. It looks like there was some struggle at this time over who should control the government and that this struggle ultimately lead to these dissenters joining the Gadianton robbers. It is interesting that it was also due to a struggle over who should control the government that gave rise originally to the Gadianton robbers (see Helaman chapters 1 & 2).
  • 3 Ne 1:29. Possible interpretations of the phrase "that they became for themselves" include:
    • they had reached an age where in their culture they were taken to be completely responsible for their own actions, e.g. something like turning 18 in our culture.
    • they no longer listened to their parents.
  • 3 Ne 2:15: White. Although many believe the mark of the Lamanites was a darker skin color because of their unrighteousness. However, there is little textual evidence in the Book of Mormon suggesting that skin color is related to righteousness. Here, the change in skin color is listed as a separate event, presumably a result of their intermarrying with the Nephites, than their becoming more righteous. (For more on this see the Tvedtnes article below.)
  • 3 Ne 3:19. It is interesting to note that during times of righteous living, the Nephites appointed prophets to be the commanders of their armies. This is not the only place in the scriptures where something like this is mentioned. In Alma 2:16 it talks about how Alma the younger led the army of the Nephites during battle. Also, in Alma 43:23 it mentions that Captain Moroni (although he wasn't the prophet) caused his men to go and ask Alma the younger (the prophet) to inquire of the Lord as to how the Nephites should best defend themselves. Even in times of wickedness, the Nephite armies appointed Mormon to be their leader (see Mormon 2:1). In modern times, this has occurred as well, such as when Joseph Smith was appointed to leadership in the Nauvoo Legion. Wouldn't it be nice if leaders of armies today were prophets or consulted with prophets for guidance?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-4. The robbers couldn't provide for themselves. They were dependent upon the Nephites for crops. It is similar to the relationship that a parasite has with its host.
  • 3 Ne 4:7-10. Before the ferocious appearance of the Lamanites, the Nephites began to cry unto the Lord for deliverance from their enemies. This however, gives the impression to Giddianhi's armies that the Nephites are terrified and will be an easy victory. But as verse 10 describes, the armies of Giddianhi "were disappointed, for the Nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for protection." The Nephites relied solely on the Lord for their deliverance and conquered the robbers while on the other hand, the robbers relied on their own strength and intimidation in order to try and defeat the Nephites. This shows the importance of trusting the Lord in an hour of need.
  • 3 Ne 4:18. In this verse can be seen the power of food storage. When the Nephites gathered together in the lands of Zarahemla and Bountiful, they took with them provisions that would last them seven years (see v. 4). Due to this preparation, the Gadianton robbers were unable to effectively lay siege on the Nephites. And having no provisions themselves, the robbers eventually ended up having to abandon their plan.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. See Alma 50 for a similar tactic of the Nephites preventing their enemies from fleeing to regroup--Moroni heading off Morianton.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. We read here how the Nephites attacked thousands and tens of thousands of robbers. The Gadianton Robbers must have been a huge group. Almost its own country.
  • 3 Ne 4:30. Note the two conditions that the people identify in their request in this verse for perpetual protection: 1) that the people are righteous--they only ask the Lord to protect them in righteousness; 2) that they continue to ask God for protection.
  • 3 Ne 4:31-33. In the KJV the phrase "Most High God" is consistently translated from the Hebrew title El Elyon. Given this, it is likely that the phrase here was translated from this same title. El Elyon refers to Elohim or God the Father, as opposed to Yahweh (Jehovah) who is Jesus Christ..
  • The phrase "God Almighty" is probably a translation of the Hebrew title El Shaddai.
  • El Elyon and El Shaddai are ancient titles for God closely associated with stories of the Patriarchs--and are appropriately used here where the Nephites are thanking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see verse 30).
  • Curiously, the term shaddai means "female breasts" and some have interpreted this to mean that God is the provider of all that is sufficient, just as a mother's breast provides all that is sufficient for an infant. Others have noted that shaddai has Semitic cognates that refer to mountains--which might indicate that El Shaddai is the God of the Mountain, the [Most High] God that rules from Mount Zion.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:29: What does the phrase "that they became for themselves" mean?
  • 3 Ne 2:8: Why do the people (who seem mainly to not believe in Christ at this time) begin to reckon time from his birth?
  • 3 Ne 2:9: It is mentioned that Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, never returned to the land of Zarahemla. Why is this mentioned again in this chapter when it was already mentioned in 3 Ne 1:3? Why is it necessary to mention it again?
  • 3 Ne 2:15: This verse tells us that curse of the Lamanites was suddenly removed and that their skin became white like the Nephites. Was this a literal change in their skin color?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-5: How can the information in these verses be applied to our struggles with the Adversary?
  • 3 Ne 4:4: The Nephites had enough provisions to last them 7 years. How is this similar to the story of Joseph in Egypt?
  • 3 Ne 4:6: Why were the Gadianton Robbers afraid to spread themselves out too thin?
  • 3 Ne 4:13: Why did the Nephites only pursue the Gadianton Robbers to the border of Nephite territory?
  • 3 Ne 4:14: The Gadianton Robbers retreated in such a frenzied way that their leader was caught.
  • 3 Ne 4:15: What metaphorical places of safety do we (or should we) retreat to while preparing for assaults on our faith?
  • 3 Ne 4:32: Why the emphasis here on God as the "Most High"? What does that mean?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: Why were humility and repentance essential to the Nephite's victory?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: This verse tells us that the Nephites knew they were delivered "from an everlasting destruction" because of their repentance and their humility. Does this everlasting destruction refer to the everlasting physical destruction of Nephites? Or is this a reference to the spiritual destruction we all face without repentance and humility? Or, does it refer to both at once?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: What would happen to the Gadianton Robbers that accepted the gospel and repented?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: How great was the amount of Nephites that were convinced of the gospel?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: The prison where the Gadianton Robbers were held is similar to spirit prison in that they are taught the gospel and given a chance to accept it.

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. Why wouldn't Gidgidoni want the Robbers to just run away? Why would he send out his army to attack them? Does this offer a model for how we should deal with evil and temptations that we encounter?

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5

3 Ne 4:6-10

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 2-4 / Verses 1:27-5:7
Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 2-4 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 2-4 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 2-4 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:28. This verse tells us that there were many dissenters of the Nephites who went to join the Gadianton robbers. 3 Ne 3:4 tells us that these people believed that they had been wronged by the Nephites, and 3 Ne 3:10 tells us that they believed they had a right to the government. It looks like there was some struggle at this time over who should control the government and that this struggle ultimately lead to these dissenters joining the Gadianton robbers. It is interesting that it was also due to a struggle over who should control the government that gave rise originally to the Gadianton robbers (see Helaman chapters 1 & 2).
  • 3 Ne 1:29. Possible interpretations of the phrase "that they became for themselves" include:
    • they had reached an age where in their culture they were taken to be completely responsible for their own actions, e.g. something like turning 18 in our culture.
    • they no longer listened to their parents.
  • 3 Ne 2:15: White. Although many believe the mark of the Lamanites was a darker skin color because of their unrighteousness. However, there is little textual evidence in the Book of Mormon suggesting that skin color is related to righteousness. Here, the change in skin color is listed as a separate event, presumably a result of their intermarrying with the Nephites, than their becoming more righteous. (For more on this see the Tvedtnes article below.)
  • 3 Ne 3:19. It is interesting to note that during times of righteous living, the Nephites appointed prophets to be the commanders of their armies. This is not the only place in the scriptures where something like this is mentioned. In Alma 2:16 it talks about how Alma the younger led the army of the Nephites during battle. Also, in Alma 43:23 it mentions that Captain Moroni (although he wasn't the prophet) caused his men to go and ask Alma the younger (the prophet) to inquire of the Lord as to how the Nephites should best defend themselves. Even in times of wickedness, the Nephite armies appointed Mormon to be their leader (see Mormon 2:1). In modern times, this has occurred as well, such as when Joseph Smith was appointed to leadership in the Nauvoo Legion. Wouldn't it be nice if leaders of armies today were prophets or consulted with prophets for guidance?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-4. The robbers couldn't provide for themselves. They were dependent upon the Nephites for crops. It is similar to the relationship that a parasite has with its host.
  • 3 Ne 4:7-10. Before the ferocious appearance of the Lamanites, the Nephites began to cry unto the Lord for deliverance from their enemies. This however, gives the impression to Giddianhi's armies that the Nephites are terrified and will be an easy victory. But as verse 10 describes, the armies of Giddianhi "were disappointed, for the Nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for protection." The Nephites relied solely on the Lord for their deliverance and conquered the robbers while on the other hand, the robbers relied on their own strength and intimidation in order to try and defeat the Nephites. This shows the importance of trusting the Lord in an hour of need.
  • 3 Ne 4:18. In this verse can be seen the power of food storage. When the Nephites gathered together in the lands of Zarahemla and Bountiful, they took with them provisions that would last them seven years (see v. 4). Due to this preparation, the Gadianton robbers were unable to effectively lay siege on the Nephites. And having no provisions themselves, the robbers eventually ended up having to abandon their plan.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. See Alma 50 for a similar tactic of the Nephites preventing their enemies from fleeing to regroup--Moroni heading off Morianton.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. We read here how the Nephites attacked thousands and tens of thousands of robbers. The Gadianton Robbers must have been a huge group. Almost its own country.
  • 3 Ne 4:30. Note the two conditions that the people identify in their request in this verse for perpetual protection: 1) that the people are righteous--they only ask the Lord to protect them in righteousness; 2) that they continue to ask God for protection.
  • 3 Ne 4:31-33. In the KJV the phrase "Most High God" is consistently translated from the Hebrew title El Elyon. Given this, it is likely that the phrase here was translated from this same title. El Elyon refers to Elohim or God the Father, as opposed to Yahweh (Jehovah) who is Jesus Christ..
  • The phrase "God Almighty" is probably a translation of the Hebrew title El Shaddai.
  • El Elyon and El Shaddai are ancient titles for God closely associated with stories of the Patriarchs--and are appropriately used here where the Nephites are thanking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see verse 30).
  • Curiously, the term shaddai means "female breasts" and some have interpreted this to mean that God is the provider of all that is sufficient, just as a mother's breast provides all that is sufficient for an infant. Others have noted that shaddai has Semitic cognates that refer to mountains--which might indicate that El Shaddai is the God of the Mountain, the [Most High] God that rules from Mount Zion.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:29: What does the phrase "that they became for themselves" mean?
  • 3 Ne 2:8: Why do the people (who seem mainly to not believe in Christ at this time) begin to reckon time from his birth?
  • 3 Ne 2:9: It is mentioned that Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, never returned to the land of Zarahemla. Why is this mentioned again in this chapter when it was already mentioned in 3 Ne 1:3? Why is it necessary to mention it again?
  • 3 Ne 2:15: This verse tells us that curse of the Lamanites was suddenly removed and that their skin became white like the Nephites. Was this a literal change in their skin color?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-5: How can the information in these verses be applied to our struggles with the Adversary?
  • 3 Ne 4:4: The Nephites had enough provisions to last them 7 years. How is this similar to the story of Joseph in Egypt?
  • 3 Ne 4:6: Why were the Gadianton Robbers afraid to spread themselves out too thin?
  • 3 Ne 4:13: Why did the Nephites only pursue the Gadianton Robbers to the border of Nephite territory?
  • 3 Ne 4:14: The Gadianton Robbers retreated in such a frenzied way that their leader was caught.
  • 3 Ne 4:15: What metaphorical places of safety do we (or should we) retreat to while preparing for assaults on our faith?
  • 3 Ne 4:32: Why the emphasis here on God as the "Most High"? What does that mean?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: Why were humility and repentance essential to the Nephite's victory?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: This verse tells us that the Nephites knew they were delivered "from an everlasting destruction" because of their repentance and their humility. Does this everlasting destruction refer to the everlasting physical destruction of Nephites? Or is this a reference to the spiritual destruction we all face without repentance and humility? Or, does it refer to both at once?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: What would happen to the Gadianton Robbers that accepted the gospel and repented?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: How great was the amount of Nephites that were convinced of the gospel?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: The prison where the Gadianton Robbers were held is similar to spirit prison in that they are taught the gospel and given a chance to accept it.

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. Why wouldn't Gidgidoni want the Robbers to just run away? Why would he send out his army to attack them? Does this offer a model for how we should deal with evil and temptations that we encounter?

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5

3 Ne 4:11-15

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 2-4 / Verses 1:27-5:7
Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 2-4 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 2-4 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 2-4 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:28. This verse tells us that there were many dissenters of the Nephites who went to join the Gadianton robbers. 3 Ne 3:4 tells us that these people believed that they had been wronged by the Nephites, and 3 Ne 3:10 tells us that they believed they had a right to the government. It looks like there was some struggle at this time over who should control the government and that this struggle ultimately lead to these dissenters joining the Gadianton robbers. It is interesting that it was also due to a struggle over who should control the government that gave rise originally to the Gadianton robbers (see Helaman chapters 1 & 2).
  • 3 Ne 1:29. Possible interpretations of the phrase "that they became for themselves" include:
    • they had reached an age where in their culture they were taken to be completely responsible for their own actions, e.g. something like turning 18 in our culture.
    • they no longer listened to their parents.
  • 3 Ne 2:15: White. Although many believe the mark of the Lamanites was a darker skin color because of their unrighteousness. However, there is little textual evidence in the Book of Mormon suggesting that skin color is related to righteousness. Here, the change in skin color is listed as a separate event, presumably a result of their intermarrying with the Nephites, than their becoming more righteous. (For more on this see the Tvedtnes article below.)
  • 3 Ne 3:19. It is interesting to note that during times of righteous living, the Nephites appointed prophets to be the commanders of their armies. This is not the only place in the scriptures where something like this is mentioned. In Alma 2:16 it talks about how Alma the younger led the army of the Nephites during battle. Also, in Alma 43:23 it mentions that Captain Moroni (although he wasn't the prophet) caused his men to go and ask Alma the younger (the prophet) to inquire of the Lord as to how the Nephites should best defend themselves. Even in times of wickedness, the Nephite armies appointed Mormon to be their leader (see Mormon 2:1). In modern times, this has occurred as well, such as when Joseph Smith was appointed to leadership in the Nauvoo Legion. Wouldn't it be nice if leaders of armies today were prophets or consulted with prophets for guidance?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-4. The robbers couldn't provide for themselves. They were dependent upon the Nephites for crops. It is similar to the relationship that a parasite has with its host.
  • 3 Ne 4:7-10. Before the ferocious appearance of the Lamanites, the Nephites began to cry unto the Lord for deliverance from their enemies. This however, gives the impression to Giddianhi's armies that the Nephites are terrified and will be an easy victory. But as verse 10 describes, the armies of Giddianhi "were disappointed, for the Nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for protection." The Nephites relied solely on the Lord for their deliverance and conquered the robbers while on the other hand, the robbers relied on their own strength and intimidation in order to try and defeat the Nephites. This shows the importance of trusting the Lord in an hour of need.
  • 3 Ne 4:18. In this verse can be seen the power of food storage. When the Nephites gathered together in the lands of Zarahemla and Bountiful, they took with them provisions that would last them seven years (see v. 4). Due to this preparation, the Gadianton robbers were unable to effectively lay siege on the Nephites. And having no provisions themselves, the robbers eventually ended up having to abandon their plan.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. See Alma 50 for a similar tactic of the Nephites preventing their enemies from fleeing to regroup--Moroni heading off Morianton.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. We read here how the Nephites attacked thousands and tens of thousands of robbers. The Gadianton Robbers must have been a huge group. Almost its own country.
  • 3 Ne 4:30. Note the two conditions that the people identify in their request in this verse for perpetual protection: 1) that the people are righteous--they only ask the Lord to protect them in righteousness; 2) that they continue to ask God for protection.
  • 3 Ne 4:31-33. In the KJV the phrase "Most High God" is consistently translated from the Hebrew title El Elyon. Given this, it is likely that the phrase here was translated from this same title. El Elyon refers to Elohim or God the Father, as opposed to Yahweh (Jehovah) who is Jesus Christ..
  • The phrase "God Almighty" is probably a translation of the Hebrew title El Shaddai.
  • El Elyon and El Shaddai are ancient titles for God closely associated with stories of the Patriarchs--and are appropriately used here where the Nephites are thanking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see verse 30).
  • Curiously, the term shaddai means "female breasts" and some have interpreted this to mean that God is the provider of all that is sufficient, just as a mother's breast provides all that is sufficient for an infant. Others have noted that shaddai has Semitic cognates that refer to mountains--which might indicate that El Shaddai is the God of the Mountain, the [Most High] God that rules from Mount Zion.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:29: What does the phrase "that they became for themselves" mean?
  • 3 Ne 2:8: Why do the people (who seem mainly to not believe in Christ at this time) begin to reckon time from his birth?
  • 3 Ne 2:9: It is mentioned that Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, never returned to the land of Zarahemla. Why is this mentioned again in this chapter when it was already mentioned in 3 Ne 1:3? Why is it necessary to mention it again?
  • 3 Ne 2:15: This verse tells us that curse of the Lamanites was suddenly removed and that their skin became white like the Nephites. Was this a literal change in their skin color?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-5: How can the information in these verses be applied to our struggles with the Adversary?
  • 3 Ne 4:4: The Nephites had enough provisions to last them 7 years. How is this similar to the story of Joseph in Egypt?
  • 3 Ne 4:6: Why were the Gadianton Robbers afraid to spread themselves out too thin?
  • 3 Ne 4:13: Why did the Nephites only pursue the Gadianton Robbers to the border of Nephite territory?
  • 3 Ne 4:14: The Gadianton Robbers retreated in such a frenzied way that their leader was caught.
  • 3 Ne 4:15: What metaphorical places of safety do we (or should we) retreat to while preparing for assaults on our faith?
  • 3 Ne 4:32: Why the emphasis here on God as the "Most High"? What does that mean?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: Why were humility and repentance essential to the Nephite's victory?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: This verse tells us that the Nephites knew they were delivered "from an everlasting destruction" because of their repentance and their humility. Does this everlasting destruction refer to the everlasting physical destruction of Nephites? Or is this a reference to the spiritual destruction we all face without repentance and humility? Or, does it refer to both at once?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: What would happen to the Gadianton Robbers that accepted the gospel and repented?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: How great was the amount of Nephites that were convinced of the gospel?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: The prison where the Gadianton Robbers were held is similar to spirit prison in that they are taught the gospel and given a chance to accept it.

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. Why wouldn't Gidgidoni want the Robbers to just run away? Why would he send out his army to attack them? Does this offer a model for how we should deal with evil and temptations that we encounter?

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5

3 Ne 4:16-20

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 2-4 / Verses 1:27-5:7
Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 2-4 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 2-4 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 2-4 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:28. This verse tells us that there were many dissenters of the Nephites who went to join the Gadianton robbers. 3 Ne 3:4 tells us that these people believed that they had been wronged by the Nephites, and 3 Ne 3:10 tells us that they believed they had a right to the government. It looks like there was some struggle at this time over who should control the government and that this struggle ultimately lead to these dissenters joining the Gadianton robbers. It is interesting that it was also due to a struggle over who should control the government that gave rise originally to the Gadianton robbers (see Helaman chapters 1 & 2).
  • 3 Ne 1:29. Possible interpretations of the phrase "that they became for themselves" include:
    • they had reached an age where in their culture they were taken to be completely responsible for their own actions, e.g. something like turning 18 in our culture.
    • they no longer listened to their parents.
  • 3 Ne 2:15: White. Although many believe the mark of the Lamanites was a darker skin color because of their unrighteousness. However, there is little textual evidence in the Book of Mormon suggesting that skin color is related to righteousness. Here, the change in skin color is listed as a separate event, presumably a result of their intermarrying with the Nephites, than their becoming more righteous. (For more on this see the Tvedtnes article below.)
  • 3 Ne 3:19. It is interesting to note that during times of righteous living, the Nephites appointed prophets to be the commanders of their armies. This is not the only place in the scriptures where something like this is mentioned. In Alma 2:16 it talks about how Alma the younger led the army of the Nephites during battle. Also, in Alma 43:23 it mentions that Captain Moroni (although he wasn't the prophet) caused his men to go and ask Alma the younger (the prophet) to inquire of the Lord as to how the Nephites should best defend themselves. Even in times of wickedness, the Nephite armies appointed Mormon to be their leader (see Mormon 2:1). In modern times, this has occurred as well, such as when Joseph Smith was appointed to leadership in the Nauvoo Legion. Wouldn't it be nice if leaders of armies today were prophets or consulted with prophets for guidance?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-4. The robbers couldn't provide for themselves. They were dependent upon the Nephites for crops. It is similar to the relationship that a parasite has with its host.
  • 3 Ne 4:7-10. Before the ferocious appearance of the Lamanites, the Nephites began to cry unto the Lord for deliverance from their enemies. This however, gives the impression to Giddianhi's armies that the Nephites are terrified and will be an easy victory. But as verse 10 describes, the armies of Giddianhi "were disappointed, for the Nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for protection." The Nephites relied solely on the Lord for their deliverance and conquered the robbers while on the other hand, the robbers relied on their own strength and intimidation in order to try and defeat the Nephites. This shows the importance of trusting the Lord in an hour of need.
  • 3 Ne 4:18. In this verse can be seen the power of food storage. When the Nephites gathered together in the lands of Zarahemla and Bountiful, they took with them provisions that would last them seven years (see v. 4). Due to this preparation, the Gadianton robbers were unable to effectively lay siege on the Nephites. And having no provisions themselves, the robbers eventually ended up having to abandon their plan.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. See Alma 50 for a similar tactic of the Nephites preventing their enemies from fleeing to regroup--Moroni heading off Morianton.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. We read here how the Nephites attacked thousands and tens of thousands of robbers. The Gadianton Robbers must have been a huge group. Almost its own country.
  • 3 Ne 4:30. Note the two conditions that the people identify in their request in this verse for perpetual protection: 1) that the people are righteous--they only ask the Lord to protect them in righteousness; 2) that they continue to ask God for protection.
  • 3 Ne 4:31-33. In the KJV the phrase "Most High God" is consistently translated from the Hebrew title El Elyon. Given this, it is likely that the phrase here was translated from this same title. El Elyon refers to Elohim or God the Father, as opposed to Yahweh (Jehovah) who is Jesus Christ..
  • The phrase "God Almighty" is probably a translation of the Hebrew title El Shaddai.
  • El Elyon and El Shaddai are ancient titles for God closely associated with stories of the Patriarchs--and are appropriately used here where the Nephites are thanking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see verse 30).
  • Curiously, the term shaddai means "female breasts" and some have interpreted this to mean that God is the provider of all that is sufficient, just as a mother's breast provides all that is sufficient for an infant. Others have noted that shaddai has Semitic cognates that refer to mountains--which might indicate that El Shaddai is the God of the Mountain, the [Most High] God that rules from Mount Zion.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:29: What does the phrase "that they became for themselves" mean?
  • 3 Ne 2:8: Why do the people (who seem mainly to not believe in Christ at this time) begin to reckon time from his birth?
  • 3 Ne 2:9: It is mentioned that Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, never returned to the land of Zarahemla. Why is this mentioned again in this chapter when it was already mentioned in 3 Ne 1:3? Why is it necessary to mention it again?
  • 3 Ne 2:15: This verse tells us that curse of the Lamanites was suddenly removed and that their skin became white like the Nephites. Was this a literal change in their skin color?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-5: How can the information in these verses be applied to our struggles with the Adversary?
  • 3 Ne 4:4: The Nephites had enough provisions to last them 7 years. How is this similar to the story of Joseph in Egypt?
  • 3 Ne 4:6: Why were the Gadianton Robbers afraid to spread themselves out too thin?
  • 3 Ne 4:13: Why did the Nephites only pursue the Gadianton Robbers to the border of Nephite territory?
  • 3 Ne 4:14: The Gadianton Robbers retreated in such a frenzied way that their leader was caught.
  • 3 Ne 4:15: What metaphorical places of safety do we (or should we) retreat to while preparing for assaults on our faith?
  • 3 Ne 4:32: Why the emphasis here on God as the "Most High"? What does that mean?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: Why were humility and repentance essential to the Nephite's victory?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: This verse tells us that the Nephites knew they were delivered "from an everlasting destruction" because of their repentance and their humility. Does this everlasting destruction refer to the everlasting physical destruction of Nephites? Or is this a reference to the spiritual destruction we all face without repentance and humility? Or, does it refer to both at once?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: What would happen to the Gadianton Robbers that accepted the gospel and repented?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: How great was the amount of Nephites that were convinced of the gospel?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: The prison where the Gadianton Robbers were held is similar to spirit prison in that they are taught the gospel and given a chance to accept it.

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. Why wouldn't Gidgidoni want the Robbers to just run away? Why would he send out his army to attack them? Does this offer a model for how we should deal with evil and temptations that we encounter?

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5

3 Ne 4:21-25

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 2-4 / Verses 1:27-5:7
Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 2-4 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 2-4 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 2-4 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:28. This verse tells us that there were many dissenters of the Nephites who went to join the Gadianton robbers. 3 Ne 3:4 tells us that these people believed that they had been wronged by the Nephites, and 3 Ne 3:10 tells us that they believed they had a right to the government. It looks like there was some struggle at this time over who should control the government and that this struggle ultimately lead to these dissenters joining the Gadianton robbers. It is interesting that it was also due to a struggle over who should control the government that gave rise originally to the Gadianton robbers (see Helaman chapters 1 & 2).
  • 3 Ne 1:29. Possible interpretations of the phrase "that they became for themselves" include:
    • they had reached an age where in their culture they were taken to be completely responsible for their own actions, e.g. something like turning 18 in our culture.
    • they no longer listened to their parents.
  • 3 Ne 2:15: White. Although many believe the mark of the Lamanites was a darker skin color because of their unrighteousness. However, there is little textual evidence in the Book of Mormon suggesting that skin color is related to righteousness. Here, the change in skin color is listed as a separate event, presumably a result of their intermarrying with the Nephites, than their becoming more righteous. (For more on this see the Tvedtnes article below.)
  • 3 Ne 3:19. It is interesting to note that during times of righteous living, the Nephites appointed prophets to be the commanders of their armies. This is not the only place in the scriptures where something like this is mentioned. In Alma 2:16 it talks about how Alma the younger led the army of the Nephites during battle. Also, in Alma 43:23 it mentions that Captain Moroni (although he wasn't the prophet) caused his men to go and ask Alma the younger (the prophet) to inquire of the Lord as to how the Nephites should best defend themselves. Even in times of wickedness, the Nephite armies appointed Mormon to be their leader (see Mormon 2:1). In modern times, this has occurred as well, such as when Joseph Smith was appointed to leadership in the Nauvoo Legion. Wouldn't it be nice if leaders of armies today were prophets or consulted with prophets for guidance?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-4. The robbers couldn't provide for themselves. They were dependent upon the Nephites for crops. It is similar to the relationship that a parasite has with its host.
  • 3 Ne 4:7-10. Before the ferocious appearance of the Lamanites, the Nephites began to cry unto the Lord for deliverance from their enemies. This however, gives the impression to Giddianhi's armies that the Nephites are terrified and will be an easy victory. But as verse 10 describes, the armies of Giddianhi "were disappointed, for the Nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for protection." The Nephites relied solely on the Lord for their deliverance and conquered the robbers while on the other hand, the robbers relied on their own strength and intimidation in order to try and defeat the Nephites. This shows the importance of trusting the Lord in an hour of need.
  • 3 Ne 4:18. In this verse can be seen the power of food storage. When the Nephites gathered together in the lands of Zarahemla and Bountiful, they took with them provisions that would last them seven years (see v. 4). Due to this preparation, the Gadianton robbers were unable to effectively lay siege on the Nephites. And having no provisions themselves, the robbers eventually ended up having to abandon their plan.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. See Alma 50 for a similar tactic of the Nephites preventing their enemies from fleeing to regroup--Moroni heading off Morianton.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. We read here how the Nephites attacked thousands and tens of thousands of robbers. The Gadianton Robbers must have been a huge group. Almost its own country.
  • 3 Ne 4:30. Note the two conditions that the people identify in their request in this verse for perpetual protection: 1) that the people are righteous--they only ask the Lord to protect them in righteousness; 2) that they continue to ask God for protection.
  • 3 Ne 4:31-33. In the KJV the phrase "Most High God" is consistently translated from the Hebrew title El Elyon. Given this, it is likely that the phrase here was translated from this same title. El Elyon refers to Elohim or God the Father, as opposed to Yahweh (Jehovah) who is Jesus Christ..
  • The phrase "God Almighty" is probably a translation of the Hebrew title El Shaddai.
  • El Elyon and El Shaddai are ancient titles for God closely associated with stories of the Patriarchs--and are appropriately used here where the Nephites are thanking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see verse 30).
  • Curiously, the term shaddai means "female breasts" and some have interpreted this to mean that God is the provider of all that is sufficient, just as a mother's breast provides all that is sufficient for an infant. Others have noted that shaddai has Semitic cognates that refer to mountains--which might indicate that El Shaddai is the God of the Mountain, the [Most High] God that rules from Mount Zion.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:29: What does the phrase "that they became for themselves" mean?
  • 3 Ne 2:8: Why do the people (who seem mainly to not believe in Christ at this time) begin to reckon time from his birth?
  • 3 Ne 2:9: It is mentioned that Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, never returned to the land of Zarahemla. Why is this mentioned again in this chapter when it was already mentioned in 3 Ne 1:3? Why is it necessary to mention it again?
  • 3 Ne 2:15: This verse tells us that curse of the Lamanites was suddenly removed and that their skin became white like the Nephites. Was this a literal change in their skin color?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-5: How can the information in these verses be applied to our struggles with the Adversary?
  • 3 Ne 4:4: The Nephites had enough provisions to last them 7 years. How is this similar to the story of Joseph in Egypt?
  • 3 Ne 4:6: Why were the Gadianton Robbers afraid to spread themselves out too thin?
  • 3 Ne 4:13: Why did the Nephites only pursue the Gadianton Robbers to the border of Nephite territory?
  • 3 Ne 4:14: The Gadianton Robbers retreated in such a frenzied way that their leader was caught.
  • 3 Ne 4:15: What metaphorical places of safety do we (or should we) retreat to while preparing for assaults on our faith?
  • 3 Ne 4:32: Why the emphasis here on God as the "Most High"? What does that mean?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: Why were humility and repentance essential to the Nephite's victory?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: This verse tells us that the Nephites knew they were delivered "from an everlasting destruction" because of their repentance and their humility. Does this everlasting destruction refer to the everlasting physical destruction of Nephites? Or is this a reference to the spiritual destruction we all face without repentance and humility? Or, does it refer to both at once?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: What would happen to the Gadianton Robbers that accepted the gospel and repented?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: How great was the amount of Nephites that were convinced of the gospel?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: The prison where the Gadianton Robbers were held is similar to spirit prison in that they are taught the gospel and given a chance to accept it.

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. Why wouldn't Gidgidoni want the Robbers to just run away? Why would he send out his army to attack them? Does this offer a model for how we should deal with evil and temptations that we encounter?

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5

3 Ne 4:26-30

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 2-4 / Verses 1:27-5:7
Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 2-4 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 2-4 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 2-4 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:28. This verse tells us that there were many dissenters of the Nephites who went to join the Gadianton robbers. 3 Ne 3:4 tells us that these people believed that they had been wronged by the Nephites, and 3 Ne 3:10 tells us that they believed they had a right to the government. It looks like there was some struggle at this time over who should control the government and that this struggle ultimately lead to these dissenters joining the Gadianton robbers. It is interesting that it was also due to a struggle over who should control the government that gave rise originally to the Gadianton robbers (see Helaman chapters 1 & 2).
  • 3 Ne 1:29. Possible interpretations of the phrase "that they became for themselves" include:
    • they had reached an age where in their culture they were taken to be completely responsible for their own actions, e.g. something like turning 18 in our culture.
    • they no longer listened to their parents.
  • 3 Ne 2:15: White. Although many believe the mark of the Lamanites was a darker skin color because of their unrighteousness. However, there is little textual evidence in the Book of Mormon suggesting that skin color is related to righteousness. Here, the change in skin color is listed as a separate event, presumably a result of their intermarrying with the Nephites, than their becoming more righteous. (For more on this see the Tvedtnes article below.)
  • 3 Ne 3:19. It is interesting to note that during times of righteous living, the Nephites appointed prophets to be the commanders of their armies. This is not the only place in the scriptures where something like this is mentioned. In Alma 2:16 it talks about how Alma the younger led the army of the Nephites during battle. Also, in Alma 43:23 it mentions that Captain Moroni (although he wasn't the prophet) caused his men to go and ask Alma the younger (the prophet) to inquire of the Lord as to how the Nephites should best defend themselves. Even in times of wickedness, the Nephite armies appointed Mormon to be their leader (see Mormon 2:1). In modern times, this has occurred as well, such as when Joseph Smith was appointed to leadership in the Nauvoo Legion. Wouldn't it be nice if leaders of armies today were prophets or consulted with prophets for guidance?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-4. The robbers couldn't provide for themselves. They were dependent upon the Nephites for crops. It is similar to the relationship that a parasite has with its host.
  • 3 Ne 4:7-10. Before the ferocious appearance of the Lamanites, the Nephites began to cry unto the Lord for deliverance from their enemies. This however, gives the impression to Giddianhi's armies that the Nephites are terrified and will be an easy victory. But as verse 10 describes, the armies of Giddianhi "were disappointed, for the Nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for protection." The Nephites relied solely on the Lord for their deliverance and conquered the robbers while on the other hand, the robbers relied on their own strength and intimidation in order to try and defeat the Nephites. This shows the importance of trusting the Lord in an hour of need.
  • 3 Ne 4:18. In this verse can be seen the power of food storage. When the Nephites gathered together in the lands of Zarahemla and Bountiful, they took with them provisions that would last them seven years (see v. 4). Due to this preparation, the Gadianton robbers were unable to effectively lay siege on the Nephites. And having no provisions themselves, the robbers eventually ended up having to abandon their plan.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. See Alma 50 for a similar tactic of the Nephites preventing their enemies from fleeing to regroup--Moroni heading off Morianton.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. We read here how the Nephites attacked thousands and tens of thousands of robbers. The Gadianton Robbers must have been a huge group. Almost its own country.
  • 3 Ne 4:30. Note the two conditions that the people identify in their request in this verse for perpetual protection: 1) that the people are righteous--they only ask the Lord to protect them in righteousness; 2) that they continue to ask God for protection.
  • 3 Ne 4:31-33. In the KJV the phrase "Most High God" is consistently translated from the Hebrew title El Elyon. Given this, it is likely that the phrase here was translated from this same title. El Elyon refers to Elohim or God the Father, as opposed to Yahweh (Jehovah) who is Jesus Christ..
  • The phrase "God Almighty" is probably a translation of the Hebrew title El Shaddai.
  • El Elyon and El Shaddai are ancient titles for God closely associated with stories of the Patriarchs--and are appropriately used here where the Nephites are thanking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see verse 30).
  • Curiously, the term shaddai means "female breasts" and some have interpreted this to mean that God is the provider of all that is sufficient, just as a mother's breast provides all that is sufficient for an infant. Others have noted that shaddai has Semitic cognates that refer to mountains--which might indicate that El Shaddai is the God of the Mountain, the [Most High] God that rules from Mount Zion.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:29: What does the phrase "that they became for themselves" mean?
  • 3 Ne 2:8: Why do the people (who seem mainly to not believe in Christ at this time) begin to reckon time from his birth?
  • 3 Ne 2:9: It is mentioned that Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, never returned to the land of Zarahemla. Why is this mentioned again in this chapter when it was already mentioned in 3 Ne 1:3? Why is it necessary to mention it again?
  • 3 Ne 2:15: This verse tells us that curse of the Lamanites was suddenly removed and that their skin became white like the Nephites. Was this a literal change in their skin color?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-5: How can the information in these verses be applied to our struggles with the Adversary?
  • 3 Ne 4:4: The Nephites had enough provisions to last them 7 years. How is this similar to the story of Joseph in Egypt?
  • 3 Ne 4:6: Why were the Gadianton Robbers afraid to spread themselves out too thin?
  • 3 Ne 4:13: Why did the Nephites only pursue the Gadianton Robbers to the border of Nephite territory?
  • 3 Ne 4:14: The Gadianton Robbers retreated in such a frenzied way that their leader was caught.
  • 3 Ne 4:15: What metaphorical places of safety do we (or should we) retreat to while preparing for assaults on our faith?
  • 3 Ne 4:32: Why the emphasis here on God as the "Most High"? What does that mean?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: Why were humility and repentance essential to the Nephite's victory?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: This verse tells us that the Nephites knew they were delivered "from an everlasting destruction" because of their repentance and their humility. Does this everlasting destruction refer to the everlasting physical destruction of Nephites? Or is this a reference to the spiritual destruction we all face without repentance and humility? Or, does it refer to both at once?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: What would happen to the Gadianton Robbers that accepted the gospel and repented?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: How great was the amount of Nephites that were convinced of the gospel?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: The prison where the Gadianton Robbers were held is similar to spirit prison in that they are taught the gospel and given a chance to accept it.

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. Why wouldn't Gidgidoni want the Robbers to just run away? Why would he send out his army to attack them? Does this offer a model for how we should deal with evil and temptations that we encounter?

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5

3 Ne 4:31-33

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 2-4 / Verses 1:27-5:7
Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 2-4 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 2-4 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 2-4 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:28. This verse tells us that there were many dissenters of the Nephites who went to join the Gadianton robbers. 3 Ne 3:4 tells us that these people believed that they had been wronged by the Nephites, and 3 Ne 3:10 tells us that they believed they had a right to the government. It looks like there was some struggle at this time over who should control the government and that this struggle ultimately lead to these dissenters joining the Gadianton robbers. It is interesting that it was also due to a struggle over who should control the government that gave rise originally to the Gadianton robbers (see Helaman chapters 1 & 2).
  • 3 Ne 1:29. Possible interpretations of the phrase "that they became for themselves" include:
    • they had reached an age where in their culture they were taken to be completely responsible for their own actions, e.g. something like turning 18 in our culture.
    • they no longer listened to their parents.
  • 3 Ne 2:15: White. Although many believe the mark of the Lamanites was a darker skin color because of their unrighteousness. However, there is little textual evidence in the Book of Mormon suggesting that skin color is related to righteousness. Here, the change in skin color is listed as a separate event, presumably a result of their intermarrying with the Nephites, than their becoming more righteous. (For more on this see the Tvedtnes article below.)
  • 3 Ne 3:19. It is interesting to note that during times of righteous living, the Nephites appointed prophets to be the commanders of their armies. This is not the only place in the scriptures where something like this is mentioned. In Alma 2:16 it talks about how Alma the younger led the army of the Nephites during battle. Also, in Alma 43:23 it mentions that Captain Moroni (although he wasn't the prophet) caused his men to go and ask Alma the younger (the prophet) to inquire of the Lord as to how the Nephites should best defend themselves. Even in times of wickedness, the Nephite armies appointed Mormon to be their leader (see Mormon 2:1). In modern times, this has occurred as well, such as when Joseph Smith was appointed to leadership in the Nauvoo Legion. Wouldn't it be nice if leaders of armies today were prophets or consulted with prophets for guidance?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-4. The robbers couldn't provide for themselves. They were dependent upon the Nephites for crops. It is similar to the relationship that a parasite has with its host.
  • 3 Ne 4:7-10. Before the ferocious appearance of the Lamanites, the Nephites began to cry unto the Lord for deliverance from their enemies. This however, gives the impression to Giddianhi's armies that the Nephites are terrified and will be an easy victory. But as verse 10 describes, the armies of Giddianhi "were disappointed, for the Nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for protection." The Nephites relied solely on the Lord for their deliverance and conquered the robbers while on the other hand, the robbers relied on their own strength and intimidation in order to try and defeat the Nephites. This shows the importance of trusting the Lord in an hour of need.
  • 3 Ne 4:18. In this verse can be seen the power of food storage. When the Nephites gathered together in the lands of Zarahemla and Bountiful, they took with them provisions that would last them seven years (see v. 4). Due to this preparation, the Gadianton robbers were unable to effectively lay siege on the Nephites. And having no provisions themselves, the robbers eventually ended up having to abandon their plan.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. See Alma 50 for a similar tactic of the Nephites preventing their enemies from fleeing to regroup--Moroni heading off Morianton.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. We read here how the Nephites attacked thousands and tens of thousands of robbers. The Gadianton Robbers must have been a huge group. Almost its own country.
  • 3 Ne 4:30. Note the two conditions that the people identify in their request in this verse for perpetual protection: 1) that the people are righteous--they only ask the Lord to protect them in righteousness; 2) that they continue to ask God for protection.
  • 3 Ne 4:31-33. In the KJV the phrase "Most High God" is consistently translated from the Hebrew title El Elyon. Given this, it is likely that the phrase here was translated from this same title. El Elyon refers to Elohim or God the Father, as opposed to Yahweh (Jehovah) who is Jesus Christ..
  • The phrase "God Almighty" is probably a translation of the Hebrew title El Shaddai.
  • El Elyon and El Shaddai are ancient titles for God closely associated with stories of the Patriarchs--and are appropriately used here where the Nephites are thanking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see verse 30).
  • Curiously, the term shaddai means "female breasts" and some have interpreted this to mean that God is the provider of all that is sufficient, just as a mother's breast provides all that is sufficient for an infant. Others have noted that shaddai has Semitic cognates that refer to mountains--which might indicate that El Shaddai is the God of the Mountain, the [Most High] God that rules from Mount Zion.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:29: What does the phrase "that they became for themselves" mean?
  • 3 Ne 2:8: Why do the people (who seem mainly to not believe in Christ at this time) begin to reckon time from his birth?
  • 3 Ne 2:9: It is mentioned that Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, never returned to the land of Zarahemla. Why is this mentioned again in this chapter when it was already mentioned in 3 Ne 1:3? Why is it necessary to mention it again?
  • 3 Ne 2:15: This verse tells us that curse of the Lamanites was suddenly removed and that their skin became white like the Nephites. Was this a literal change in their skin color?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-5: How can the information in these verses be applied to our struggles with the Adversary?
  • 3 Ne 4:4: The Nephites had enough provisions to last them 7 years. How is this similar to the story of Joseph in Egypt?
  • 3 Ne 4:6: Why were the Gadianton Robbers afraid to spread themselves out too thin?
  • 3 Ne 4:13: Why did the Nephites only pursue the Gadianton Robbers to the border of Nephite territory?
  • 3 Ne 4:14: The Gadianton Robbers retreated in such a frenzied way that their leader was caught.
  • 3 Ne 4:15: What metaphorical places of safety do we (or should we) retreat to while preparing for assaults on our faith?
  • 3 Ne 4:32: Why the emphasis here on God as the "Most High"? What does that mean?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: Why were humility and repentance essential to the Nephite's victory?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: This verse tells us that the Nephites knew they were delivered "from an everlasting destruction" because of their repentance and their humility. Does this everlasting destruction refer to the everlasting physical destruction of Nephites? Or is this a reference to the spiritual destruction we all face without repentance and humility? Or, does it refer to both at once?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: What would happen to the Gadianton Robbers that accepted the gospel and repented?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: How great was the amount of Nephites that were convinced of the gospel?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: The prison where the Gadianton Robbers were held is similar to spirit prison in that they are taught the gospel and given a chance to accept it.

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. Why wouldn't Gidgidoni want the Robbers to just run away? Why would he send out his army to attack them? Does this offer a model for how we should deal with evil and temptations that we encounter?

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5

3 Ne 5:1-5

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 2-4 / Verses 1:27-5:7
Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 2-4 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 2-4 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 2-4 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:28. This verse tells us that there were many dissenters of the Nephites who went to join the Gadianton robbers. 3 Ne 3:4 tells us that these people believed that they had been wronged by the Nephites, and 3 Ne 3:10 tells us that they believed they had a right to the government. It looks like there was some struggle at this time over who should control the government and that this struggle ultimately lead to these dissenters joining the Gadianton robbers. It is interesting that it was also due to a struggle over who should control the government that gave rise originally to the Gadianton robbers (see Helaman chapters 1 & 2).
  • 3 Ne 1:29. Possible interpretations of the phrase "that they became for themselves" include:
    • they had reached an age where in their culture they were taken to be completely responsible for their own actions, e.g. something like turning 18 in our culture.
    • they no longer listened to their parents.
  • 3 Ne 2:15: White. Although many believe the mark of the Lamanites was a darker skin color because of their unrighteousness. However, there is little textual evidence in the Book of Mormon suggesting that skin color is related to righteousness. Here, the change in skin color is listed as a separate event, presumably a result of their intermarrying with the Nephites, than their becoming more righteous. (For more on this see the Tvedtnes article below.)
  • 3 Ne 3:19. It is interesting to note that during times of righteous living, the Nephites appointed prophets to be the commanders of their armies. This is not the only place in the scriptures where something like this is mentioned. In Alma 2:16 it talks about how Alma the younger led the army of the Nephites during battle. Also, in Alma 43:23 it mentions that Captain Moroni (although he wasn't the prophet) caused his men to go and ask Alma the younger (the prophet) to inquire of the Lord as to how the Nephites should best defend themselves. Even in times of wickedness, the Nephite armies appointed Mormon to be their leader (see Mormon 2:1). In modern times, this has occurred as well, such as when Joseph Smith was appointed to leadership in the Nauvoo Legion. Wouldn't it be nice if leaders of armies today were prophets or consulted with prophets for guidance?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-4. The robbers couldn't provide for themselves. They were dependent upon the Nephites for crops. It is similar to the relationship that a parasite has with its host.
  • 3 Ne 4:7-10. Before the ferocious appearance of the Lamanites, the Nephites began to cry unto the Lord for deliverance from their enemies. This however, gives the impression to Giddianhi's armies that the Nephites are terrified and will be an easy victory. But as verse 10 describes, the armies of Giddianhi "were disappointed, for the Nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for protection." The Nephites relied solely on the Lord for their deliverance and conquered the robbers while on the other hand, the robbers relied on their own strength and intimidation in order to try and defeat the Nephites. This shows the importance of trusting the Lord in an hour of need.
  • 3 Ne 4:18. In this verse can be seen the power of food storage. When the Nephites gathered together in the lands of Zarahemla and Bountiful, they took with them provisions that would last them seven years (see v. 4). Due to this preparation, the Gadianton robbers were unable to effectively lay siege on the Nephites. And having no provisions themselves, the robbers eventually ended up having to abandon their plan.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. See Alma 50 for a similar tactic of the Nephites preventing their enemies from fleeing to regroup--Moroni heading off Morianton.
  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. We read here how the Nephites attacked thousands and tens of thousands of robbers. The Gadianton Robbers must have been a huge group. Almost its own country.
  • 3 Ne 4:30. Note the two conditions that the people identify in their request in this verse for perpetual protection: 1) that the people are righteous--they only ask the Lord to protect them in righteousness; 2) that they continue to ask God for protection.
  • 3 Ne 4:31-33. In the KJV the phrase "Most High God" is consistently translated from the Hebrew title El Elyon. Given this, it is likely that the phrase here was translated from this same title. El Elyon refers to Elohim or God the Father, as opposed to Yahweh (Jehovah) who is Jesus Christ..
  • The phrase "God Almighty" is probably a translation of the Hebrew title El Shaddai.
  • El Elyon and El Shaddai are ancient titles for God closely associated with stories of the Patriarchs--and are appropriately used here where the Nephites are thanking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see verse 30).
  • Curiously, the term shaddai means "female breasts" and some have interpreted this to mean that God is the provider of all that is sufficient, just as a mother's breast provides all that is sufficient for an infant. Others have noted that shaddai has Semitic cognates that refer to mountains--which might indicate that El Shaddai is the God of the Mountain, the [Most High] God that rules from Mount Zion.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 1:29: What does the phrase "that they became for themselves" mean?
  • 3 Ne 2:8: Why do the people (who seem mainly to not believe in Christ at this time) begin to reckon time from his birth?
  • 3 Ne 2:9: It is mentioned that Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, never returned to the land of Zarahemla. Why is this mentioned again in this chapter when it was already mentioned in 3 Ne 1:3? Why is it necessary to mention it again?
  • 3 Ne 2:15: This verse tells us that curse of the Lamanites was suddenly removed and that their skin became white like the Nephites. Was this a literal change in their skin color?
  • 3 Ne 4:1-5: How can the information in these verses be applied to our struggles with the Adversary?
  • 3 Ne 4:4: The Nephites had enough provisions to last them 7 years. How is this similar to the story of Joseph in Egypt?
  • 3 Ne 4:6: Why were the Gadianton Robbers afraid to spread themselves out too thin?
  • 3 Ne 4:13: Why did the Nephites only pursue the Gadianton Robbers to the border of Nephite territory?
  • 3 Ne 4:14: The Gadianton Robbers retreated in such a frenzied way that their leader was caught.
  • 3 Ne 4:15: What metaphorical places of safety do we (or should we) retreat to while preparing for assaults on our faith?
  • 3 Ne 4:32: Why the emphasis here on God as the "Most High"? What does that mean?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: Why were humility and repentance essential to the Nephite's victory?
  • 3 Ne 4:33: This verse tells us that the Nephites knew they were delivered "from an everlasting destruction" because of their repentance and their humility. Does this everlasting destruction refer to the everlasting physical destruction of Nephites? Or is this a reference to the spiritual destruction we all face without repentance and humility? Or, does it refer to both at once?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: What would happen to the Gadianton Robbers that accepted the gospel and repented?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: How great was the amount of Nephites that were convinced of the gospel?
  • 3 Ne 5:1-5: The prison where the Gadianton Robbers were held is similar to spirit prison in that they are taught the gospel and given a chance to accept it.

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 4:21-25. Why wouldn't Gidgidoni want the Robbers to just run away? Why would he send out his army to attack them? Does this offer a model for how we should deal with evil and temptations that we encounter?

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Chapter 1                      Next page: Chapter 5

3 Ne 5:6-10

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapter 5 / Verses 5:8-26
Previous page: Chapters 2-4                      Next page: Chapters 6-7


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapter 5 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapter 5 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapter 5 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 5:8. There are a few places where Mormon writes that he can't explain even a hundreth part of what happened. It must have been difficult to have to pick and choose between so much material.
  • 3 Ne 5:13: Disciple. The word disciple has two definitions according to the Encarta Dictionary: (1) "Somebody who strongly believes in the teachings of a leader, a philosophy, or a religion, and tries to act according to them." and (2) "One of the 12 original followers of Jesus Christ, according to the Bible." A similar definition is given in Webster's 1828 Dictionary.
  • 3 Ne 5:13: Useful for missionaries. This scripture is useful for missionary purposes. In a couple of lines it states who we are (disciples of Christ), where we get our calling or authority from (Christ) and why we are here (to preach unto all so they can have eternal life).
  • 3 Ne 5:20. Mormon mentions that he is a pure descendant of Lehi. That may contain both physical and spiritual connotations of his genealogy and his faithfulness.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 5:8: If these things are great and marvelous that came to pass, why can't and shouldn't they be written in the Book of Mormon? Is it because there's not enough room to write them, or some other reason?
  • 3 Ne 5:9-10: Why might Mormon have chosen to follow the record that Nephi kept and not other records?
  • 3 Ne 5:11: Who made the gold plates that Mormon wrote upon?
  • 3 Ne 5:18: Why are there many things that "according to their language" they cannot write? What about their language prevents them from writing things?
  • 3 Ne 5:23: Who is Mormon prophesying of here?

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Chapters 2-4                      Next page: Chapters 6-7

3 Ne 5:11-15

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapter 5 / Verses 5:8-26
Previous page: Chapters 2-4                      Next page: Chapters 6-7


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapter 5 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapter 5 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapter 5 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 5:8. There are a few places where Mormon writes that he can't explain even a hundreth part of what happened. It must have been difficult to have to pick and choose between so much material.
  • 3 Ne 5:13: Disciple. The word disciple has two definitions according to the Encarta Dictionary: (1) "Somebody who strongly believes in the teachings of a leader, a philosophy, or a religion, and tries to act according to them." and (2) "One of the 12 original followers of Jesus Christ, according to the Bible." A similar definition is given in Webster's 1828 Dictionary.
  • 3 Ne 5:13: Useful for missionaries. This scripture is useful for missionary purposes. In a couple of lines it states who we are (disciples of Christ), where we get our calling or authority from (Christ) and why we are here (to preach unto all so they can have eternal life).
  • 3 Ne 5:20. Mormon mentions that he is a pure descendant of Lehi. That may contain both physical and spiritual connotations of his genealogy and his faithfulness.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 5:8: If these things are great and marvelous that came to pass, why can't and shouldn't they be written in the Book of Mormon? Is it because there's not enough room to write them, or some other reason?
  • 3 Ne 5:9-10: Why might Mormon have chosen to follow the record that Nephi kept and not other records?
  • 3 Ne 5:11: Who made the gold plates that Mormon wrote upon?
  • 3 Ne 5:18: Why are there many things that "according to their language" they cannot write? What about their language prevents them from writing things?
  • 3 Ne 5:23: Who is Mormon prophesying of here?

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Chapters 2-4                      Next page: Chapters 6-7

3 Ne 5:16-20

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapter 5 / Verses 5:8-26
Previous page: Chapters 2-4                      Next page: Chapters 6-7


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapter 5 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapter 5 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapter 5 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 5:8. There are a few places where Mormon writes that he can't explain even a hundreth part of what happened. It must have been difficult to have to pick and choose between so much material.
  • 3 Ne 5:13: Disciple. The word disciple has two definitions according to the Encarta Dictionary: (1) "Somebody who strongly believes in the teachings of a leader, a philosophy, or a religion, and tries to act according to them." and (2) "One of the 12 original followers of Jesus Christ, according to the Bible." A similar definition is given in Webster's 1828 Dictionary.
  • 3 Ne 5:13: Useful for missionaries. This scripture is useful for missionary purposes. In a couple of lines it states who we are (disciples of Christ), where we get our calling or authority from (Christ) and why we are here (to preach unto all so they can have eternal life).
  • 3 Ne 5:20. Mormon mentions that he is a pure descendant of Lehi. That may contain both physical and spiritual connotations of his genealogy and his faithfulness.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 5:8: If these things are great and marvelous that came to pass, why can't and shouldn't they be written in the Book of Mormon? Is it because there's not enough room to write them, or some other reason?
  • 3 Ne 5:9-10: Why might Mormon have chosen to follow the record that Nephi kept and not other records?
  • 3 Ne 5:11: Who made the gold plates that Mormon wrote upon?
  • 3 Ne 5:18: Why are there many things that "according to their language" they cannot write? What about their language prevents them from writing things?
  • 3 Ne 5:23: Who is Mormon prophesying of here?

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Chapters 2-4                      Next page: Chapters 6-7

3 Ne 5:21-26

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapter 5 / Verses 5:8-26
Previous page: Chapters 2-4                      Next page: Chapters 6-7


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapter 5 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapter 5 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapter 5 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 5:8. There are a few places where Mormon writes that he can't explain even a hundreth part of what happened. It must have been difficult to have to pick and choose between so much material.
  • 3 Ne 5:13: Disciple. The word disciple has two definitions according to the Encarta Dictionary: (1) "Somebody who strongly believes in the teachings of a leader, a philosophy, or a religion, and tries to act according to them." and (2) "One of the 12 original followers of Jesus Christ, according to the Bible." A similar definition is given in Webster's 1828 Dictionary.
  • 3 Ne 5:13: Useful for missionaries. This scripture is useful for missionary purposes. In a couple of lines it states who we are (disciples of Christ), where we get our calling or authority from (Christ) and why we are here (to preach unto all so they can have eternal life).
  • 3 Ne 5:20. Mormon mentions that he is a pure descendant of Lehi. That may contain both physical and spiritual connotations of his genealogy and his faithfulness.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 5:8: If these things are great and marvelous that came to pass, why can't and shouldn't they be written in the Book of Mormon? Is it because there's not enough room to write them, or some other reason?
  • 3 Ne 5:9-10: Why might Mormon have chosen to follow the record that Nephi kept and not other records?
  • 3 Ne 5:11: Who made the gold plates that Mormon wrote upon?
  • 3 Ne 5:18: Why are there many things that "according to their language" they cannot write? What about their language prevents them from writing things?
  • 3 Ne 5:23: Who is Mormon prophesying of here?

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.



Previous page: Chapters 2-4                      Next page: Chapters 6-7

3 Ne 6:1-5

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 6-7
Previous page: Chapter 5                      Next page: Chapters 8-10


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.

Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 6-7 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 6-7 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 6-7 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 6:1-5 The fact that the Nephites still had food left over shows us how industrious they were before the siege and just how much food they really had piled up. The extra food that they had after the war was probably needed while they reconstructed their farms and planted new crops.
  • 3 Ne 7:11. This verse tells us that the only thing uniting the tribes of people was their common hatred of those who entered into secret combinations. Hatred of evil, in and of itself, is a good thing. It was given to us by the Lord in Genesis 3:15.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 6:1-5: Why might adversity brings people together, while peaceful prosperity pulls them apart?
  • 3 Ne 6:2: "Both on the north and on the south, both on the land northward and on the land southward." What is the geographic or other significance of essentially repeating what appears to be minor information?
  • 3 Ne 6:11-15: What is the main difference between those that humble themselves in adversity and those that become prideful?
  • 3 Ne 6:13: When are we justified in standing up for ourselves and when should we take a railing from others? Since we are commanded to turn the other cheek, are we supposed to just let people walk on us?
  • 3 Ne 6:17: It mentions that the people were in an awful state of wickedness. The pride cycle is very much a part of the lives of the people in the scriptures. How is it that repentance is possible when the same sins are being committed over and over again? Wouldn't this mean they lack true penitence for their sins?
  • 3 Ne 6:16-20: I wonder why it is that this pride-cycle revolves (is that the right word?) so quickly at this point in the Book of Mormon?
  • 3 Ne 6:21-25: The Nephite government became corrupt and turned against the laws of liberty and justice that were established in the first place. Can we see that happening in our government today?
  • 3 Ne 6:23: Why would the government want to assassinate the prophets secretly?
  • 3 Ne 6:30: These judges were not successful in establishing a king over all the land, but only a king over their own band (see 3 Ne 7, verse 1 and verse 10).
  • 3 Ne 6:30: The devil has a corrupt version of everything that is sacred. We make sacred covenants in the temple. We can see that the devil organizes his own covenants and works of darkness.
  • 3 Ne 7:1: Why were the judges here so anxious to establish a king (cf. 3 Ne 6:30)? Why were they only able to establish a king over their own band (cf. v. 10)? One motive for their desire to overthrow the government and establish a king may've been a lust for power (cf. 3 Ne 4:29). If this were the case, did they end up with more power after the government was overthrown or before it was overthrown when they were judges?
  • 3 Ne 7:11: What is it that motivates the people of the secret combinations at this time? Why do they enter into a covenant to destroy the government?
  • 3 Ne 7:17-19: These verses suggest that many people without faith saw the miracles that Nephi did. How does this relate to Ether 12:6 where Moroni tells us that we receive no witness until after the trial of our faith?
  • 3 Ne 7:21: It says that there were few that were converted unto the Lord. Why do these people not fear God after witnessing his power? How dare they continue to live in sin?

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.




Previous page: Chapter 5                      Next page: Chapters 8-10

3 Ne 6:6-10

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 6-7
Previous page: Chapter 5                      Next page: Chapters 8-10


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.

Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 6-7 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 6-7 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 6-7 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 6:1-5 The fact that the Nephites still had food left over shows us how industrious they were before the siege and just how much food they really had piled up. The extra food that they had after the war was probably needed while they reconstructed their farms and planted new crops.
  • 3 Ne 7:11. This verse tells us that the only thing uniting the tribes of people was their common hatred of those who entered into secret combinations. Hatred of evil, in and of itself, is a good thing. It was given to us by the Lord in Genesis 3:15.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 6:1-5: Why might adversity brings people together, while peaceful prosperity pulls them apart?
  • 3 Ne 6:2: "Both on the north and on the south, both on the land northward and on the land southward." What is the geographic or other significance of essentially repeating what appears to be minor information?
  • 3 Ne 6:11-15: What is the main difference between those that humble themselves in adversity and those that become prideful?
  • 3 Ne 6:13: When are we justified in standing up for ourselves and when should we take a railing from others? Since we are commanded to turn the other cheek, are we supposed to just let people walk on us?
  • 3 Ne 6:17: It mentions that the people were in an awful state of wickedness. The pride cycle is very much a part of the lives of the people in the scriptures. How is it that repentance is possible when the same sins are being committed over and over again? Wouldn't this mean they lack true penitence for their sins?
  • 3 Ne 6:16-20: I wonder why it is that this pride-cycle revolves (is that the right word?) so quickly at this point in the Book of Mormon?
  • 3 Ne 6:21-25: The Nephite government became corrupt and turned against the laws of liberty and justice that were established in the first place. Can we see that happening in our government today?
  • 3 Ne 6:23: Why would the government want to assassinate the prophets secretly?
  • 3 Ne 6:30: These judges were not successful in establishing a king over all the land, but only a king over their own band (see 3 Ne 7, verse 1 and verse 10).
  • 3 Ne 6:30: The devil has a corrupt version of everything that is sacred. We make sacred covenants in the temple. We can see that the devil organizes his own covenants and works of darkness.
  • 3 Ne 7:1: Why were the judges here so anxious to establish a king (cf. 3 Ne 6:30)? Why were they only able to establish a king over their own band (cf. v. 10)? One motive for their desire to overthrow the government and establish a king may've been a lust for power (cf. 3 Ne 4:29). If this were the case, did they end up with more power after the government was overthrown or before it was overthrown when they were judges?
  • 3 Ne 7:11: What is it that motivates the people of the secret combinations at this time? Why do they enter into a covenant to destroy the government?
  • 3 Ne 7:17-19: These verses suggest that many people without faith saw the miracles that Nephi did. How does this relate to Ether 12:6 where Moroni tells us that we receive no witness until after the trial of our faith?
  • 3 Ne 7:21: It says that there were few that were converted unto the Lord. Why do these people not fear God after witnessing his power? How dare they continue to live in sin?

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.




Previous page: Chapter 5                      Next page: Chapters 8-10

3 Ne 6:11-15

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 6-7
Previous page: Chapter 5                      Next page: Chapters 8-10


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.

Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 6-7 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 6-7 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 6-7 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 6:1-5 The fact that the Nephites still had food left over shows us how industrious they were before the siege and just how much food they really had piled up. The extra food that they had after the war was probably needed while they reconstructed their farms and planted new crops.
  • 3 Ne 7:11. This verse tells us that the only thing uniting the tribes of people was their common hatred of those who entered into secret combinations. Hatred of evil, in and of itself, is a good thing. It was given to us by the Lord in Genesis 3:15.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 6:1-5: Why might adversity brings people together, while peaceful prosperity pulls them apart?
  • 3 Ne 6:2: "Both on the north and on the south, both on the land northward and on the land southward." What is the geographic or other significance of essentially repeating what appears to be minor information?
  • 3 Ne 6:11-15: What is the main difference between those that humble themselves in adversity and those that become prideful?
  • 3 Ne 6:13: When are we justified in standing up for ourselves and when should we take a railing from others? Since we are commanded to turn the other cheek, are we supposed to just let people walk on us?
  • 3 Ne 6:17: It mentions that the people were in an awful state of wickedness. The pride cycle is very much a part of the lives of the people in the scriptures. How is it that repentance is possible when the same sins are being committed over and over again? Wouldn't this mean they lack true penitence for their sins?
  • 3 Ne 6:16-20: I wonder why it is that this pride-cycle revolves (is that the right word?) so quickly at this point in the Book of Mormon?
  • 3 Ne 6:21-25: The Nephite government became corrupt and turned against the laws of liberty and justice that were established in the first place. Can we see that happening in our government today?
  • 3 Ne 6:23: Why would the government want to assassinate the prophets secretly?
  • 3 Ne 6:30: These judges were not successful in establishing a king over all the land, but only a king over their own band (see 3 Ne 7, verse 1 and verse 10).
  • 3 Ne 6:30: The devil has a corrupt version of everything that is sacred. We make sacred covenants in the temple. We can see that the devil organizes his own covenants and works of darkness.
  • 3 Ne 7:1: Why were the judges here so anxious to establish a king (cf. 3 Ne 6:30)? Why were they only able to establish a king over their own band (cf. v. 10)? One motive for their desire to overthrow the government and establish a king may've been a lust for power (cf. 3 Ne 4:29). If this were the case, did they end up with more power after the government was overthrown or before it was overthrown when they were judges?
  • 3 Ne 7:11: What is it that motivates the people of the secret combinations at this time? Why do they enter into a covenant to destroy the government?
  • 3 Ne 7:17-19: These verses suggest that many people without faith saw the miracles that Nephi did. How does this relate to Ether 12:6 where Moroni tells us that we receive no witness until after the trial of our faith?
  • 3 Ne 7:21: It says that there were few that were converted unto the Lord. Why do these people not fear God after witnessing his power? How dare they continue to live in sin?

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.




Previous page: Chapter 5                      Next page: Chapters 8-10

3 Ne 6:16-20

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 6-7
Previous page: Chapter 5                      Next page: Chapters 8-10


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.

Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 6-7 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 6-7 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 6-7 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 6:1-5 The fact that the Nephites still had food left over shows us how industrious they were before the siege and just how much food they really had piled up. The extra food that they had after the war was probably needed while they reconstructed their farms and planted new crops.
  • 3 Ne 7:11. This verse tells us that the only thing uniting the tribes of people was their common hatred of those who entered into secret combinations. Hatred of evil, in and of itself, is a good thing. It was given to us by the Lord in Genesis 3:15.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 6:1-5: Why might adversity brings people together, while peaceful prosperity pulls them apart?
  • 3 Ne 6:2: "Both on the north and on the south, both on the land northward and on the land southward." What is the geographic or other significance of essentially repeating what appears to be minor information?
  • 3 Ne 6:11-15: What is the main difference between those that humble themselves in adversity and those that become prideful?
  • 3 Ne 6:13: When are we justified in standing up for ourselves and when should we take a railing from others? Since we are commanded to turn the other cheek, are we supposed to just let people walk on us?
  • 3 Ne 6:17: It mentions that the people were in an awful state of wickedness. The pride cycle is very much a part of the lives of the people in the scriptures. How is it that repentance is possible when the same sins are being committed over and over again? Wouldn't this mean they lack true penitence for their sins?
  • 3 Ne 6:16-20: I wonder why it is that this pride-cycle revolves (is that the right word?) so quickly at this point in the Book of Mormon?
  • 3 Ne 6:21-25: The Nephite government became corrupt and turned against the laws of liberty and justice that were established in the first place. Can we see that happening in our government today?
  • 3 Ne 6:23: Why would the government want to assassinate the prophets secretly?
  • 3 Ne 6:30: These judges were not successful in establishing a king over all the land, but only a king over their own band (see 3 Ne 7, verse 1 and verse 10).
  • 3 Ne 6:30: The devil has a corrupt version of everything that is sacred. We make sacred covenants in the temple. We can see that the devil organizes his own covenants and works of darkness.
  • 3 Ne 7:1: Why were the judges here so anxious to establish a king (cf. 3 Ne 6:30)? Why were they only able to establish a king over their own band (cf. v. 10)? One motive for their desire to overthrow the government and establish a king may've been a lust for power (cf. 3 Ne 4:29). If this were the case, did they end up with more power after the government was overthrown or before it was overthrown when they were judges?
  • 3 Ne 7:11: What is it that motivates the people of the secret combinations at this time? Why do they enter into a covenant to destroy the government?
  • 3 Ne 7:17-19: These verses suggest that many people without faith saw the miracles that Nephi did. How does this relate to Ether 12:6 where Moroni tells us that we receive no witness until after the trial of our faith?
  • 3 Ne 7:21: It says that there were few that were converted unto the Lord. Why do these people not fear God after witnessing his power? How dare they continue to live in sin?

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.




Previous page: Chapter 5                      Next page: Chapters 8-10

3 Ne 6:21-25

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 6-7
Previous page: Chapter 5                      Next page: Chapters 8-10


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.

Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 6-7 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 6-7 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 6-7 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 6:1-5 The fact that the Nephites still had food left over shows us how industrious they were before the siege and just how much food they really had piled up. The extra food that they had after the war was probably needed while they reconstructed their farms and planted new crops.
  • 3 Ne 7:11. This verse tells us that the only thing uniting the tribes of people was their common hatred of those who entered into secret combinations. Hatred of evil, in and of itself, is a good thing. It was given to us by the Lord in Genesis 3:15.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 6:1-5: Why might adversity brings people together, while peaceful prosperity pulls them apart?
  • 3 Ne 6:2: "Both on the north and on the south, both on the land northward and on the land southward." What is the geographic or other significance of essentially repeating what appears to be minor information?
  • 3 Ne 6:11-15: What is the main difference between those that humble themselves in adversity and those that become prideful?
  • 3 Ne 6:13: When are we justified in standing up for ourselves and when should we take a railing from others? Since we are commanded to turn the other cheek, are we supposed to just let people walk on us?
  • 3 Ne 6:17: It mentions that the people were in an awful state of wickedness. The pride cycle is very much a part of the lives of the people in the scriptures. How is it that repentance is possible when the same sins are being committed over and over again? Wouldn't this mean they lack true penitence for their sins?
  • 3 Ne 6:16-20: I wonder why it is that this pride-cycle revolves (is that the right word?) so quickly at this point in the Book of Mormon?
  • 3 Ne 6:21-25: The Nephite government became corrupt and turned against the laws of liberty and justice that were established in the first place. Can we see that happening in our government today?
  • 3 Ne 6:23: Why would the government want to assassinate the prophets secretly?
  • 3 Ne 6:30: These judges were not successful in establishing a king over all the land, but only a king over their own band (see 3 Ne 7, verse 1 and verse 10).
  • 3 Ne 6:30: The devil has a corrupt version of everything that is sacred. We make sacred covenants in the temple. We can see that the devil organizes his own covenants and works of darkness.
  • 3 Ne 7:1: Why were the judges here so anxious to establish a king (cf. 3 Ne 6:30)? Why were they only able to establish a king over their own band (cf. v. 10)? One motive for their desire to overthrow the government and establish a king may've been a lust for power (cf. 3 Ne 4:29). If this were the case, did they end up with more power after the government was overthrown or before it was overthrown when they were judges?
  • 3 Ne 7:11: What is it that motivates the people of the secret combinations at this time? Why do they enter into a covenant to destroy the government?
  • 3 Ne 7:17-19: These verses suggest that many people without faith saw the miracles that Nephi did. How does this relate to Ether 12:6 where Moroni tells us that we receive no witness until after the trial of our faith?
  • 3 Ne 7:21: It says that there were few that were converted unto the Lord. Why do these people not fear God after witnessing his power? How dare they continue to live in sin?

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.




Previous page: Chapter 5                      Next page: Chapters 8-10

3 Ne 6:26-30

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 6-7
Previous page: Chapter 5                      Next page: Chapters 8-10


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.

Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 6-7 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 6-7 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 6-7 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 6:1-5 The fact that the Nephites still had food left over shows us how industrious they were before the siege and just how much food they really had piled up. The extra food that they had after the war was probably needed while they reconstructed their farms and planted new crops.
  • 3 Ne 7:11. This verse tells us that the only thing uniting the tribes of people was their common hatred of those who entered into secret combinations. Hatred of evil, in and of itself, is a good thing. It was given to us by the Lord in Genesis 3:15.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 6:1-5: Why might adversity brings people together, while peaceful prosperity pulls them apart?
  • 3 Ne 6:2: "Both on the north and on the south, both on the land northward and on the land southward." What is the geographic or other significance of essentially repeating what appears to be minor information?
  • 3 Ne 6:11-15: What is the main difference between those that humble themselves in adversity and those that become prideful?
  • 3 Ne 6:13: When are we justified in standing up for ourselves and when should we take a railing from others? Since we are commanded to turn the other cheek, are we supposed to just let people walk on us?
  • 3 Ne 6:17: It mentions that the people were in an awful state of wickedness. The pride cycle is very much a part of the lives of the people in the scriptures. How is it that repentance is possible when the same sins are being committed over and over again? Wouldn't this mean they lack true penitence for their sins?
  • 3 Ne 6:16-20: I wonder why it is that this pride-cycle revolves (is that the right word?) so quickly at this point in the Book of Mormon?
  • 3 Ne 6:21-25: The Nephite government became corrupt and turned against the laws of liberty and justice that were established in the first place. Can we see that happening in our government today?
  • 3 Ne 6:23: Why would the government want to assassinate the prophets secretly?
  • 3 Ne 6:30: These judges were not successful in establishing a king over all the land, but only a king over their own band (see 3 Ne 7, verse 1 and verse 10).
  • 3 Ne 6:30: The devil has a corrupt version of everything that is sacred. We make sacred covenants in the temple. We can see that the devil organizes his own covenants and works of darkness.
  • 3 Ne 7:1: Why were the judges here so anxious to establish a king (cf. 3 Ne 6:30)? Why were they only able to establish a king over their own band (cf. v. 10)? One motive for their desire to overthrow the government and establish a king may've been a lust for power (cf. 3 Ne 4:29). If this were the case, did they end up with more power after the government was overthrown or before it was overthrown when they were judges?
  • 3 Ne 7:11: What is it that motivates the people of the secret combinations at this time? Why do they enter into a covenant to destroy the government?
  • 3 Ne 7:17-19: These verses suggest that many people without faith saw the miracles that Nephi did. How does this relate to Ether 12:6 where Moroni tells us that we receive no witness until after the trial of our faith?
  • 3 Ne 7:21: It says that there were few that were converted unto the Lord. Why do these people not fear God after witnessing his power? How dare they continue to live in sin?

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.




Previous page: Chapter 5                      Next page: Chapters 8-10

3 Ne 7:1-5

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 6-7
Previous page: Chapter 5                      Next page: Chapters 8-10


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.

Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 6-7 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 6-7 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 6-7 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 6:1-5 The fact that the Nephites still had food left over shows us how industrious they were before the siege and just how much food they really had piled up. The extra food that they had after the war was probably needed while they reconstructed their farms and planted new crops.
  • 3 Ne 7:11. This verse tells us that the only thing uniting the tribes of people was their common hatred of those who entered into secret combinations. Hatred of evil, in and of itself, is a good thing. It was given to us by the Lord in Genesis 3:15.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 6:1-5: Why might adversity brings people together, while peaceful prosperity pulls them apart?
  • 3 Ne 6:2: "Both on the north and on the south, both on the land northward and on the land southward." What is the geographic or other significance of essentially repeating what appears to be minor information?
  • 3 Ne 6:11-15: What is the main difference between those that humble themselves in adversity and those that become prideful?
  • 3 Ne 6:13: When are we justified in standing up for ourselves and when should we take a railing from others? Since we are commanded to turn the other cheek, are we supposed to just let people walk on us?
  • 3 Ne 6:17: It mentions that the people were in an awful state of wickedness. The pride cycle is very much a part of the lives of the people in the scriptures. How is it that repentance is possible when the same sins are being committed over and over again? Wouldn't this mean they lack true penitence for their sins?
  • 3 Ne 6:16-20: I wonder why it is that this pride-cycle revolves (is that the right word?) so quickly at this point in the Book of Mormon?
  • 3 Ne 6:21-25: The Nephite government became corrupt and turned against the laws of liberty and justice that were established in the first place. Can we see that happening in our government today?
  • 3 Ne 6:23: Why would the government want to assassinate the prophets secretly?
  • 3 Ne 6:30: These judges were not successful in establishing a king over all the land, but only a king over their own band (see 3 Ne 7, verse 1 and verse 10).
  • 3 Ne 6:30: The devil has a corrupt version of everything that is sacred. We make sacred covenants in the temple. We can see that the devil organizes his own covenants and works of darkness.
  • 3 Ne 7:1: Why were the judges here so anxious to establish a king (cf. 3 Ne 6:30)? Why were they only able to establish a king over their own band (cf. v. 10)? One motive for their desire to overthrow the government and establish a king may've been a lust for power (cf. 3 Ne 4:29). If this were the case, did they end up with more power after the government was overthrown or before it was overthrown when they were judges?
  • 3 Ne 7:11: What is it that motivates the people of the secret combinations at this time? Why do they enter into a covenant to destroy the government?
  • 3 Ne 7:17-19: These verses suggest that many people without faith saw the miracles that Nephi did. How does this relate to Ether 12:6 where Moroni tells us that we receive no witness until after the trial of our faith?
  • 3 Ne 7:21: It says that there were few that were converted unto the Lord. Why do these people not fear God after witnessing his power? How dare they continue to live in sin?

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.




Previous page: Chapter 5                      Next page: Chapters 8-10

3 Ne 7:6-10

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 6-7
Previous page: Chapter 5                      Next page: Chapters 8-10


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.

Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 6-7 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 6-7 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 6-7 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 6:1-5 The fact that the Nephites still had food left over shows us how industrious they were before the siege and just how much food they really had piled up. The extra food that they had after the war was probably needed while they reconstructed their farms and planted new crops.
  • 3 Ne 7:11. This verse tells us that the only thing uniting the tribes of people was their common hatred of those who entered into secret combinations. Hatred of evil, in and of itself, is a good thing. It was given to us by the Lord in Genesis 3:15.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 6:1-5: Why might adversity brings people together, while peaceful prosperity pulls them apart?
  • 3 Ne 6:2: "Both on the north and on the south, both on the land northward and on the land southward." What is the geographic or other significance of essentially repeating what appears to be minor information?
  • 3 Ne 6:11-15: What is the main difference between those that humble themselves in adversity and those that become prideful?
  • 3 Ne 6:13: When are we justified in standing up for ourselves and when should we take a railing from others? Since we are commanded to turn the other cheek, are we supposed to just let people walk on us?
  • 3 Ne 6:17: It mentions that the people were in an awful state of wickedness. The pride cycle is very much a part of the lives of the people in the scriptures. How is it that repentance is possible when the same sins are being committed over and over again? Wouldn't this mean they lack true penitence for their sins?
  • 3 Ne 6:16-20: I wonder why it is that this pride-cycle revolves (is that the right word?) so quickly at this point in the Book of Mormon?
  • 3 Ne 6:21-25: The Nephite government became corrupt and turned against the laws of liberty and justice that were established in the first place. Can we see that happening in our government today?
  • 3 Ne 6:23: Why would the government want to assassinate the prophets secretly?
  • 3 Ne 6:30: These judges were not successful in establishing a king over all the land, but only a king over their own band (see 3 Ne 7, verse 1 and verse 10).
  • 3 Ne 6:30: The devil has a corrupt version of everything that is sacred. We make sacred covenants in the temple. We can see that the devil organizes his own covenants and works of darkness.
  • 3 Ne 7:1: Why were the judges here so anxious to establish a king (cf. 3 Ne 6:30)? Why were they only able to establish a king over their own band (cf. v. 10)? One motive for their desire to overthrow the government and establish a king may've been a lust for power (cf. 3 Ne 4:29). If this were the case, did they end up with more power after the government was overthrown or before it was overthrown when they were judges?
  • 3 Ne 7:11: What is it that motivates the people of the secret combinations at this time? Why do they enter into a covenant to destroy the government?
  • 3 Ne 7:17-19: These verses suggest that many people without faith saw the miracles that Nephi did. How does this relate to Ether 12:6 where Moroni tells us that we receive no witness until after the trial of our faith?
  • 3 Ne 7:21: It says that there were few that were converted unto the Lord. Why do these people not fear God after witnessing his power? How dare they continue to live in sin?

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.




Previous page: Chapter 5                      Next page: Chapters 8-10

3 Ne 7:11-15

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 6-7
Previous page: Chapter 5                      Next page: Chapters 8-10


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.

Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 6-7 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 6-7 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 6-7 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 6:1-5 The fact that the Nephites still had food left over shows us how industrious they were before the siege and just how much food they really had piled up. The extra food that they had after the war was probably needed while they reconstructed their farms and planted new crops.
  • 3 Ne 7:11. This verse tells us that the only thing uniting the tribes of people was their common hatred of those who entered into secret combinations. Hatred of evil, in and of itself, is a good thing. It was given to us by the Lord in Genesis 3:15.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 6:1-5: Why might adversity brings people together, while peaceful prosperity pulls them apart?
  • 3 Ne 6:2: "Both on the north and on the south, both on the land northward and on the land southward." What is the geographic or other significance of essentially repeating what appears to be minor information?
  • 3 Ne 6:11-15: What is the main difference between those that humble themselves in adversity and those that become prideful?
  • 3 Ne 6:13: When are we justified in standing up for ourselves and when should we take a railing from others? Since we are commanded to turn the other cheek, are we supposed to just let people walk on us?
  • 3 Ne 6:17: It mentions that the people were in an awful state of wickedness. The pride cycle is very much a part of the lives of the people in the scriptures. How is it that repentance is possible when the same sins are being committed over and over again? Wouldn't this mean they lack true penitence for their sins?
  • 3 Ne 6:16-20: I wonder why it is that this pride-cycle revolves (is that the right word?) so quickly at this point in the Book of Mormon?
  • 3 Ne 6:21-25: The Nephite government became corrupt and turned against the laws of liberty and justice that were established in the first place. Can we see that happening in our government today?
  • 3 Ne 6:23: Why would the government want to assassinate the prophets secretly?
  • 3 Ne 6:30: These judges were not successful in establishing a king over all the land, but only a king over their own band (see 3 Ne 7, verse 1 and verse 10).
  • 3 Ne 6:30: The devil has a corrupt version of everything that is sacred. We make sacred covenants in the temple. We can see that the devil organizes his own covenants and works of darkness.
  • 3 Ne 7:1: Why were the judges here so anxious to establish a king (cf. 3 Ne 6:30)? Why were they only able to establish a king over their own band (cf. v. 10)? One motive for their desire to overthrow the government and establish a king may've been a lust for power (cf. 3 Ne 4:29). If this were the case, did they end up with more power after the government was overthrown or before it was overthrown when they were judges?
  • 3 Ne 7:11: What is it that motivates the people of the secret combinations at this time? Why do they enter into a covenant to destroy the government?
  • 3 Ne 7:17-19: These verses suggest that many people without faith saw the miracles that Nephi did. How does this relate to Ether 12:6 where Moroni tells us that we receive no witness until after the trial of our faith?
  • 3 Ne 7:21: It says that there were few that were converted unto the Lord. Why do these people not fear God after witnessing his power? How dare they continue to live in sin?

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.




Previous page: Chapter 5                      Next page: Chapters 8-10

3 Ne 7:16-20

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 6-7
Previous page: Chapter 5                      Next page: Chapters 8-10


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.

Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 6-7 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 6-7 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 6-7 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 6:1-5 The fact that the Nephites still had food left over shows us how industrious they were before the siege and just how much food they really had piled up. The extra food that they had after the war was probably needed while they reconstructed their farms and planted new crops.
  • 3 Ne 7:11. This verse tells us that the only thing uniting the tribes of people was their common hatred of those who entered into secret combinations. Hatred of evil, in and of itself, is a good thing. It was given to us by the Lord in Genesis 3:15.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 6:1-5: Why might adversity brings people together, while peaceful prosperity pulls them apart?
  • 3 Ne 6:2: "Both on the north and on the south, both on the land northward and on the land southward." What is the geographic or other significance of essentially repeating what appears to be minor information?
  • 3 Ne 6:11-15: What is the main difference between those that humble themselves in adversity and those that become prideful?
  • 3 Ne 6:13: When are we justified in standing up for ourselves and when should we take a railing from others? Since we are commanded to turn the other cheek, are we supposed to just let people walk on us?
  • 3 Ne 6:17: It mentions that the people were in an awful state of wickedness. The pride cycle is very much a part of the lives of the people in the scriptures. How is it that repentance is possible when the same sins are being committed over and over again? Wouldn't this mean they lack true penitence for their sins?
  • 3 Ne 6:16-20: I wonder why it is that this pride-cycle revolves (is that the right word?) so quickly at this point in the Book of Mormon?
  • 3 Ne 6:21-25: The Nephite government became corrupt and turned against the laws of liberty and justice that were established in the first place. Can we see that happening in our government today?
  • 3 Ne 6:23: Why would the government want to assassinate the prophets secretly?
  • 3 Ne 6:30: These judges were not successful in establishing a king over all the land, but only a king over their own band (see 3 Ne 7, verse 1 and verse 10).
  • 3 Ne 6:30: The devil has a corrupt version of everything that is sacred. We make sacred covenants in the temple. We can see that the devil organizes his own covenants and works of darkness.
  • 3 Ne 7:1: Why were the judges here so anxious to establish a king (cf. 3 Ne 6:30)? Why were they only able to establish a king over their own band (cf. v. 10)? One motive for their desire to overthrow the government and establish a king may've been a lust for power (cf. 3 Ne 4:29). If this were the case, did they end up with more power after the government was overthrown or before it was overthrown when they were judges?
  • 3 Ne 7:11: What is it that motivates the people of the secret combinations at this time? Why do they enter into a covenant to destroy the government?
  • 3 Ne 7:17-19: These verses suggest that many people without faith saw the miracles that Nephi did. How does this relate to Ether 12:6 where Moroni tells us that we receive no witness until after the trial of our faith?
  • 3 Ne 7:21: It says that there were few that were converted unto the Lord. Why do these people not fear God after witnessing his power? How dare they continue to live in sin?

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.




Previous page: Chapter 5                      Next page: Chapters 8-10

3 Ne 7:21-26

Home > The Book of Mormon > Third Nephi > Chapters 6-7
Previous page: Chapter 5                      Next page: Chapters 8-10


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.

Summary[edit]

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Relationship to Third Nephi. The relationship of Chapters 6-7 to the rest of Third Nephi is discussed at Third Nephi.

Story. Chapters 6-7 consists of ____ major sections:

Message. Themes, symbols, and doctrinal points emphasized in Chapters 6-7 include:

Discussion[edit]

This section is for detailed discussion such as the meaning of a symbol, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout a passage, or insights that can be further developed in the future. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 6:1-5 The fact that the Nephites still had food left over shows us how industrious they were before the siege and just how much food they really had piled up. The extra food that they had after the war was probably needed while they reconstructed their farms and planted new crops.
  • 3 Ne 7:11. This verse tells us that the only thing uniting the tribes of people was their common hatred of those who entered into secret combinations. Hatred of evil, in and of itself, is a good thing. It was given to us by the Lord in Genesis 3:15.

Unanswered questions[edit]

This section is for questions along the lines of "I still don't understand ..." Please do not be shy. The point of these questions is to identify things that still need to be addressed on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for life application[edit]

This section is for prompts that suggest ways in which a passage can influence a person's life. Prompts may be appropriate either for private self reflection or for a class discussion. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Prompts for further study[edit]

This section is for prompts that invite us to think about a passage more deeply or in a new way. These are not necessarily questions that beg for answers, but rather prompts along the lines of "Have you ever thought about ..." Prompts are most helpful when they are developed individually, thoughtfully, and with enough background information to clearly indicate a particular direction for further study or thought. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • 3 Ne 6:1-5: Why might adversity brings people together, while peaceful prosperity pulls them apart?
  • 3 Ne 6:2: "Both on the north and on the south, both on the land northward and on the land southward." What is the geographic or other significance of essentially repeating what appears to be minor information?
  • 3 Ne 6:11-15: What is the main difference between those that humble themselves in adversity and those that become prideful?
  • 3 Ne 6:13: When are we justified in standing up for ourselves and when should we take a railing from others? Since we are commanded to turn the other cheek, are we supposed to just let people walk on us?
  • 3 Ne 6:17: It mentions that the people were in an awful state of wickedness. The pride cycle is very much a part of the lives of the people in the scriptures. How is it that repentance is possible when the same sins are being committed over and over again? Wouldn't this mean they lack true penitence for their sins?
  • 3 Ne 6:16-20: I wonder why it is that this pride-cycle revolves (is that the right word?) so quickly at this point in the Book of Mormon?
  • 3 Ne 6:21-25: The Nephite government became corrupt and turned against the laws of liberty and justice that were established in the first place. Can we see that happening in our government today?
  • 3 Ne 6:23: Why would the government want to assassinate the prophets secretly?
  • 3 Ne 6:30: These judges were not successful in establishing a king over all the land, but only a king over their own band (see 3 Ne 7, verse 1 and verse 10).
  • 3 Ne 6:30: The devil has a corrupt version of everything that is sacred. We make sacred covenants in the temple. We can see that the devil organizes his own covenants and works of darkness.
  • 3 Ne 7:1: Why were the judges here so anxious to establish a king (cf. 3 Ne 6:30)? Why were they only able to establish a king over their own band (cf. v. 10)? One motive for their desire to overthrow the government and establish a king may've been a lust for power (cf. 3 Ne 4:29). If this were the case, did they end up with more power after the government was overthrown or before it was overthrown when they were judges?
  • 3 Ne 7:11: What is it that motivates the people of the secret combinations at this time? Why do they enter into a covenant to destroy the government?
  • 3 Ne 7:17-19: These verses suggest that many people without faith saw the miracles that Nephi did. How does this relate to Ether 12:6 where Moroni tells us that we receive no witness until after the trial of our faith?
  • 3 Ne 7:21: It says that there were few that were converted unto the Lord. Why do these people not fear God after witnessing his power? How dare they continue to live in sin?

Resources[edit]

This section is for listing links and print resources, including those that are also cited elsewhere on this page. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves (such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word). In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources (such as Strong's Bible Concordance or the Joseph Smith Papers) are preferable to footnotes.




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