“They Are Made Known Unto Us in Plain Terms”

Brant Gardner

We may also hear an echo of Nephi in Alma’s reference to “plain terms,” an adjective Nephi frequently used to describe his approach to the scriptures and their application. For example, 2 Nephi 32:7 notes: “And now I, Nephi, cannot say more; the Spirit stoppeth mine utterance, and I am left to mourn because of the unbelief, and the wickedness, and the ignorance, and the stiffneckedness of men; for they will not search knowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is given unto them in plainness, even as plain as word can be.” Alma’s language is not sufficiently close to Nephi’s to identify whether Alma is quoting a specific verse, but he is clearly referencing a concept. These two major themes from Nephi—plainness and his scattered people—suggest Alma’s familiarity with Nephi’s writings, probably to the book of Lehi. While we do not have that text, it would not be surprising for Nephi to write similar message on both the large and small plates.

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 4

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