“Do As I Have Done”

Jana Reiss

The phrase “Do as I have done” is picked up in verse 30 but transformed slightly: “Know as I do know.” This slight alteration is critical for understanding the meaning of not only Alma 36 but also Alma 32, where we have just seen Alma discuss the importance of putting faith into practice in order to cultivate sure knowledge. The basic notion, then, is that it is through doing that we come to know. Also, note that verse 2’s reminder about the captivity and bondage of the fathers is picked up in verses 28–29.

The Book of Mormon: Selections Annotated & Explained

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