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MORMON'S ABRIDGMENT, VER. 1-17
Book of Mormon Commentary
Words of Mormon Chapter 1
Words 1:2 And it is many hundred years after the coming of Christ, that I deliver these records into the
hands of my son; and it supposeth me that he will witness the entire destruction of my people.
1:2 Mormon lived from A.D. 310 to 385. This abridgment covers history around 124 B.C.
Mormon begins this chapter by the historical note, "I, Mormon, being about to deliver up the
record, which I have been making, into the hands of my son Moroni” (1). This dates the writing of
the Words of Mormon at about A.D. 385.
Other than its value as an abridgment of a longer work, the Words of Mormon filled an important
need in later centuries. When the plates were being translated by Joseph Smith, the 116 pages were
given to Martin Harris, and lost. This abridgment, then, continues the history to make a smooth
transition to the writings of Mosiah.
Mormon explained his reasons for writing this connective history, after expressing the hope that
Moroni might survive the destruction of his people long enough that "he may write somewhat
concerning them, and somewhat concerning Christ” (3). (See Mn. 4:1-10)
Words 1:4 And now, I speak somewhat concerning that which I have written: for after I had made an
abridgment from the plates of Nephi, down to the reign of this King Benjamin, of whom Amaleki spake,
1:4 Mormon said he searched "the records which had been delivered into my hands, and I found
these plates" (5). He abridged the larger or historical plates before he was aware that this "small
account of the prophets" existed. After reading these plates, he was pleased particularly "because
of the prophecies of the coming of Christ"(6). Subsequent records of his fathers show that many of
these prophecies had been fulfilled.
Words 1:9 But behold, I shall take these plates, which contain these prophesyings and revelations, and
put them with the remainder of my record, for they are choice unto me; and I know they will be choice
unto my brethren.
1:9 This was "for a wise purpose" (D. and C. 3) and “according to the workings of the Spirit of the
Lord" (W .M. 1:10). The conditions making it wise to have the history covering this same period
(as the 116 pages of translated manuscript) were not revealed to Mormon, but he trusted "the
workings of the Spirit" (10).
Mormon prayed for "my brethren [the Lamanites], that they may once again come to a knowledge
of God; yea, the redemption of Christ; that they may once again be a delightsome people" (12).
Nephi prophesied that this should come to pass (II N. 12:83, 84).
Words 1:14 Wherefore, it came to pass that after Amaleki had delivered up these plates into the hands
of King Benjamin, he took them and put them with the other plates, which contained records which had
been handed down by the kings, from generation to generation, until the days of King Benjamin;
1:14 Mormon revealed that all these plates were handed down from King Benjamin through
chosen men "until they have fallen into my hands" (15). He testified that the plates "will be
preserved" and that his people "shall be judged at the great and last day, according to the word of
God which is written" (17).