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Book of Mormon Commentary
3 Nephi Chapter 6
JESUS CONTINUES TEACHING DOCTRINE, VER. 1-37
3 Ne 6:1 And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words, he looked upon the twelve
whom he had chosen, and said unto them, Remember the words which I have spoken.
This people and their descendants for fifteen hundred years would not have access to Jesus' words
as spoken in Palestine. People who did not read or did not have access to the written word learned
to depend on memory much more than we do today. Jesus reminded them to pay attention so they
would ..remember the words."
Parallel instruction is given in Matthew 6:28 to 7:35. It follows closely the King James Version
(starting Matt. 6:25). There were some changes made in the corrected version by the prophet
Joseph Smith, Jr., by divine direction and guidance. Some may question whether the message on
the plates could possibly have been verbatim with those in the New Testament. No evidence exists
that helps us answer this question. Since no new or changed doctrine was introduced, it is not
important that we know the answer.
The Inspired Version does give new light at a few points. It adds these verses: 6:30, 36; 7:6, 7, 9,
11, 14-17, and 31. The following verses have been modified: 11 in III Nephi and 6:38 in Matthew.
The latter reads: ' 'Wherefore, seek not the things of this world but seek ye first to build up the
kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."
Verse 13 and Matt. 7:2: The latter reads: "Judge not un- righteously, that ye be not judged; but
judge righteous judgment."
Verse 18 and 7:10: The latter reads: "And the mysteries of the kingdom ye shall keep within
yourselves; for it is not meet to give that which is holy unto the dogs; neither cast ye your pearls
unto swine, lest they trample them under their feet."
Verse 25 and Matt. 7:22: The latter reads: "Repent, there- fore, and enter ye in at the strait gate;
for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be who go in
thereat."
Verse 35 and Matt. 7:33: The latter reads: "And then will 1 say, Ye never knew me; depart from
me ye that work iniquity."
The word "strait" in the Bible (7 :22, 23) is spelled "straight" in III Nephi (6:25, 26). The latter is
undoubtedly an error. Perhaps in writing from dictation, the Book of Mormon scribe wrote down
the wrong word. A "strait" gate is a narrow passageway; distressful, difficult, limited. Hence,
"straight is the gate, and narrow is the way" (26) is not a parallelism, but "strait" would be.
3 Ne 6:10 For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
No essential purpose will be served by emphasizing the points of doctrine which Jesus discussed
at this time, since they present no particular problem of understanding. The student's problem is
one of remembering and using. That goes beyond the function of a commentary.
3 Ne 6:35 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you, depart from me, ye that work iniquity.