In his second editorial note, Nephi clarifies that he has two sets of plates. The other set contains “a full account of the history of my people,” while this set focuses on “the ministry of my people” (1 Nephi 9:2-3). He is unsure why two sets of plates are necessary, but the Lord has commanded him to do this, and he trusts that it is for “a wise purpose” (1 Nephi 9:5).
Chapter Outline
- Nephi’s other plates contain “a full account” of his people’s history, while these plates contain only a record of his ministry (v. 1-4).
- He doesn’t know why two sets of plates are needed, but God knows (v. 5-6).
My Takeaways
- Acknowledge what you don’t know, and act on what you do.
- Dedicate blocks of time to different purposes, and don’t get distracted from the task at hand.
Featured Blog Posts
Uncertainty and Certainty in the Writings of Nephi
Nephi opens his writings with a statement of conviction: And I know that the record which I make is true; and I make it with mine own hand; and I make it according to my knowledge (1 Nephi 1:3). He is unafraid to declare what he knows. For example, here is his reason for accepting…
Upon the Other Plates – 1 Nephi 9:2-4
2 And now, as I have spoken concerning these plates, behold they are not the plates upon which I make a full account of the history of my people; for the plates upon which I make a full account of my people I have given the name of Nephi; wherefore, they are called the plates…
Church History Connections
In What Order Did Joseph Smith Translate the Book of Mormon?
After writing the history of his people on metal plates, the prophet Nephi was instructed by the Lord to create a second set of plates, which are known today as the small plates of Nephi. On these, he was to engrave a record of the ministry of his people. Nephi obeyed this commandment even though…
All Posts Referencing 1 Nephi 9
- Abraham, Tent-Dweller (2/21/2026)
- Keeping a History (8/5/2025)
- About Isaiah and Plainness (2/4/2024)
- The Title Page and Nephi (1/4/2024)
- God Will Prepare a Way (8/31/2023)
- “A Record of My Proceedings” – 1 Nephi 1:1 (8/6/2021)
- Knowledge and Power (7/15/2021)
- John Whitmer, Record-keeper (6/25/2021)
- “I Know” / “I Know Not” (5/13/2021)
- “A Wise Purpose” – Alma 37:2, 12, 14, 18 (7/22/2020)
- “A Hundredth Part” – Jacob 3:13 (3/13/2020)
- Uncertainty and Certainty in the Writings of Nephi (1/16/2020)
- What Is Wisdom? (12/13/2019)
- What Does It Mean to “Fulfill” God’s Commandments? (7/6/2019)
- In What Order Did Joseph Smith Translate the Book of Mormon? (5/20/2019)
- Upon the Other Plates – 1 Nephi 9:2-4 (9/5/2018)
- He Prepareth a Way – 1 Nephi 9:6 (7/10/2017)
- 1 Nephi 9:6 He Hath All Power Unto the Fulfilling of All His Words (1/14/2015)