Moroni again interrupts his narrative with a brief note directed to the future translator of this record (Joseph Smith). He instructs this person not to translate the sealed portion of the record. He assures him that three people will have the privilege, by the power of God, of seeing the plates containing this record, so that they can corroborate his testimony.
Chapter Outline
- Three witnesses will see the plates (v. 1-6)
My Takeaways
- Our testimony of the gospel can be based on witnesses, blessings, and personal revelation.
- There is power in hearing multiple witnesses testify of gospel truths.
Featured Blog Posts
❖ Three witnesses – Ether 5:1-6
“Touch Them Not”
Moroni instructed Joseph Smith not to touch the portion of the plates which he had sealed shut. Curiosity can be a powerful motivator and a powerful distraction. We need to act upon our current knowledge while patiently waiting for additional information.
All This Shall Stand as a Testimony – Ether 5:4
4 And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which shall be shown forth the power of God and also his word, of which the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost bear record–and all this shall stand as a…
The Testimony of Three – Ether 5:4
4 And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which shall be shown forth the power of God and also his word, of which the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost bear record–and all this shall stand as a…
Old Testament Foundations
“In the Mouth of Three Witnesses” – Ether 5:4
One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sins: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. Deuteronomy 19:15 (See also Deuteronomy 17:6.) One of the features of this mortal life is…
New Testament Parallels
Out of Much Affliction
Three principles from Paul about suffering: 1. God loves us and will comfort us when we suffer. 2. Suffering can result in growth and progression with God’s help. 3. We can find joy when we suffer, particularly when we maintain an eternal perspective.
Church History Connections
Who Were the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon?
While Joseph Smith was translating the Book of Mormon, he was not allowed to show anyone else the metal plates containing the original record (Joseph Smith–History 1:42). His scribes sat near him, recording the words he spoke, but Joseph kept the plates hidden from their view. But near the end of the translation process, in…
All Posts Referencing Ether 5
- Faith and Witnessing (2/23/2025)
- “Touch Them Not” (11/17/2024)
- “In the Mouth of Three Witnesses” – Ether 5:4 (11/14/2020)
- What Do We Know About the Jaredite Plates? (5/26/2019)
- Who Were the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon? (5/24/2019)
- Awake to a Sense of Your Awful Situation – Ether 8:24 (9/25/2018)
- Unto Three Shall They Be Shown – Ether 5:2-3 (9/24/2018)
- All This Shall Stand as a Testimony – Ether 5:4 (6/8/2017)
- The Testimony of Three – Ether 5:4 (12/2/2015)