Book of Mormon Outlines showing some possible structures for the books and noting, where possible, the original source and audience of a passage, the genre or form, and its editor.

For 1 Nephi thru Alma 29, go to Huntsman's Rel 121 Outlines page

Outlines in printable format.

Mormon's Abridgment of the Large Plates of Nephi

• Alma (30-63)
• Helaman
• 3 Nephi
• 4 Nephi
• Mormon (completed by Moroni)

Moroni's Abridgement of the Jaredite Plates and His Own Record

• Ether
• Moroni

Return to Huntsman's Rel 122 homepage

Alma

Overview For detailed view, click any of the items in the outline below.

• The Record of Alma (continued)
  • Korihor, an Anti-Christ (30:6-21)
  • Mission to the Zoramites (31:1–35:14)
  • Alma’s Testimony to His Sons (35:15–42:31)
  • The Zoramite War (43:3–44:24)
• The Record of Helaman²
  • The End of the Prophetic Career of Alma² (45:1–19)
  • Helaman’s Unsuccessful Reformation (45:20–24)
  • The Wars of Amalickiah and Ammoron (46:1–62:41)
• Nephite Recovery and Changes (62:42–63:17)
• Record of Shiblon

Detailed View

Superscription of the Book of Alma: The Book of Alma, the son of Alma.  The account of Alma, who was the son of Alma, the first and chief judge over the people of Nephi, and also the high priest over the Church. An account of the reign of the judges, and the wars and contentions among the people. And also an account of a war between the Nephites and the Lamanites, according to the record of Alma, the first and chief judge."

[THE RECORD OF ALMA]

Alma 1-19 (go to Huntsman's Rel 121 Outlines page)

Introductory Summary: the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Years of the Judges (30:1-5; narrative transition report)

Korihor’s, an Anti-Christ (30:6-21: dramatic narrative)

• Summary of Korihor’s Preaching (30:6-18)
• Rejected by the People of Ammon in Jershon (30:19-21a)
• The debate in Gideon: Korihor and Giddonah² (30:21b-29; dialogue)
• The Debate in Zarahemla: Korihor, Alma², and Nephihah (30:30-55; dialogue)
• The End of Korihor (30:56-60; narrative)

Mission to the Zoramites (31:1–35:14)

• Need for a Mission to Antionum, the Zoramite city (30:1–4; narrative)
  • Idolatry of the Zoramites grieves Alma (31:1-2)
  The danger of the Zoramite secession (31:3-4)
  • Reflection upon the power of the word (31:5)
• Zoramite Manner of Worship (31:12–23; narrative)
  • Zoramite synagogue described (31:12-14)
  • The "holy stand" ("Rameumptum" in 31:21)
  • Example of Zoramite prayer, a vehicle for indoctrination (31:15-18)
  • Zoramite worship summarized (31:19-23)
• Alma’s Prayer Concerning the Zoramites (30:24–38; narrative with quoted prayer)
  • Alma’s reaction to Zoramite worship (31:24-26a)
  • Alma’s Prayer (31:27-35; quote)
  • Alma empowers the missionaries (31:36-38)
• Alma’s Discourse to the Poor Zoramites (32:1–33:23; sermon)
  • Some success among the poor (32:1-6; narrative)
  • Alma’s Sermon (32:7-33:23)
    • Humility and Belief (32:7-16)
    • Signs and knowledge alone do not save (32:17-20)
    • An Experiment on Faith (32:21-43)
    • Prayer (33:1-11)
      • Quote from Zenos (33:4b-11)
    • Prophetic Testimonies of Christ (33:12-20)
    • Christ: the seed to plant (33:21-23)
• Amulek’s Discourse to the Poor Zoramites (34:1–41; sermon)
  • The Word is in Christ (34:1-5)
    • Witnesses and testimonies of Christ (34:6-8)
    • The Infinite and Eternal Sacrifice of Christ (34:9-12)
    • The Law of Moses Points to Christ (34:13-14)
    • Mercy Satisfied Justice (34:15-16)
  • How to Begin to Exercise Faith (34:17-29)
    • Prayer (34:17b-27)
    • Practice Charity (34:28-29)
  • Amulek Calls on the Zoramites to Repent (34:30-41)
    • "This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God" (34:30-36)
    • Keys to "working out our salvation" before God (34:37-41)
• Repentant Zoramites are cast out (35:1–10; narrative)
• Zoramites ally themselves with the Lamanites (35:10–14; narrative)

Alma’s Testimony to His Sons (35:15–42:31)

• Introduction (35:15–16, narrative transition)
• Alma’s Words to Helaman² (36:1–37:47; direct quote; Helaman¹ was the second son of King Benjamin)
  • Headnote: "The commandments of Alma to his son Helaman."
  • Alma Recounts His Conversion (36:1–30)
    • The Captivity of Their Fathers (36:1–2)
    • Angelic Intervention (36:3–16)
    • Alma is Born of God (36:17–23)
    • Alma’s Efforts to Share the Word (36:24–26)
    • A Hymn of Praise (36:27–19a)
    • Further Injunctions to Helaman (36:29b–30)
  • Alma Entrusts Sacred Records to Helaman (37:1–31)
    • Nephite Records (37:1–20)
    • 24 Jaredite Plates (37:21–31)
  • Final Counsel to Helaman (37:32–37)
  • The Liahona as a Type of Christ and His Word (37:28–47)
• Alma’s words to Shiblon (38:1–15; direct quote)
  • Headnote: "The commandments of Alma to his son Shiblon"
  • Shiblon Commended and Counseled (38:1–5)
  • Alma again Recounts His Conversion (38:6–9)
• Alma’s Words to Corianton (39:1-42:31; direct quote)
  • Headnote: "The commandments of Alma to his son Corianton"
  • Corianton’s Misbehavior on the Zoramite Mission (39:1–14)
    • Corianton and the Harlot Isabel (39:1–4)
    • The Seriousness of Sexual Sin (39:5–7)
    • Repentance Necessary (39:8–9)
    • Alma’s Counsel for Avoiding Further Sin (39:10–14)
  • The Coming of Christ (39:15–19)
  • Alma on the Resurrection and Judgment (40:1–41:15)
    • Between Death and the Resurrection (40:6–14)
    • Incorrect Understanding of the "First Resurrection" (40:15–18)
    • Resurrection and Judgment (40:22–41:15)
  • Alma on the Justice of God (42:1–26)
    • The Fall Created a Need for a Probationary State (42:2–10)
    • The Plan of Redemption Satisfied Mercy and Justice (42:11–26)
  • Alma’s Final Counsel to Corianton (42:27–31)

Alma and his sons "cannot rest" but go forth to preach (43:1–2)

The Zoramite War (43:3–44:24)

• Narrative Transition: Wars in the Eighteenth Year (44:3)
• Preparations for War (43:4–15)
  • The Zoramite-Lamanite Alliance (43:4)
  • Zerahemna Leads the Lamanites (43:5–8)
  • The Righteous Motives of the Nephites (43:9–14)
    • Odds against the Nephites (43:13–14)
• Moroni¹ Outprepares the Lamanites (43:16–21)
• Nephites Seek Prophetic Counsel from Alma² (43:22–33)
  • Respective Motives of the Lamanites and Nephites (43:29–30)
• Battle at the River Sidon (43:34–54)
  • Moroni¹ and Lehi³ outmaneuver the Lamanites
  • Moroni Offers Peace (44:1–7)
  • The Peace Offer Rejected and Then Accepted (44:8–24)
    • Zerahemna refuses to sweat an oath of peace (43:8–11)
    • Zerahemna loses his scalp, battle resumed (43:12–18)
    • Covenant of Peace accepted (43:19–24)

[THE RECORD OF HELAMAN² (45:1–62:52)]

• Headnote: The account of the people of Nephi, and their wars and dissensions, in the days of Helaman, according to the record of Helaman, which he kept in his days.

The End of the Prophetic Career of Alma² (45:1–19)

• Narrative Transition Report: Nephites Give Thanks to God (45:1)
• Helaman’s Interview with Alma (45:2–8)
  • Alma’s Prophesy of Nephite Destruction (45:9–14)
  • Alma’s Final Words (45:15–17)
  • Disappearance of Alma from the Land (45:18–19)

Helaman’s Unsuccessful Reformation (45:20–24)

The Wars of Amalickiah and Ammoron (46:1–62:41)

• Amalickiah’s Monarchical Plot Foiled (46:1–36; narrative)
• Amalickiah and Many Dissent (46:1–10)
  • Mormon’s Commentary, "And thus we see . . ." (46:8–9)
  • Moroni¹ and the Title of Liberty (46:11–22)
  • Jacob/Israel’s Prophecy Concerning the Seed of Joseph (46:23–27)
  • Mass Dissensions Averted (46:28–36)
  • Narrative Summary Report: Faith in Christ Increases (46:37–41)
• Amalickiah Become King of the Lamanites (47:1–35)
  • Amalickiah misleads the King of the Lamanites (47:1–4)
  • Defeats Lehonti and the Lamanite Resisters (47:5–19)
  • Amalickiah Marches against and Murders the King of the Lamanites (47:20–30)
  • Amalickiah Marries the Queen and Takes the Throne (47:31–36)
  • Amalickiah Incites the Lamanites to War (48:1–6)
• Preparations of the Nephites (48:7–25)
  • Moroni’s Praise of Captain Moroni (48:11–18)
  • Ministry of Helaman and His Brothers (48:19–20)
  • Narrative Summary: the Nineteenth Year of the Judges (48:21–25)
• First Invasion of Amalickiah (49:1–30)
  • Nephite Fortifications of Rebuilt-Ammonihah Thwart the Lamanite Attack (49:1–11)
  • Siege of the City of Noah (49:12–25)
  • Amalickiah Swears to Destroy Moroni (49:26–27)
  • Narrative Summary Report: Nephites Again Thank God and Establish Peace (49:28–30)
• Between Invasions (50:1–51:22)
  • More Nephite Preparations (50:1–16)
  • The Nephites Prosper (50:17–24)
    • Lehi¹ Covenant (50:19b–20)
  • Revolt of Morianton² (50:25–36)
    • {Morianton¹ was a Jaredite king}
  • Pahoran becomes the Chief Judge (50:37–40)
  • Kingmen and Freemen (51:1–8)
  • Lamanites Prepare for Another Invasion (51:9–12)
  • Moroni Compels the Kingmen to Defend Their Country (51:12–22)
• Second Invasion of Amalickiah (51:22–52:2)
  • Amalickiah Takes the City of Moroni and Other Cities (51:22–27)
  • Teancum Assassinates Amalickiah (51:28–37)
  • Lamanites Retreat to Mulek (52:1–2)
  • Ammoron Becomes King of the Lamanites and Continues the War (52:3–14)
• Ammoron’s Two-Front War (52:1–62:41)
  • The Eastern Theater of War (52:1–53:7)
    • Moroni and Teancum Retake Mulek (52:15–26)
    • Lamanites under Jacob the Zoramite Defeated (52:27–40)
    • Bountiful and Mulek Fortified (53:1–7)
  • The Western Theater of War: Helaman² and 2,000 Striping Ammonite Soldiers (53:8–23)
  • Eastern Theater: The Exchange of Prisoners (54:1–35)
    • Moroni’s Letter (54:5–13; quoted document)
    • Ammoron’s Letter (54:15–24; quoted document)
    • City of Gid and Nephite Prisoners Retaken (55:1–27)
  • Western Theater: Helaman²’s Letter to Moroni (56:1–58:41; quoted document)
    • Helaman² Leads the 2,000 Stripling Soldiers to Assist Antipus at Judea (56:2–19)
    • Battle of Antiparah (56:20–57:5)
      • 2,000 Stripling Soldiers March as Decoys (56:20–42)
      • Helaman² and His "Sons" Return to Aid forces of Antipus (56:43–57)
      • Helaman² Retakes Antiparah (57:1–5)
    • Helaman² Retakes Cumeni but Loses Prisoners (57:6–36)
      • Miraculous Preservation of the Stripling Soldiers Described (57:24–27)
    • Helaman² Receives Inadequate Support (58:1–12)
    • Helaman² Retakes Manti and All the Lands Westward (58:13–31)
    • Helaman² Describes Strategic Challenges Faced by the Nephites (58:32–41)
  • The Kingmen: Moroni’s Reaction (59:1–4)
    • Moroni Writes to Pahoran (59:1–4; narrative summary)
    • Nephites Lose Nephihah (59:5–13; narrative)
    • Moroni’s Second Letter to Pahoran (59:1–36; quoted document)
    • Pahoran’s Letter (61:1–21; quoted document)
    • Zarahemla: Moroni Defeats Pachus and the Kingmen (62:1–11; narrative)
  • Eastern Theater: Nephite Successes (62:12–41)
    • Moroni Retakes Nephihah (62:12–29)
    • Deaths of Ammoron and Teancum (62:30–37)
    • Moroni Drives Lamanites Out of All the Land Eastward (62:38)
  • Narrative Summary Report: Wars End in the Thirty-first Year of the Judges (62:39–41)

Nephite Recovery and Changes (62:42–63:17; narrative transition report)

• Deaths of Helaman and Moroni (62:52–63:3)

[THE RECORD OF SHBILON]

• Nephite Expansion (63:4–9)
• Records Passed On (63:10–13)
• Renewed Fighting with the Lamanites (63:14–17)

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Helaman

Overview For detailed view, click any of the items in the outline below.

• The Record of Helaman³
  • Tumultuous Reign of the Judges: Pahoran², Helaman³, and Nephi² (1:1–4:26)
• Records of Nephi² and Lehi⁴
  • Mission of Nephi² and Lehi⁴ (5:1–6:14)
  • The Rise of Gadianton Influence (6:15–41)
  • The Prophecy of Nephi² (7:1–11:38)
  • Prosperity and Decline (11:20–12:16)
  • Prophecy of Samuel the Lamanite (13:1–16:9)
  • The Nephites "Harden in Iniquity" (16:10–25)

  Note the literary structure: alternating sections treating largely political, negative incidents with the spiritually rich accounts of miraculous missions and spiritually powerful prophecies.

Detailed View

Superscription of the Book of Helaman: "An account of the Nephites. Their wars and contentions, and their dissensions. And also the prophecies of many holy prophets, before the coming of Christ, according to the records of Helaman, who was the son of Helaman, and also according to the records of his sons, even down to the coming of Christ. And also many of the Lamanites are converted. An account of their conversion. An account of the righteousness of the Lamanites, and the wickedness and abominations of the Nephites, according to the record of Helaman and his sons, even down to the coming of Christ, which is called the book of Helaman."

[THE RECORD OF HELAMAN³]

Tumultuous Reign of the Judges: Pahoran², Helaman³, and Nephi² (narrative with periodic editorial commentary, 1:1–4:26)

• Dissension Weakens the Nephites (1:1–29)
  • Conflict over Pahoran¹’s Succession (1:1–8)
  • Pahoran² Assassinated (1:9–13)
  • Invasion of Corinantumr³ (1:14–34)
    • Zarahemla Captured (1:14–21)
    • Moronihah Drives the Lamanites Out of the Land (1:22–34)
      • Lehi³ holds Bountiful and Keeps the Lamanites out of the Land Northward (1:28–29)
• Helaman³ Chief Judge (2:1–3:36)
  • Helaman³ Fills the Judgment Seat (2:1–2)
  • The Rise of the Gadianton Robbers (2:3–13)
    • Kishkumen’s Failed Assassination Plot (2:3–9)
    • Gadianton’s Flight (2:10–11)
    • Mormon’s Summary Report on the Gadianton Band (2:12–14)
  • Nephite Migrations (3:1–12)
  • Nephite Records (3:13–17)
  • Further Nephite Affairs under Helaman³ (3:18–37)
    • Helaman’s Integrity in Office (3:18–20)
    • The Naming of Nephi² and Lehi⁴ (3:21)
    • Renewed Nephite Prosperity (3:22–26)
      • Mormon’s Analysis on the Lord’s Dealings with the Righteous (editorial commentary, 3:27–30)
    • Pride Accompanies Growing Nephite Prosperity (3:31–36)
• Nephi² Chief Judge (3:37–5:1)
  • Nephi² Succeeds Helaman³ and Rules Justly (3:37)
  • Nephite Dissensions and Lamanite Invasions: Loss of Much of the Land Southward (4:1–10)
    • Mormon’s Analysis of Nephite Losses (editorial commentary, 4:11–13)
  • Limited Nephite Recovery (4:14–19)
    • Preaching of Moronihah, Nephi2, and Lehi4 (4:14-16)
    • Some, but not all, lands regained (4:17-19)
    • Nephites Recognize the Cause of Their Weakness (4:20–26)

[RECORDS OF NEPHI² AND LEHI⁴]

Mission of Nephi² and Lehi⁴ (5:1–6:14, historical narrative)

• Nephi Resigns the Judgment Seat (5:1–4)
• The Words of Helaman³ to His Sons (5:5–13)
  • Remember the Names of Their Parents, Lehi¹ and Nephi¹ (5:5–8)
  • Helaman³'s quotations of Benjamin and Amulek (5:9–11)
  • Christ is the Rock upon which We Must Build (5:12)
• Mission among the Nephites in Bountiful and the Land Northward (5:13–16a)
• Mission among the Nephite Dissenters and Lamanites in Zarahemla (5:16b–19)
  • Dissenters and 8,000 Lamanites Converted
• Mission among the Lamanites in the Land Nephi (5:20–52)
  • Nephi² and Lehi⁴ in Prison (5:20–48, dramatic episode)
    • Miracle of the Fire (5:23–26)
    • Miracle of the Earthquake and the Voice in the Cloud of Darkness (5:27–34)
    • Aminadab Leads the Multitude in Repentance (5:35–42)
    • Miracles Accompany Their Conversion (5:43–48)
  • 300-Some Converts Go Forth and Spread the Gospel (5:49–51)
    • Lamanites Yield Up Nephite Possessions (5:52)
• Righteousness of the Lamanites (6:1–6)
• Nephites and Lamanites Mingle and Prosper (6:7–14)

The Rise of Gadianton Influence (6:15–41, historical narrative)

• Murder of Cezoram and His Son (6:15)
• Gadianton Robbers Reappear (6:15–25)
  • The Author of All Sin (6:26–30)
  • Many Nephites Yield to Wickedness (6:31–36)
  • Lamanites Resist and Hunt the Robbers (6:37–21)

The Prophecies and Acts of Nephi² (7:1–11:38, historical narrative with quotations and dramatic episodes)

• Nephi’s Lament (7:1–9)
• Nephi Preaches from His Tower (7:10–29)
• Reaction of the Judges (8:1–9)
• Nephi Preaches Further (8:10–23)
  • The Example of Moses (8:10–15)
  • Ancient Prophecies of Christ (8:16–23)
• Nephi Reveals the Assassination of Zeezoram (8:24–28)
  • Five Sent to Confirm Nephi’s Revelation (9:1–9)
  • Nephi Falsely Accused (9:10–18)
  • Nephi Reveals Seantum as the Murder of Seezoram (9:19–36)
• Nephi Vindicated (9:37–38)
• Nephi Left Alone (9:39–10:1)
• Nephi Receives the Sealing Power (10:2–11)
• Nephi Again Preaches to the People (10:12–19)
• Nephi and the Great Famine (11:1–19)
  • Nephi Prays for Famine to Replace the Sword (11:11–9a)
  • Nephi Prays for the Famine to End (11:9b–19)

Prosperity and Decline (11:20–12:16)

• Narrative Transition Report: Peace, Contention, Dissension (11:20–24)
• Resurgence of the Gadianton Robbers (11:25–38)
• Mormon’s Commentary on Man and God (12:1–26)
  • God Blesses Man, but Man Rejects God (12:1–3)
  • The Foolishness and Nothingness of Man (12:4–8)
  • Mormon’s Hymn to the Greatness of God (12:9–17)
  • Man’s Iniquities Bring Curses upon Him (12:18–22a)
  • Repentance is Declared to Save Man (12:22b–26)

Prophecy of Samuel the Lamanite (13:1–16:9, historical narrative with quotations)

• Samuel’s first Preaching in Zarahemla (13:1–2)
• The Lord Commands Samuel to Return (13:3–4)
• Samuel’s Second Preaching in Zarahemla
  • Samuel Prophesies the Destruction of the Nephites (13:5–39, quoted sermon)
    • Repent or Be Destroyed within 400 Years (13:5–11)
    • Wo to Zarahemla (13:12–14)
    • Woes to Gideon and Other Cities (13:15–16)
    • The Curse of Hidden Treasures (13:17–23)
    • Criticism of False Prophets (13:24–29)
    • Regret Will come to Late (13:30–39)
  • Narrative Transition: Samuel Prophesied Many Other Things (14:1)
  • Samuel Reveals the Signs of Christ’s Birth (14:2–13)
  • Samuel Reveals the Signs of Christ’s Death (14:14–29)
    • Discursus on Resurrection and Spiritual Death (14:15–19)
  • Exhortation to Choose Life not Death (14:30–31)
  • Samuel Contrasts Lamanites and Nephites (15:1–17)
    • The Lord Chastens His People (15:1–3)
    • Most Lamanites Walk Circumspectly Before God (15:4–9)
    • God’s Promises to the Lamanites (15:10–16)
    • The Lord’s Judgment upon the Nephites (15:17)
• Samuel, Converting Few, Flees (16:1–9)

The Nephites "Harden in Iniquity" (16:10–25)

• The People Reject Signs and Wonders (16:13–23)
• Narrative Summary Report (16:24–25)

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3 NEPHI

Overview For detailed view, click any of the items in the outline below.

• The Record of Nephi³
  • Passing of the Records (1:1–3)
  • Signs of Christ’s Birth (1:4–26)
  • The Gadianton Challenge (1:27–4:33)
  • Nephite Response to Victory (4:30–5:7)
  • Mormon’s Commentary (5:8–26)
  • Nephite Recovery and Collapse (6:1–7:26)
  • Signs of Christ’s Death (8:1–10:19)
  • Visitation of the Resurrected Christ (11:1–28:12)
    • First Day (11:1–19:3): Sermon at the Temple and the Acts and Further Teachings of Jesus
    • Second Day (19:4–26:15): Jesus Christ, the Second Coming, and the Gathering of Israel
    • The Disciples Set Forth (26:16–21)
    • Subsequent Appearances and Teachings (27:1–28:15)
  • Ministry of the Three Disciples (28:16–23)
    • Mormon’s Discussion of the Nature of Translated Beings (28:14–40)
  • Mormon’s Concluding Teachings (29:1–30:2)
    • Call to the Gentiles (30:1–2)

  No obvious literary structure or symbolism, but rather the book seems to follow a simply historical progression, one that can serve as a paradigm for the chronological progression of the Last Days (3 Nephi 1:27-10:19) to the Second Coming (3 Nephi 11:1-28:12) and the Millennium (4 Nephi)

Detailed View

Superscription to the Book of 3 Nephi: "The Book of Nephi the Son of Nephi, who was the son of Helaman. And Helaman was the son of Helaman, who was the son of Alma, who was the son of Alma, being a descendant of Nephi who was the son of Lehi, who came out of Jerusalem in the first year of the reign of Zedekiah, the king of Judah."

[RECORD OF NEPHI³]

Passing of the Records (1:1–3)

Signs of Christ’s Birth (1:4–26)

• Plot to Destroy the Believers (1:4–9)
• Nephi’s Prayer on Behalf of the Righteous (1:10–11)
• The Lord Answers That His Birth Is Imminent (1:12–14)
• The Signs Are Given (1:15–21)
• Many Are Converted (1:22–26)

The Gadianton Challenge (1:27–4:33)

• Increase of the Gadianton Robbers (1:27–30)
• The People Forget the Signs and Return to Wickedness (2:1–10)
• The Gadianton Wars (2:11–4:29)
  • Righteous Nephites and Lamanites Unite (2:11–16)
  • Gadianton Robbers Gain Some Advantages (2:17–19)
  • Letter of Giddianhi (3:1–10)
  • Lachoneus’ Response (3:11–26)
    • Proclamation to Gather the People (3:11–14)
    • Lachoneus Preaches Repentance (3:15–16)
    • Appointment of Gidgiddoni (3:17–21)
    • The People Gather, Repent, and Prepare (3:22–26)
  • Nephite Policy Forces the Gadianton Robbers into Open Warfare (4:1–6)
  • Great Battle and the End of Giddianhi (4:7–14)
  • Zemnarihah’s Strategy of Siege Fails (4:15–22)
  • Gidgiddoni Cuts Off the Gadianton Retreat Northward (4:23–29)
    • The Execution of Zemnarihah (4:28–29)

Nephite Response to Victory (4:30–5:7)

• Nephite Thanksgiving (4:30–33)
• Nephites Repent, Accept the Signs, and Return to God (5:1–3)
• Secret Combinations Suppressed (5:4–7)

Mormon’s Commentary (5:8–26)

• Mormon’s Record-Keeping Practices (5:8–11, 14–19)
• Mormon Introduces Himself (5:12–13, 20)
• House of Israel and House of Lehi to Be Gathered (5:21–26)

Nephite Recovery and Collapse (6:1–7:26)

Signs of Christ’s Death (8:1–10:19)

Visitation of the Resurrected Christ (11:1–28:12, dramatic narrative with quoted sermons and occasional editorial commentary)

• First Day (11:1–19:3)
  • Christ Appears: The Beginning of the Savior’s Nephite Ministry (11:1–41)
    • Introduction by the Father (11:1–7)
      • Narrative Transition: a Multitude Gathers in Bountiful (11:1–2)
      • The Voice of God Pierces Their Hearts Twice (11:3–4)
      • The Third Time the Multitude Hears God Praise His Son (11:5–7)
    • Jesus Christ Presents Himself to the Multitude (11:8–17)
      • Christ Announces That He Has Fulfilled the Will of the Father (11:8–12)
      • The Multitude Receives a Witness of Christ’s Wounds and Worships Him (11:12–17)
  • Instruction to the Disciples 1: Commission (11:18–41)
    • Disciples Called and Authorized (11:18–28)
      • Nephi³ Called (11:18–21)
      • (Eleven) Others Called (11:22a)
      • Disciples Commissioned to Baptize (11:22b–28)
    • The Doctrine of Christ (11:29–41)
      • Contention Is of the Devil (11:29–30)
      • Believe in Christ, Repent, Be Baptized with Water and Fire (11:31–35)
      • Unity of the Godhead (11:36)
      • Becoming as a Child (11:37–38)
      • Doctrine of Christ a Rock upon Which to Build (11:39–41)
  • SERMON AT THE TEMPLE (12:1–17:4)
    • Instruction to the Multitude 1: Requirements of the Christian Life (12:1–13:24)
      • Multitude Enjoined to Follow the Twelve (12:1–2)
      • The Beatitudes (12:3–12; Cf. Mat 5:1–12)
      • Let Your Light So Shine (12:13–16)
      • Christ Fulfills the Law and the Prophets (12:17–48)
        • Come unto Christ (12:19–20)
        • On Murder and Anger (12:21–26)
        • On Adultery and Lust (12:27–32)
        • On False Witness and Swearing (12:33–37)
        • On Retribution and Loving Our Enemies (12:38–45)
        • Old Things Fulfilled (12:46–47)
        • "Be Ye Perfect" (12:48)
      • Personal Religion (13:1–24; Cf. Matt :1–18)
        • Giving and Praying from the Heart (13:1–15)
          • The Lord’s Prayer (13:9b–13; Matt 6:9–13)
        • Fasting from the Heart (13:16–18)
        • Treasures in Heaven (13:19–24)
    • Instruction to the Disciples 2: God Will Provide (13:25–34)
    • Instruction to the Multitude 2: Judgment and the Will of God (14:1–15:10)
      • Avoiding Judgment (14:1–5)
      • Treatment of That Which Is Holy (14:6)
      • Ask and God Will Give (14:7–12)
      • The Strait Gate (14:13–14)
      • Good Fruit: Doing the Will of the Father (14:15–23)
      • Building upon a Rock (14:24–27)
      • Christ Has Fulfilled the Law (15:1–10)
    • Instruction to the Disciples 3: Christ and Israel (15:11–16:20)
      • Jesus’ Other Sheep (15:11–16:3)
      • Prophecy Concerning the Jews and the Gentiles (16:4–20)
        • Both to Be Gathered by Christ’s Words (16:4–7)
        • Wo to the Unbelieving Gentiles (16:8–10)
        • Christ Will Remember His Covenant with Israel (16:11–15)
        • Isaiah 52:8–10 Fulfilled (16:16–20)
    • Instruction to the Multitude 3: Ponder and Pray (17:1–4)
  • Acts of Christ among the Multitude (17:5–18:4)
    • Christ Heals the Sick (17:5–10)
    • The Prayer of Jesus Christ (17:11–18)
    • Christ Blesses the Children (17:19–25)
    • Christ Institutes the Sacrament (18:1–4)
  • Further First Day Teachings (18:5–34)
    • Instruction to the Disciples 4: Pastoral Direction (18:5–16)
      • Directions for the Sacrament (18:5–11)
      • Obedience a Sure Foundation (18:12–14)
      • Watch and Pray (18:15–16)
    • Instruction to the Multitude 4: Prayer and Coming to Christ (18:17–25)
      • Watch and Pray (18:17–23)
      • Christ Is Our Light (18:24–25)
    • Instruction to the Disciples 5: Rules for the Sacrament and Fellowship (18:26–34)
  • Christ’s Ascent to the Father (18:35–39)
• Second Day (19:4–26:15)
  • Narrative Transition Report: Further Multitudes Gather (19:1–3)
  • The Nephite Disciples Minister to the Multitude (19:4–14)
    • The Twelve Teach (19:4–6)
    • The Twelve Pray (19:7–9)
    • The Twelve Baptize (19:10–12)
    • Baptism of the Holy Ghost and the Ministering of Angels (19:13–14)
  • Christ Appears and Ministers (19:14–36)
    • Multitude and the Disciples Praise Jesus Christ (19:15–18)
    • Christ’s Prayer for Those He Has Chosen (19:19–23)
    • Nephite Disciples Continue to Pray (19:24–26)
    • Christ Renews His Prayer, Some of His Words Cannot Be Written (19:27–34)
    • Christ Commends the Disciples for Their Faith (19:35–36)
  • Christ Again Administers the Sacrament to the Disciples and Multitude (20:1–9)
  • Christ Teaches of His Role in the Gathering and Scattering of Israel (20:10–23:5)
    • Covenants of the Father Concerning Israel to Be Fulfilled (20:10–20:46)
      • Scattered Tribes to be gathered (20:10–13)
      • House of Lehi and the Promised Land (20:14–22)
      • Moses and the Prophets Testified of Christ (20:23–24)
      • Gentiles and the Promises Made to Abraham (20:25–28)
      • Promised Regarding Jerusalem (20:29–46; cf. Isaiah 54:1, 52:1–3, 7, 11–15)
    • The Restoration to Be a Sign that the Gathering Has Commenced (21:1–29)
      • Coming forth of the Book of Mormon (21:1–7)
      • The work of the prophet of the restoration (21:8–10)
      • Fate of unbelieving Gentiles (21:11–21)
      • Promise to believing gentiles (21:22–25)
      • The Gathering of Lost Tribes (21:26–29)
    • Christ Quotes Isaiah 54 (22:1–17)
      • Previously Unfruitful (Barren), Zion Will Prosper and Her "Stakes" Enlarge (Tent Imagery)
      • Image of Zion as Wife (Covenant Relationship with the Lord)
      • "All thy children shall be taught of the lLord; and great shall be the peace of thy children" (22:13)
      • "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall revile against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord." (22:17)
    • Christ approves the words of Isaiah (23:1–5)
  • Christ Corrects the Nephite Record of the Prophecies of Samuel (23:6-14)
  • Christ Teaches of the Second Coming (24:1–26:5)
    • Malachi 3 (24:1–18)
      • The Lord’s Messenger Shall Prepare the Way (24:1b)
      • The Lord Shall Suddenly Appear (24:1c–5)
      • Tithes and Offerings Due the Lord (24:6–12)
      • Wicked Speak Against God (24:13–15)
      • Those Who Fear the Lord Shall Be Spared (24:16–18)
    • Malachi 4 (25:1–6)
      • Wicked Will Be Destroyed at the Lord’s Coming (25:1–4)
      • Elijah’s Return (25:5–6)
    • The Lord Expound the World’s History from Beginning to End (26:1–5)
  • Mormon’s Exposition on the Ministry of Christ (26:6–14, editorial commentary)
• The Disciples Set Forth (26:16–21)
• Subsequent Appearances and Teachings (27:1–28:15)
  • Christ’s Church Should Bear His Name and Be Built upon His Gospel (27:1–12)
  • Christ’s Gospel Defined (27:13–22)
  • Nephite Records to Be the Basis upon Which the People Shall Be Judged (27:23–27)
  • Ask and Ye Shall Receive (27:28–29)
  • Christ’s Joy and Sorrow in the Nephites (27:30–33)
    • Fourth Generation Will Turn from the Lord (27:32)
  • Christ and the Desires of the Twelve Disciples (28:1–12)

Ministry of the Three Disciples (28:13–40)

• Mormon’s Discussion of the Nature of Translated Beings (28:36-40, editorial commentary)

Mormon’s Concluding Teachings (29:1–30:2)

• All God’s Covenants and Words to Be Fulfilled (29:1–3)
• Do Not Reject the Lord or Spurn His People (29:4–9)
• Call to the Gentiles (30:1–2)

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4 Nephi

Originally published as part of 3 Nephi, in 1879 Orson Pratt divided these 49 verses into their own book to distinguish them.

Overview  For detailed view, click any of the items in the outline below.

• Record of Nephi⁴, Son of Nephi³ (c. A.D. 34–110, 1:1–18)
  • Unity in Faith: All Converted to the Church of Christ (1:1–12)
  • Unity in Society (1:13–18)
• Record of Amos¹, Son of Nephi⁴, (c. A.D. 110–194, 1:19–20)
  • Records Passed on (1:19)
  • A Group of Nephites Revolt from the Church and Call Themselves Lamanites (1:20)
• Record of Amos², Son of Amos¹ (c. A.D. 194–306, 1:21–46)
  • Records Passed on (1:21–22)
  • Decline of Society (Beginning c. A.D. 201, 1:23–34)
  • Downfall of Society (Beginning c. A.D. 231, 1:35–46)
• Record of Ammaron (Distinguish from Amaron, Son of Omni), Brother of Amos² (c. A.D. 306–311, When Mormon Was "About" Ten)
  • Records Passed On (c. A.D. 306, 1:47)
  • Ammaron hides up the records (c. A.D. 321)

All abridged historical narrative

Detailed View

[RECORD OF NEPHI⁴, SON OF NEPHI³ (c. A.D. 34–110; 1:1–18)]

Unity in Faith: All Converted to the Church of Christ (1:1–12)

• All Things Held in Common (1:1–3)
• Peace and Prosperity in the Land (1:4–11)
• The New Order of Worship: Meeting to Fast, Pray, and Hear the Word of the Lord (1:12)

Unity in Society (1:13–18)

• No Contention (1:13)
• Nephite Nine Pass Away, Nephite Three Tarry, New Disciples Chosen (1:14)
• No Wickedness or Divisions (1:15–18)

[RECORD OF AMOS¹, SON OF NEPHI⁴, (c. A.D. 110–194; 1:19–20)]

Records Passed on (1:19)

A Group of Nephites Revolt from the Church and Call Themselves Lamanites (1:20)

[RECORD OF AMOS², SON OF AMOS¹ (c. A.D. 194–306; 1:21–46)]

Records Passed on (1:21–22)

Decline of Society (beginning c. A.D. 201, 1:23–34)

• Prosperity Leads to Pride (1:23–24)
• End of Consecration and Beginning of Socio-economic Divisions (1:25–26)
• False Churches Persecute Believers (1:27–34)

Downfall of Society (Beginning c. A.D. 231, 1:35–46)

• Divisions among the people (1:35–41)
• Revival of Secret Combinations (1:42–46)
  • Nephite Three sorrow for the sins of the world (1:44)
  • "Nephites" and "Lamanites" equal each other in wickedness (1:45)

[RECORD OF AMMARON (distinguish from Amaron, son of Omni), BROTHER OF AMOS² (c. A.D. 306–321, when Mormon was "about" ten; 1:47–49)]

Records Passed On (c. A.D. 306, 1:47)

Ammaron hides up the records (c. A.D. 321; 1:48–49)

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Mormon

Overview  For detailed view, click any of the items in the outline below.

• Record of Mormon (1:1–7:10)
  • Mormon’s Career from Age Ten to Fifteen (1:1–19)
  • Mormon the General (2:1–3:16)
  • Message to Israel and the Gentiles (3:17–22)
  •  
• Additions of Moroni (8:1–9:37)

Detailed View

[RECORD OF MORMON (1:1–7:10, abridged historical narrative)]

• Ammaron’s Charge (1:1–5)
• Youth in Zarahemla (1:6–14)
• "Visited of the Lord" (1:15)
• Mormon Forbidden to Preach Because of Nephite Wickedness (1:16–19)

• Military Campaigns (2:1–9)
• Incomplete Nephite Repentance (2:10–15)
• Nephite Military Reversals (2:16–21)
  • Mormon Retrieves Nephite Records from Hill of Shim (2:17–19)
• Mormon Rallies Nephites (2:20–26a)
• Nephites, Not Relying upon the Lord, Yield the Land Southward (2:26b–29)
• Ten years of Peace (c. A.D. 350–360, 3:1a)
  • Perhaps afforded Mormon an opportunity to study the Nephite records and even begin the process of abridgment
• Victories of Unrepentant Nephites (3:1b–10)
• Mormon Refuses to Lead the Nephites (3:11–16a)

Mormon an "Idle Witness," Assuming in Earnest His Role as Record-keeper and Prophet to the Future (3:16b)

• Message to Israel and the Gentiles (3:17–22)

Nephite-Lamanite Wars Resume Without Mormon (4:1–24)

• Mixed Successes and Failures (4:1–18)
  • Nephite Offensive Fails, They Are Driven out of Desolation (4:1–5)
  • Nephites Repel Lamanite Attack on Teancum, Retake Desolation (5:6–8)
  • Bloodiness and Wickedness of the Ongoing Conflict (5:9–18)
• Repeated Nephite Defeats (4:19–24)
  • Nephite Flight from Desolation, Boaz, and Other Towns (4:19–23)
  • Mormon Secures Records from Shim (4:24)

Mormon Again General (5:1–6:22)

• Repeated Nephites Defeats and Continued Flight (5:1–7)
• Mormon’s Prophecies (5:8–24)
  • The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon (5:8–14)
  • Children of Lehi to Be Scattered by the Gentiles (5:15–21)
  • Gentiles Themselves must Repent (5:22–24)
• Final Battle at Cumorah (c. A.D. 385, 6:1–22)
  • Nephite Defeat and Destruction (6:1–15)
  • Mormon’s Lament (6:16–22)
• Mormon’s Admonition to the Remnant of Lehi (7:1–10)
  • Know Who You Are and What You Must Do (7:1–4)
  • Repent and Come unto Christ (7:5–10)

[ADDITIONS OF MORONI (8:1–9:37, discourse)]

Aftermath of Cumorah (8:1–11)

• Death of Mormon and Moroni’s Family (8:1–5)
• Destruction of Remaining "Nephites" (8:6–7)
• Lamanites and Robbers Fight among Themselves (8:8–9)
• Nephite Three Continue as Witnesses of Christ (8:10–11)

Prophecies about the Book of Mormon (8:12–41)

• The Book to Come Forth in the Latter-days (8:12–25)
• Conditions at the Time of the Coming Forth of the Book (8:26–34)
• Moroni’s Rebuke of the Wicked in the Latter-days (8:35–41)

Moroni’s Message to Future Readers (9:1–29)

• To Those Who Do Not Believe in Christ (9:1–6)
• To Those Who Deny the Power of God (9:7–26)
• Doubt not and do all things in worthiness (9:27–29)

Moroni’s First Farewell (9:30–37)

• Imperfections, Language, and Purposes of the Record (9:30–35)
• Desire for the Restoration of the House of Lehi Within the House of Israel (9:26–37)

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Ether

Overview  For detailed view, click any of the items in the outline below.

• Moroni’s Introduction (1:1–5)
• The Founding of the Jaredite Nation (1:1–6:18)
  • The Revelation of Jesus Christ (3:1–28)
  • Moroni’s Commentary on Sealed Records (4:1–5:6)
• Chronicle of the Jaredite Kings (6:19–11:23)
• Prophecies of Ether (12:1–13:13)
  • Moroni’s Commentary on Faith (12:6–41)
• The Destruction of the Jaredites (13:14–15:32)
• Ether’s Final Words (15:33–34)

Detailed View

Moroni’s Introduction (1:1–5)

The Founding of the Jaredite Nation (1:1–6:18)

• Ether’s Genealogy (1:6–32)
• Jared and His Family Blessed and Chosen at the Time of the Confounding of Languages (1:33–43)
• Journey to the Sea and the Building of Barges (2:1–7, 13–25)
• God’s Decrees on the Promised Land (2:8–12)
• The Revelation of Jesus Christ (3:1–28)
  • Brother of Jared and the Sixteen Stones Incident (3:1–6)
  • Premortal Christ Seen Because of Faith (3:7–20)
• Moroni’s Commentary on the Faith of the Brother of Jared (3:17–20)
• Vision of Christ and of the History of the World to Be Sealed up (3:21–28)
• Moroni’s Commentary on Sealed Records (4:1–5:6)
  • Sealed Truths to Be Revealed When There Is Requisite Faith (4:1–12)
  • Call to Gentiles and Israel to Believe and Repent (4:13–19)
  • Instructions to the Prophet of the Restoration: Three Witnesses to Be Called (5:1–6)
• Jaredites Established in the Promised Land (6:1–30)
  • Voyage Across the Sea (344 Days, 6:1–12)
  • People of Jared Inhabit the Land and Prosper (6:13–18)
  • Monarchy Established with Orihah, Son of Jared, as King (6:21–30)

Chronicle of the Jaredite Kings (6:19–11:23)

• The People Desire a King (6:19–27a)
  • Brother of Jared: "Surely this thing leadeth into captivity." (6:23)
• The First Kings, Rebellions, and Restorations (6:27b–7:27)
  • Reign of Orihah (6:27b–7:3a)
  • Reign of Kib (Corihor¹ rebels/Shule restores; 7:3b–9)
  • Reign of Shule (Noah² and Cohor rebel/Nimrod restores; 7:10–27)
  • Ministry of the Prophets supported by Shule (7:23–27)
• Further Dynastic Rivalries Lead to Secret Combinations (8:1–9:13)
  • Reign of Omer (Jared² rebels / Esrom and Coriantumr¹ restore / Jared and Akish overthrow; 8:1–9:3)
  • Jared’s rise and fall (8:1–8)
  • Jared’s daughter danced for Akish, who revived a secret combination against Omer (8:9–17)
  • Moroni’s warning about secret combinations (8:18–26)
  • Omer warned to flee with his family (9:1–3)
  • Failure of Akish, collapse of his wicked kingdom, and the restoration of Omer (9:4–13)
• Righteous Kings Prosper to Heth (9:14–25)
• Wickedness of Heth leads to famine and plagues of serpents (9:26–35)
  • Remnant move south and repent (9:34–35)
• The Pattern Continues: Kings, Captivity, and Rebellion (10:1–11:23)
  • Wicked Riplakish, type of a wicked king (10:4–8; cf. King Noah of Mosiah 11)
  • Morianton did "justice unto the people but not unto himself" (10:11)
  • People Refuse to Repent under Ethem, the Prophets Mourn and Withdraw (11:12–13)
  • Ether born to a captive royal line (11:23)

Prophecies of Ether (12:1–13:13)

• Ether Preaches Repentance (12:1–5)
• Moroni’s Commentary on Faith (12:6–41)
• Ether on the New Jerusalem (13:1–12)
• Ether Rejected (13:13)

The Destruction of the Jaredites (13:14–15:32)

• Wars of Coriantumr and His Rivals (13:15–14:32)
• The Final Battle (15:1–32)

Ether’s Final Words (15:33–34)

Moroni

Overview

Introduction (1:1–4)

Practices of the Ancient Church (2:1–6:9)

Words and Writings of Mormon (7:1–9:26)

Moroni’s Farewell and Invitation to Come unto Christ (10:1–34)

Detailed View

Introduction (1:1–4)

Practices of the Ancient Church (2:1–6:9; a "Priesthood Handbook of Instructions")

• Bestowal of the Gift of the Holy Ghost (2:1–3)
• Priesthood Ordinations (3:1–4)
• Administration of the Sacrament (4:1–5:2)
  • Blessing on the Bread (4:2–3)
  • Blessing on the Wine (5:1–2)
• Baptism and Membership (6:1–4)
• Church Meetings (6:5–6, 9)
• Church Discipline (6:7–8)

Words and Writings of Mormon (7:1–9:26)

• Mormon’s Sermon (7:1–48)
  • Worshiping with Real Intent (7:1–11)
  • Discerning between Good and Evil (7:12–19)
  • Faith, Hope, and Charity (7:20–48)
    • Faith (7:20–39)
    • Hope (7:40–42)
    • Charity (7:43–48)
• Mormon’s Epistle against Infant Baptism (8:1–30)
• Mormon’s Epistle Recounting Nephite and Lamanite War Crimes (9:1–26)

Moroni’s Final Farewell and Invitation to Come unto Christ (10:1–34)

• Truthfulness of the Book of Mormon (10:1–7)
• Gifts of the Spirit (10:8–19)
• Faith, Hope, and Charity (10:20–23)
• Moroni’s Words as a Witness (10:24–29)
• Come unto Christ (10:30–34)