2 Nephi 11
People in this chapter
This is one of the shortest chapters in 2 Nephi, but it may be one of the most useful. Nephi has just finished recording his brother Jacob's long sermon, and he is about to copy thirteen chapters of Isaiah. In between, he stops and tells us why. If you have ever wondered why the Book of Mormon has so much Isaiah in it, this chapter is Nephi's answer.
Tap any highlighted phrase to jump to the commentary that unpacks it.
2 Nephi 11:1-3By the Words of Three
1And now, Jacob spake many more things to my people at that time; nevertheless only these things have I caused to be written, for the things which I have written sufficeth me.
Jacob said much more than Nephi recorded. Nephi chose what to keep, and he says what he wrote sufficeth me. Every word on the plates was chosen on purpose.
2And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words. For I will liken his words unto my people, and I will send them forth unto all my children, for he verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him. 3And my brother, Jacob, also has seen him as I have seen him; wherefore, I will send their words forth unto my children to prove unto them that my words are true. Wherefore, by the words of three, God hath said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God sendeth more witnesses, and he proveth all his words.
Nephi loves Isaiah's words, and he gives the main reason: Isaiah saw the Redeemer, just as Nephi did.
The law of Moses required two or three witnesses to establish a matter. Nephi gives three witnesses of Christ, and says God sends even more.
2 Nephi 11:4-7My Soul Delighteth
4Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ; for, for this end hath the law of Moses been given; and all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him.
Nephi loves to show his people evidence that Christ will come. He says the law of Moses was given for this purpose.
5And also my soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord which he hath made to our fathers; yea, my soul delighteth in his grace, and in his justice, and power, and mercy in the great and eternal plan of deliverance from death. 6And my soul delighteth in proving unto my people that save Christ should come all men must perish.
Nephi delights in the covenants and in the plan of deliverance from death. He is glad to prove that without Christ, everyone would be lost, because that is exactly why Christ's coming is such good news.
7For if there be no Christ there be no God; and if there be no God we are not, for there could have been no creation. But there is a God, and he is Christ, and he cometh in the fulness of his own time.
Nephi's shortest creed: There is a God, and he is Christ. The God who created the world and made covenants with Israel is Jesus Christ, acting for His Father.
2 Nephi 11:8Liken Them unto You
8And now I write some of the words of Isaiah, that whoso of my people shall see these words may lift up their hearts and rejoice for all men. Now these are the words, and ye may liken them unto you and unto all men.
Nephi wants Isaiah's words to lift up hearts and bring joy. Even the hard chapters ahead are meant, in the end, to bring hope.
Liken them unto you: read Isaiah as if it were written to you. Ask what each passage says about your life and your relationship with the Lord.
Research trail
Sources & further study
These references support the historical, linguistic, manuscript, and contextual notes in this chapter. Scripture remains the primary text; external sources are provided so readers can inspect the research directly.
- Who Are the Witnesses of Christ in 2 Nephi?How Isaiah, Nephi and Jacob form three witnesses of Christ at the beginning of the Book of Mormon, following the biblical law of witnesses.
- What Vision Guides Nephi's Choice of Isaiah Chapters?Argues that the Isaiah chapters Nephi chose follow the outline of his own vision in 1 Nephi 11-14.
- Has the Prophecy of the Lord's House Established in the Mountains been Fulfilled?Shows how Nephi could liken the first Isaiah passage he copies (2 Nephi 12:2-3) to his own temple, and how it applies again in the latter days.
Where this echoes in Scripture
By the Words of Three
- John 12:41These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.Isaiah saw the glory of Jesus.
- Isaiah 6:1-5Mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.When Isaiah saw the Lord.
- 2 Nephi 2:4Thou hast beheld in thy youth his glory.When Jacob saw the Lord.
- Deuteronomy 19:15At the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
- 2 Nephi 27:12-14In the mouth of as many witnesses as seemeth him good will he establish his word.Nephi foresees the witnesses of the Book of Mormon.
My Soul Delighteth
- Jacob 4:5For this intent we keep the law of Moses, it pointing our souls to him.Jacob on the purpose of the law.
- Alma 34:14This is the whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice.
- Moses 6:63All things are created and made to bear record of me.The Lord's words to Adam.
- Mosiah 3:8Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning.
- John 1:29Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.The Passover lamb's meaning revealed.
Liken Them unto You
- 1 Nephi 19:23I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.Nephi's method, stated earlier.
- 2 Nephi 6:5There are many things which have been spoken by Isaiah which may be likened unto you.Jacob's invitation at the start of his sermon.
- 2 Nephi 25:4-5My soul delighteth in the words of Isaiah.Nephi's comment after the Isaiah chapters.
- 3 Nephi 23:1Ye ought to search these things… for great are the words of Isaiah.The risen Savior commends Isaiah.