The Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 4:13

1830 Edition

Behold the Lord slayeth the wicked to bring forth his righteous purposes: It is better that one man should perish, than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief.

Influences

John 11:50 (KJV)
Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

Changes

Behold the Lord slayeth the wicked to bring forth his righteous purposes:. It is better that one man should perish, than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief.

Simple English

The Lord kills wicked people to do good things. It is better for one man to die than for a whole nation to lose faith and die.

Paraphrase

“God allows the wicked to die so his good purposes can move forward. Better for one man to die than for an entire nation to drift away and be lost.”