The Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 18:19

Back to chapter

1830 Edition

And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to hear from the dead?

Influences

Isaiah 8:19 (KJV)
And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?

Changes

And when they shall say unto you,: Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and mutter: —should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to hear from the dead?

Simple English

When people say to you: “Ask those who talk to spirits. Ask the wizards who whisper and mutter.” But shouldn’t people ask their God for help? Should the living ask the dead?

Paraphrase

When people tell you to consult mediums and spiritists who whisper and mutter, shouldn’t a people seek their God instead? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?