3 Nephi 2:19

And thus ended the fifteenth year; and thus were the people in a state of many afflictions; and the sword of destruction did hang over them, insomuch that they were about to be smitten down by it, and this because of their iniquity.

The 15th year ended. The people were in a state of many troubles. The sword of destruction hung over them. They were about to be struck down by it. This was because of their sin.

The fifteenth year ended. The people lived in constant suffering. The sword of destruction hung over their heads, ready to strike them down at any moment—all because of their sin.