The Book of Mormon

Alma 31:5

Back to chapter

1830 Edition

And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just; yea, it had had more powful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or any thing else, which had happened unto them; therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.

Changes

And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just; —yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or any thing else, which had happened unto them; —therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.

Simple English

Teaching the word of God helped lead people to do what was right. It had a stronger effect on people’s minds than fighting with swords or anything else that happened to them. So Alma thought they should try using the word of God.

Paraphrase

Alma knew that preaching God’s word had always been more effective at changing hearts than anything else—more powerful than the sword or any other force. So he decided they should put the power of God’s word to work again.