The Book of Mormon

Moroni 9:22

Back to chapter

1830 Edition

But behold, my son, I recommend thee unto God, and I trust in Christ that thou wilt be saved; and I pray unto God that he would spare thy life, to witness the return of his people unto him, or their utter destruction: for I know that they must perish, except they repent and return unto him;

Influences

Luke 13:3 (KJV)
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Changes

But behold, my son, I recommend thee unto God, and I trust in Christ that thou wilt be saved; and I pray unto God that he wouildl spare thy life, to witness the return of his people unto him, or their utter destruction:; for I know that they must perish, except they repent and return unto him;.

Simple English

But my son, I ask God to bless you. I trust in Christ that you will be saved. I pray to God that he will keep you alive. I hope you will see his people turn back to him. Or you will see them completely destroyed. I know they will die if they do not turn away from their sins and return to him.

Paraphrase

But I do pray for you. I trust Christ will save you. I pray God will keep you alive long enough to witness either our people returning to him—or their complete destruction. Because I know they’ll be destroyed unless they turn back and repent.