Uploaded November 2017 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Joseph Smith claimed he translated the Book of Mormon from a set of golden plates that were given to him by an angel named Moroni. After the translation was completed, however, Joseph reported that he returned the plates to the angel. Because of this they are unavailable for examination today. Is there any evidence that the plates actually existed, or must believers accept Joseph Smith's account strictly on faith? Who were the three and eight Witnesses whose testimonies have appeared in the Book of Mormon since 1830? And did anyone besides the official witnesses see the angel or physically encounter the plates? This video explores the history behind the witnesses to the Book of Mormon and explains why their combined testimony strongly indicates that Joseph Smith did in fact possess plates "with the appearance of gold" which he translated by the gift and power of God.
To learn more about the plates and the witnesses, read the KnoWhy articles here:
knowhy.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/what-kind-of-ore-did-nephi-use-to-make-the-plates
knowhy.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/why-were-three-key-witnesses-chosen-to-testify-of-the-book-of-mormon
knowhy.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/who-are-the-few-who-were-permitted-to-see-the-plates
Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: bit.ly/BMCStudios
Like Book of Mormon Central on Facebook here: bit.ly/BofMCFB
Special thanks to: David Baird who allowed us to film his incredible replicas. historicalarts.com
Learn more at bookofmormoncentral.org
Joseph Smith claimed he translated the Book of Mormon from a set of golden plates that were given to him by an angel named Moroni. After the translation was completed, however, Joseph reported that he returned the plates to the angel. Because of this they are unavailable for examination today. Is there any evidence that the plates actually existed, or must believers accept Joseph Smith's account strictly on faith? Who were the three and eight Witnesses whose testimonies have appeared in the Book of Mormon since 1830? And did anyone besides the official witnesses see the angel or physically encounter the plates? This video explores the history behind the witnesses to the Book of Mormon and explains why their combined testimony strongly indicates that Joseph Smith did in fact possess plates "with the appearance of gold" which he translated by the gift and power of God.
To learn more about the plates and the witnesses, read the KnoWhy articles here:
knowhy.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/what-kind-of-ore-did-nephi-use-to-make-the-plates
knowhy.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/why-were-three-key-witnesses-chosen-to-testify-of-the-book-of-mormon
knowhy.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/who-are-the-few-who-were-permitted-to-see-the-plates
Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: bit.ly/BMCStudios
Like Book of Mormon Central on Facebook here: bit.ly/BofMCFB
Special thanks to: David Baird who allowed us to film his incredible replicas. historicalarts.com
Learn more at bookofmormoncentral.org
