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What Are the Golden Plates?

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The golden plates are an ancient metallic record containing the fulness of the gospel, entrusted to Joseph Smith to translate into the Book of Mormon.

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The golden plates were an ancient metallic record containing the fulness of the gospel, entrusted to Joseph Smith to translate into the Book of Mormon. According to the foundational history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the angel Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith in 1823 and revealed that a book "written upon gold plates" was buried in a nearby hillside. This ancient record gave an account of the former inhabitants of the American continent and contained "the fulness of the everlasting Gospel" as delivered by Jesus Christ to those ancient people. Physically, the plates were described as having the "appearance of gold" and were bound together like the pages of a book. A portion of the record was "securely sealed with two small metal bands" and was not permitted to be translated. The physical dimensions and weight of the plates have been a subject of both deep interest and occasional skepticism. According to historical descriptions, the overall volume of the plates was approximately six by eight by eight inches. As recounted by Elder James M. Paramore, skeptics have calculated that a solid block of pure gold of that volume (around 288 cubic inches) would weigh approximately 184 pounds, arguing it would be impossible for a young farm boy to carry such a massive weight while fleeing from attackers. However, this criticism incorrectly assumes the record was made of solid, pure gold. Joseph Smith and other witnesses carefully described the plates as having the appearance of gold; they were likely made of a lighter metallic alloy (such as a mixture of gold and copper) and were composed of individual pages, which left empty air space between the leaves. This would give them a golden appearance while keeping their actual estimated weight between 40 and 60 pounds—a heavy but manageable burden that Joseph could realistically carry, conceal, and protect multiple times over several years.

Joseph Smith’s journey to obtain the plates required four years of spiritual and mental preparation. During Moroni's initial visit, the angel provided a vision so vivid that Joseph clearly recognized the location of the plates when he finally visited the hill, later named Cumorah. Because Joseph's family lived in indigent circumstances, Moroni explicitly warned him that Satan would try to tempt him to obtain the plates for the purpose of getting rich. The angel strictly forbade this, commanding Joseph that his only motive must be to glorify God and prepare himself to receive the translation. Over the next years, Joseph learned to recognize the angel’s presence through the Urim and Thummim, a sacred device used for divine communication. In 1827, Joseph successfully retrieved the plates and began the translation process, using the Urim and Thummim and the breastplate provided by the angel. The translation of the golden plates was not merely a historical event but a spiritual experience that restored the fullness of the gospel to the world.

The golden plates rest on “the Hill Cumorah,” a place of significance that anchors the Restoration in American history. Today, the golden plates remain central to Latter-day Saints’ understanding of their faith, serving as a divine record that testifies to the divine plan for humanity. Together, these teachings show that the golden plates are not merely an ancient artifact but a divine instrument that restored key doctrines about the Savior’s Atonement and the plan of salvation, enabling Saints to receive the fulness of the gospel in the modern day. The golden plates, therefore, serve as

The Golden Plates: Ancient Record and Gospel Fulness

The golden plates are defined in scripture as an ancient metallic record that contains the fulness of the everlasting Gospel, as delivered by Jesus Christ to the ancient inhabitants of the American continent 1. This record is not merely a historical chronicle but a doctrinal foundation for the Restoration, preserving teachings and covenants that had been lost from the world. The angel Moroni explicitly described the plates as giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent and the source from whence they sprang 2. Because the plates contained the fulness of the everlasting Gospel, they became the central focus of Joseph Smith’s spiritual preparation over four years 3. President N. Eldon Tanner, First Counselor in the First Presidency, emphasized that the plates held a record of God’s dealings with the ancient people and contained the gospel in its fullness 2. This fullness of the gospel is what distinguishes the golden plates from other historical records; they are the source material for the Book of Mormon translation, enabling the restoration of complete Christian teaching 4.

The identity of the golden plates as the source of the Book of Mormon is further clarified by the distinction between the complete record and the portion preserved for translation. Mormon, the final prophet of the Nephites, gathered his people in Cumorah and, knowing it was the last struggle of his people, made a record from the plates of Nephi 5. He then hid the majority of these plates in the hill Cumorah, leaving only a small portion for his son Moroni 5. The plates that Joseph Smith received were this sealed portion, which contained the fulness of the gospel but was not the entire historical account 6. L. Tom Perry, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught that between the Book of Mormon and other revelations, the full and complete gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored 4. Thus, the golden plates are both an ancient record of ancient peoples and the divine instrument through which the fulness of the gospel was returned to the earth 2.

Scriptural Accounts of the Plates' Origin and Content

The narrative of the golden plates begins with the ancient prophet Nephite, who first prepared the record to preserve the history of his people. According to the Book of Mormon, Nephite made the plates to engrave the record of his father and the journeyings in the wilderness 7. He carefully recorded the prophecies of his father and his own, ensuring that the account would endure. Later, the prophet Jarom noted that the plates were small, directing his readers to the other plates of Nephi for further details 8. This ancient record, containing the fulness of the everlasting Gospel, was kept safe until the time of Joseph Smith.

When Joseph Smith was first visited by the angel Moroni, he was told that a book written upon gold plates was buried nearby 1. The angel explained that the record gave an account of the former inhabitants of the continent and the source from whence they sprang 9. Joseph Smith was instructed to obtain the plates on September 22, 1827, when the same heavenly messenger delivered them up to him 10. The angel charged Joseph to be responsible for them, warning that if he let them go carelessly, he should be cut off 10. Joseph Smith then began the translation process, using the Urim and Thummim and the breastplate provided by the angel 11.

Modern Prophetic Teachings on the Plates' Significance

Modern prophets and apostles consistently emphasize that the golden plates are not merely a historical artifact but a sacred instrument of the Restoration. Elder Henry B. Eyring teaches that the Three Witnesses who saw the plates testified to their authenticity under divine power: “we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man” 12. This divine assurance underscores that the plates serve as a tangible witness to the truth of Jesus Christ’s mission among ancient Americans, bridging the gap between old and new testament. Elder Ulisses Soares highlights the miraculous nature of their discovery, noting that unlike archaeological finds, Joseph Smith was “directed to the plates by an angel,” which alone constitutes a miracle 13. This heavenly guidance affirms that the plates were preserved for a specific purpose: to restore the fulness of the gospel in the last days.

Elder James E. Faust emphasizes that the true value of the plates lies not in physical inspection but in faith. He explains, “We must come to know the truthfulness of what was on the golden plates without seeing them,” because the knowledge of the plates is accessible through spiritual witness rather than sight 14. This principle aligns with the principle that the plates contain “the fulness of the everlasting Gospel,” as Joseph Smith recorded 1. In contemporary practice, the plates continue to inspire members to seek knowledge through faith and the witness of the Spirit, rather than relying on physical evidence. As Elder Rex C. Reeve notes, the plates rest on “the Hill Cumorah,” a place of significance that anchors the Restoration in American history 15. Today, the golden plates remain central to Latter-day Saints’ understanding of their faith, serving as a divine record that testifies to the divine plan for humanity.

Evolution of Understanding and Historical Context

The historical narrative surrounding the golden plates has evolved from initial skepticism to broader scholarly recognition of Joseph Smith’s account as historically coherent. Early observers found the claim extraordinary, yet they also acknowledged its consistency with the rest of the restoration. In 2007, President Gordon B. Hinckley observed that “First came Moroni with the plates from which was translated the Book of Mormon. What a singular and remarkable thing this was. Joseph’s story of the gold plates was fantastic. It was hard to believe and easy to challenge. Could he have written it of his own capacity? It is here, my brothers and sisters, for everyone to see, to handle, to read. Every attempt to explain its origin, other than that which he gave, has fallen of its own weight. He was largely unschooled, and yet in a very brief time he brought forth the translation which in published form comes to more than 500 pages” 16. At the same time, Hinckley emphasized that the Book of Mormon itself could be handled and read, inviting personal verification. Elder James E. Faust echoed this perspective, stating that most objective scholars recognized it would have been “impossible for an uneducated boy such as Joseph Smith” to produce the text independently 17. He concluded that the evidence increasingly affirmed that Smith translated from ancient plates, with no competing explanation surviving as factually correct.

These shifting views reflect a broader historical pattern: what began as a personal revelation was gradually contextualized within the broader restoration narrative. President N. Eldon Tanner summarized how the angel Moroni instructed Joseph to visit the location yearly for four years, providing ongoing guidance until Joseph was ready to receive the plates 3. This gradual preparation helped explain how the plates transitioned from a private vision to a public historical claim. As scholars and Church leaders examined the account more closely, they found that the plates’ role was not merely physical but deeply spiritual, serving as a catalyst for the restoration of priesthood authority and gospel truth 18.

Connections to Other Doctrines and Practices

The golden plates anchor the Church’s understanding of the Restoration by providing the scriptural foundation that validates the restoration of the fulness of the gospel. President Marion G. Romney explained that the angel Moroni revealed to Joseph Smith that the record contained “the fulness of the everlasting Gospel,” which had been delivered by the Savior to ancient inhabitants of the Americas 9. This ancient witness was not given to replace the Bible, but to complement it, serving as a tangible confirmation that the Restoration was genuine. Elder Robert D. Hales emphasized that the coming forth of the Book of Mormon was a vital continuation of the Restoration begun with the First Vision, noting that the plates bore “the fulness of the everlasting gospel” preparatory to the Second Coming 19.

The plates also connect to the doctrine of the new covenant and the fullness of the gospel as taught by Jesus Christ. Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught that the Book of Mormon explains the commandments and ordinances of the gospel, which are central to the new and everlasting covenant 20. The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles have declared that the Book of Mormon, revealed through Joseph Smith, includes an account of the personal ministry of Jesus Christ among the ancient Americans, affirming that the restored record is “in full harmony with the Bible” 21. Together, these teachings show that the golden plates are not merely an ancient artifact but a divine instrument that restored key doctrines about the Savior’s Atonement and the plan of salvation, enabling Saints to receive the fulness of the gospel in the modern day 22.

Common Misunderstandings About the Golden Plates

One persistent misunderstanding is that the golden plates were a solid block of precious metal. This view ignores Joseph Smith’s careful description that the plates had the “appearance of gold” and were bound together like the pages of a book 23. If the record were solid gold, its weight would be far beyond what a young man could carry. Elder Dallin H. Oaks observed that the enemies of Joseph sought the plates for their monetary value, not their message 24. The temporal value of the plates had a price; their spiritual value was priceless 24. The physical reality of the plates is supported by witnesses who handled them. Twelve modern witnesses saw and touched the plates, including the Three and Eight Witnesses, who confirmed their physical presence 25. Elder Mark E. Petersen emphasized that the plates were equally real as the Book of Mormon, noting that honest men testified to handling them 26. These accounts show that the plates were tangible, not mythical, and their physical nature is consistent with what Joseph Smith described.

Another common error is assuming Joseph Smith could not have translated the plates due to his lack of formal education. Critics often dismiss the translation as impossible for an uneducated boy 16. However, Elder Dallin H. Oaks pointed out that the spiritual value of the plates was priceless, and Joseph’s ability to translate them was not a matter of academic learning 24. Elder James E. Faust reminded us that knowledge comes through faith, and we must come to know the truthfulness of the golden plates without seeing them 14. The translation was a divine process, not a human one. Elder David A. Bednar noted that Joseph spent four years learning and complying with Moroni’s conditions, making each visit a remarkable learning experience 27. These facts show that the translation was not dependent on Joseph’s education but on his faith and divine guidance.

The Golden Plates in Ordinary Life and Church Practice

The golden plates shape how members of the Church approach worship and personal study by providing a sacred text that is continually applied to daily life. The Book of Mormon, translated from those plates, is not treated as a relic of the past but as a living record that speaks to contemporary challenges. Elder Henry D. Taylor explained that the book “contains the record of the Lord’s dealings temporally and spiritually with the ancient peoples who dwelt in the lands of America” and also “gives the beautiful account of the appearance of the resurrected Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to the people, which is most inspiring” 28. This dual focus on ancient history and Christ-centered revelation allows members to draw practical lessons from the text, whether studying its teachings on faith, obedience, or the plan of salvation.

Elder Rex C. Reeve, Sr. emphasized the practical purpose of the record, noting that it was brought forth “to assist in our search for the way” and that it “is a sacred record” unlike other books 29. In personal study, members often use the Book of Mormon to strengthen their faith and clarify their understanding of doctrine. The text is read regularly in family worship, where families gather to discuss passages that apply to their lives, such as Alma 13:10–11, which teaches that the only way to be saved is through faith in Jesus Christ. The golden plates, therefore, serve as a spiritual resource that helps members grow in understanding and devotion, guiding them in their daily walk with God.

Further Resources for Deeper Study

For those who wish to explore the golden plates through the lens of living prophets and apostles, several talks and manual chapters illuminate their enduring significance. President N. Eldon Tanner, First Counselor in the First Presidency, described how the angel Moroni showed Joseph Smith the plates in vision before physically delivering them after four years of preparation. Tanner emphasized that the record contained “the gospel in its fullness” and that Joseph translated the engravings by divine power to convince both Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ 2. This spiritual preparation underscores the plates’ role not merely as a physical artifact but as a covenantal instrument of revelation. Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, noted that the plates were delivered “by an angelic ministrant” and translated “by the gift and power of God,” highlighting the divine nature of the translation process 30. President Marion G. Romney, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, recalled Joseph Smith’s own words from the 1823 vision, quoting that Moroni said the book gave “an account of the former inhabitants of this continent, and the source from whence they sprang” and contained “the fulness of the everlasting Gospel” 9. These testimonies anchor the golden plates within the broader narrative of restoration, showing how they connect ancient prophetic witness to modern revelation.

For a deeper theological perspective, the sources emphasize the spiritual reality of the plates over their physical form. President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, taught that “Knowledge comes through faith. In our day and time we must come to know the truthfulness of what was on the golden plates without seeing them. They are not available for us to see and handle as they were for the Three Witnesses and for the Eight Witnesses. Some of those who actually saw and handled the golden plates did not remain faithful to the Church. Seeing an angel would be a great experience, but it is far greater to come to a knowledge of the divinity of the Savior through faith and the witness of the Spirit” 14. This distinction between physical and spiritual witness invites members to focus on the doctrinal substance rather than the object itself. The Book of Mormon itself reinforces this focus: Mosiah 1:6 states, “we can know of their surety because we have them before our eyes,” pointing to the plates’ enduring spiritual reality 31. Additionally, 1 Nephi 22:1 poses the question whether the engravings “shall come to pass according to the spirit and not the flesh,” directing readers toward a spiritual understanding 32. For structured study, Church manuals such as The Doctrine of the Gospel and The Book of Mormon provide guided lessons that explore the plates’ connection to Jesus Christ, the restoration, and the nature of prophetic translation. These resources help members move beyond historical speculation and engage with the plates as a living witness of Christ.

Footnotes

  1. Joseph Smith—History 1:34. ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  2. Tanner, N. Eldon (1972-10-01). "Warnings from Outer Space". ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  3. Tanner, N. Eldon (1979-10-01). "The Contributions of the Prophet Joseph Smith". ↩ ↩2

  4. Perry, L. Tom (1976-02-24). "The Church and the American Bicentennial". ↩ ↩2

  5. Mormon 6:6. ↩ ↩2

  6. 1 Nephi 9:2. ↩

  7. Benson, Ezra Taft (1981-10-01). "Joseph Smith: Prophet to Our Generation". ↩

  8. Jarom 1:14. ↩

  9. Romney, Marion G. (1979-04-01). "We, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints". ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  10. Joseph Smith—History 1:59. ↩ ↩2

  11. Perry, L. Tom (2001-03-04). "The Doctrine and Covenants—The Capstone of Our Religion". ↩

  12. Eyring, Henry B. (2003-10-01). "An Enduring Testimony of the Mission of the Prophet Joseph". ↩

  13. Soares, Ulisses (2020-04-01). "The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon". ↩

  14. Faust, James E. (2002-04-01). "It Can’t Happen to Me". ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  15. Reeve, Rex C. (1985-10-01). "Joseph Smith, the Chosen Instrument". ↩

  16. Hinckley, Gordon B. (2007-10-01). "The Stone Cut Out of the Mountain". ↩ ↩2

  17. Faust, James E. (1981-10-01). "The Expanding Inheritance from Joseph Smith". ↩

  18. Reeve, Rex C. (1986-02-25). "The Lord’s Strange Act". ↩

  19. Hales, Robert D. (2005-10-01). "Preparations for the Restoration and the Second Coming: “My Hand Shall Be over Thee”". ↩

  20. Oaks, Dallin H. (1993-06-06). "“Another Testament of Jesus Christ”". ↩

  21. Saints, The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day (2020-04-05). "The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ". The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ↩

  22. Nelson, Russell M. (2013-04-01). "Catch the Wave". ↩

  23. Joseph Smith—History 1:52. ↩

  24. Oaks, Dallin H. (1985-10-01). "Spirituality". ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  25. Petersen, Mark E. (1978-04-01). "“Evidence of Things Not Seen”". ↩

  26. Petersen, Mark E. (1977-12-13). "Christ the Creator". ↩

  27. Bednar, David A. (2017-08-28). "“Walk in the Meekness of My Spirit”". ↩

  28. Taylor, Henry D. (1976-10-01). "Search the Scriptures". ↩

  29. Reeve,, Rex C. (1980-10-01). "“Feed My Sheep”". ↩

  30. McConkie, Bruce R. (1983-10-01). "What Think Ye of the Book of Mormon?". ↩

  31. Mosiah 1:6. ↩

  32. 1 Nephi 22:1. ↩