Book of Jarom

Time

Around 399–361 BCE. A brief transitional book covering an intermediate generation.

Main Content

Jarom, son of Enos, writes a single chapter recording that the Nephites have multiplied and spread across the land, but they keep the commandments and the prophets continue to preach. The Lamanites remain hostile. The small plates are passed on. Jarom’s brevity reflects his purpose: he has little to add that the larger plates do not already cover. His entry is a placeholder — a link in the chain of custody of the plates.

Major Themes

• Continuity: the record passes from hand to hand across generations
• Condensation: the small plates are for “the more spiritual things” — Jarom records only what his purpose requires

Further Reading

• Book of Enos — his father’s record
• Book of Omni — the next in the chain