The scriptural law of witnesses requires that in the mouth of two or three individuals shall every word be established (Deut. 19:15; 2 Cor. 13:1; 1 Tim. 5:19). This law applies in divine as well as human relations, for members of the Godhead bear witness of one another (John 5:31-37; 3 Ne. 11:32), and books of holy writ give multiple witness to the work of God in the earth (2 Ne. 29:8-13). The law of witnesses is prominent in the history and practice of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

A witness gives personal verification of, or attests to the reality of, an event. To “witness” in the scriptural sense is much the same as in the legal sense: to give personal testimony based on firsthand evidence or experience. To bear false witness is a very serious offense (Deut. 5:20;19:16-21). When prophets have an experience with the Lord, often he commands them to “bear record” of him and of the truths that have been revealed (1 Ne. 10:10;11:7; D&C 58:59;112:4;138:60). In legal affairs, testimony is usually related to what a person knows by the physical senses. In spiritual matters there is additional knowledge or information received through the Holy Spirit.

The Bible illustrates that God often works with mankind through two or more witnesses (Num. 35:30; Deut. 17:6;19:15; Matt. 18:15-16). Likewise, latter-day scripture teaches the need for witnesses (D&C 6:28;42:80-81;128:3). One person’s word alone, even though it may be true, may not be sufficient to establish and bind the hearer to the truth. Witnesses provide the means of establishing faith in the minds of people, for faith comes by hearing the word of God through the power of human testimony accompanied by the Holy Ghost (Rom. 10:17; TPJS, p. 148; Lectures on Faith, 2). In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Nephi 1 combined his brother Jacob’s testimony with Isaiah’s testimony to reinforce and verify his own witness of the divine sonship of the Redeemer (2 Ne. 11:2-3). Likewise, Alma 2 called upon the words of Zenos, Zenock, and Moses to corroborate his own testimony of the Son of God (Alma 33:2-23).

When the keys of the priesthood were restored to the Prophet Joseph Smith and often when visions were received, the Prophet was accompanied by a witness. This is the case Hith the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood, the Melchizedek Priesthood, the keys given in the Kirtland Temple (Ohio), and the vision of the degrees of glory (D&C 13;76;110). Subsequent to the translation of the Book of Mormon and prior to its publication, three men on one occasion, and eight men on a separate occasion, in addition to Joseph Smith, became witnesses of the Book of Mormon plates (see Book of Mormon Witnesses). The Prophet Joseph was likewise accompanied in his martyr’s death by his brother Hyrum, a second martyr or witness, making their testimony valid forever (D&C 135:3;136:39). The meaning of the Greek word martyr is “witness.” The scriptures also indicate other ways in which the law of witnesses applies:

• THE DIVINITY OF JESUS CHRIST
• JESUS’ RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD
• AUTHENTICATION OF RITES AND CEREMONIES

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