In the summer of 1829, two groups of early Latter-day Saints handled a centuries-old record that appeared to be made of gold. One group was told to touch it, lift it, examine its ancient engravings—and the other had an angel appear to confirm its divine origin.

These two groups of men are now known as the Three Witnesses and the Eight Witnesses, and their testimonies are found in the introductory pages of the Book of Mormon.

The Three Witnesses: An Angel in the Woods

The Book of Mormon foretold that three witnesses would see the gold plates and testify of their authenticity. In the revelation now found in Doctrine and Covenants 17, Oliver Cowdery, Martin Harris, and David Whitmer were chosen to be these witnesses.

In June 1829, this group headed into the woods near the Whitmer Farm. There, they prayed to be shown the plates and were blessed with a divine witness.

An angel showed the golden plates to Joseph, Oliver, and David, and then separately to Joseph and Martin. The angel also showed the witnesses other sacred artifacts, like the sword of Laban and the Liahona.

In his 1838 history, Joseph wrote:

An angel stood before us; in his hands he held the plates which we had been praying for these to have a view of: he turned over the leaves one by one, so that we could see them, and discern the engravings thereon distinctly.

The experience ended with a voice from heaven commanding them to testify of what they'd seen. This became a cornerstone of their testimonies and something they could never deny.

Meet the Three:

Oliver Cowdery: As the primary scribe during much of the translation process, Oliver was deeply involved in the early events of the Restoration and was present for many key revelations. His testimony of the plates remained steadfast throughout his life.

David Whitmer: A friend of Oliver Cowdery, David provided a place for Joseph and Oliver to complete the translation at his family’s home in Fayette, New York. He was known for his unwavering testimony of the Book of Mormon, even after parting ways with the Church later in life.

Martin Harris: While he was initially skeptical of the Book of Mormon, Martin eventually became a financial supporter of publication. After losing the 116-page manuscript, he repented and was later blessed to be one of the Three Witnesses. Despite periods of estrangement from the Church, he never denied his testimony of the plates.

The Three Witnesses testified:

We declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these things are true.

The Eight Witnesses: A Hands-on Examination

Just days after the Three Witnesses' experience, another group had their turn—this time without an angel.

In the woods outside the Smith family farm in Manchester, Joseph gathered with eight men: his father, Joseph Sr.; his brothers Hyrum and Samuel; and five members of the Whitmer extended family. There, they prayed and received permission from the Lord to see the plates.

Joseph uncovered the ancient record, and let each man hold it in their hands, turn its pages, and inspect the writing.

This group became known as the Eight Witnesses and included:

• Christian Whitmer

• Jacob Whitmer

• Peter Whitmer Jr.

• John Whitmer

• Hiram Page (married to Catherine Whitmer)

• Joseph Smith Sr. (Joseph’s father)

• Hyrum Smith (Joseph’s brother)

• Samuel H. Smith (Joseph’s brother)

• Hiram Page: A brother-in-law to the Whitmers, Hiram was married to Catherine Whitmer.

The Eight Witnesses testified:

And this we bear record with words of soberness, that the said Smith has shown unto us, for we have seen and hefted, and know of a surety that the said Smith has got the plates of which we have spoken.

The Significance of the Witnesses

These witnesses provide a powerful affirmation of the Book of Mormon’s divine origin.

Despite persecution, personal conflicts, excommunications, and opportunities to deny their experiences, none of the witnesses ever took back their testimony.

Take David Whitmer, for example. Even after leaving the Church, his response to questions about the gold plates was consistent: "I saw with these eyes and I heard with these ears! I know whereof I speak!"

The testimonies of the Three Witnesses and the Eight Witnesses continue to stand as a testament to the world, inviting all to read the Book of Mormon and seek their own witness of its truth.

As the Book of Mormon itself declares:

And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. (Moroni 10:5)

BONUS TRIVIA:

(Answers in footnotes)

The Three Witnesses never recanted their testimony of the plates, but who was eventually excommunicated?[1]

A. Oliver Cowdery B. Martin Harris C. David Whitmer D. All of the above

Where did the Eight Witnesses first publish their witness statement?[2]

A. The Book of Commandments B. The Book of Mormon C. The Palmyra Freeman Newspaper D. The Times and Seasons

The Eight Witnesses never recanted their testimony of the plates, but how many of them were eventually disaffected?[3]

A. None of them B. One of them C. Three of them D. All of them