Identifying the Antecedent

Define

Explain that as we read the scriptures we come across many pronouns, such as I, she, he, it, they, and so on. The word that a pronoun refers to is called the antecedent. Correctly identifying antecedents is crucial to understanding many passages of scripture. When studying the scriptures:

• Identify pronouns that may need to be clarified.

• Search preceding verses to find the antecedent.

• Search chapter or section headings as needed for clues.

Model

To model this skill, consider using the following example or using one of your own.

Invite students to turn to 2 Nephi 3, and explain that this chapter can be confusing without understanding who is being referred to. Display the following phrases from 2 Nephi 3, emphasizing the pronouns that need to be clarified:

“And now I speak unto you, Joseph, my last-born” (verse 1).

“A choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins” (verse 7).

To know who “I” refers to in verse 1 requires looking back to 2 Nephi 1:1, 6, 9 or 2 Nephi 2:17. After reading these verses, we see that Lehi is the one speaking.

Point out that verses 4–6 in 2 Nephi 3 also help us better understand the pronouns in verse 7. Lehi quotes a prophecy recorded by Joseph of Egypt where the Lord was speaking to Joseph. Knowing this helps us understand that “I” in verse 7 refers to the Lord and “thy” refers to Joseph of Egypt. The Lord is telling Joseph of Egypt that He will someday raise up one of Joseph’s descendants to be a great prophet and seer. The footnote for “seer” points us to Joseph Smith as that “choice seer” of the Lord.

Practice

Select a passage from this week’s scripture reading, or choose one of the passages listed below. Invite students to study the passage and look for pronouns that need antecedents identified to be understood. Students could share the pronouns and antecedents they find. They could also share how identifying the antecedents can help us better understand the meaning of the scripture passage.

Additional passages for practice:

• Proverbs 3:15 (If students need help: What is the antecedent of “she” and “her”? See verse 13. If needed, point out that the word wisdom is characterized as female and is referred to by “she” and “her” in verse 15.)

• John 1:6–12 (If students need help: What are the antecedents of “him” and “his” in this passage? See verses 6–7, 10. If needed, explain that “the Light” in verses 7–9 refers to Jesus Christ.)

• Helaman 14:18 (If students need help: What does “it” refer to in the phrase “Yea, and it bringeth to pass the condition of repentance”? See verse 17.)

• Doctrine and Covenants 88:18–19 (If students need help: What does “it” refer to? See verse 17.)

Invite and Follow Up

Encourage students to practice identifying antecedents in the scriptures during their personal study. Follow up and allow time in subsequent classes for students to share what they have discovered by using this skill. You could also invite students to share how this skill helps them better understand the scriptures. Continue practicing this skill in class.