The Word Deliverer, as understood within the context of the Book of Mormon, refers to a pivotal, though anonymous figure prophesied to play a crucial role in the coming forth of ancient scripture in the latter days. This individual, predicted by the prophets of the Book of Mormon, would assist in revealing hidden words to the world, words that had been preserved to come forth at a divinely appointed time (2 Nephi 27:11). According to prophecy, the Sealed Book would be brought forth by the power of Christ and its sealed contents would eventually be proclaimed “upon the house tops.”
Entrusted with a sacred task, the Word Deliverer would be instrumental in showing the unsealed portion of the book to learned individuals, with divine instruction to request their interpretation (2 Nephi 27:15). However, as foretold, the learned would decline, claiming an inability to read a sealed book. Consequently, the book would be returned to one “who is not learned,” and the Lord would personally instruct this unlearned man in reading the words (2 Nephi 27:19-20). Additionally, the Word Deliverer plays a role in obtaining witnesses to affirm the validity of the words within the book. The Lord would establish His word in the mouth of as many witnesses as He deems fit, a humbling task for the Deliverer who would find himself amidst such testimony (2 Nephi 27:12-14).
After fulfilling these responsibilities, including obtaining witnesses and declaring the truth of the book, the Deliverer would then seal up the unsealed portion again and conceal it until the Lord decides to reveal all things (2 Nephi 27:22). These prophecies highlight an orchestrated sequence of events involving multiple witnesses and divine intervention, with the Word Deliverer at the nexus of this revelatory process.
While the Word Deliverer is not identified by name in the Book of Mormon itself, this figure is understood by readers to correlate with figures from early Latter-day Saint history, related to the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. Martin Harris is often associated with aspects of the Word Deliverer’s role, especially in his involvement with scholars such as Charles Anthon and the early translation process of the Book of Mormon plates which was led by Joseph Smith. Harris, as contextually connected to the Word Deliverer, is known for his dedication to the work as well as his financial sacrifices to ensure the publication of the Book of Mormon, amidst trials that include the loss of the initial translation manuscript. Despite setbacks, Harris remained true to his testimony of what he had witnessed and experienced and thus serves as a historical figure reflective of the Word Deliverer’s commitments (2 Nephi 27:9).