Nephi underlines the reality of the scattering prophecy by indicating that it is already in effect. Whether or not his brothers recognized themselves in the statement that there are many that had been led away and scattered on the isles of the sea is not clear, although it is certain that Nephi understood this to be the case. As with all scriptures, however, he is open to a dual interpretation, with the loss of the Northern kingdoms being the most immediate reference.