Although the two previous verses indicated that Joseph should not show the plates, these three verses modify that statement. The plates will remain “hid from the eyes of the world,” but “three witnesses shall behold it, by the power of God, besides him to whom the book shall be delivered.” There is no mistaking this for an instruction to show the plates to the three witnesses. It also indicates that they should see it by the power of God. Based on the difference between the testimonies of the three and the eight witnesses, the power of God provided a spiritual context in which they saw the plates. The eight, not mentioned here, would see them in a more mundane context.
Even though the eight witnesses are not specifically mentioned, it is declared that “in the mouth of as many witnesses as seemeth him good will he establish his word.” The eight will be among them. Also among them is Mary Whitmer, who told the story of having been shown the plates by an older gentleman who showed them to her to ease her mind from the burden of hosting those who were translating. Emma Smith saw them covered with a cloth, and moved them during her cleaning chores, and, at least once, ran a finger on the edge and described the plates as rustling.