One might wonder why "the land was cursed for their sake"? According to McConkie, Millet, and Top, Mormon uses the phrase "for their sake" not to illustrate any beneficial aspects but rather to point out another terrible consequence of the wickedness of his people. The definition of "sake" in an 1830 dictionary or some other contemporary edition would include "on account of." This definition seems to fit better with Mormon's intent and is consistent with other Book of Mormon passages that use similar language. Thus the land was "cursed" not for the blessing or benefit of the Nephites in any way, but rather "on account of" the great wickedness. See 2 Nephi 1:7; Alma 45:10-16; Ether 2:8-12. [Joseph F. McConkie, Robert L. Millet, Brent L. Top, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. IV, p. 212]