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2 Nephi 3–5
Scripture Central Media
Watch videos from Gospel scholars and teachers to learn more about these Book of Mormon passages.
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KnoWhys
Evidences
Commentary
Book of Mormon Minute is a commentary series made especially for the free ScripturePlus app, which features insights from Book of Mormon scholar Brant A. Gardner. John W. Welch's notes for Come, Follow Me are also available for free.
John W. Welch, General Editor
Reading Plan
Structure your personal scripture study by following a 15-minute, day-by-day plan. Each day's assignment includes the required scripture passages from the Come, Follow Me curriculum, as well as suggestions for additional resources to bring context and understanding to your study. For the best experience, use our Reading Plan in the free ScripturePlus app! You can track your progress and have access to the best resources.
Monday
- Scripture: 2 Nephi 3:1–13
- Commentary: Lehi Is a Descendant of Joseph
- Commentary: Joseph Smith Will Also Be a Prophet Like Moses
- Commentary: Ezekiel Foresees a Stick of Joseph
- Commentary: Did Ezekiel Prophesy Using a Visual Aid?
- Commentary: 2 Nephi 3:2-3
- Commentary: 2 Nephi 3:4-5
- Commentary: 2 Nephi 3:6-8
- Additional Study
Tuesday
- Scripture: 2 Nephi 3:14–25
- Commentary: A Voice from the Dust
- Commentary: 2 Nephi 3:17-18
- Commentary: 2 Nephi 3:22-25
- Evidence: Joseph Smith “Esteemed Highly”
- Additional Study
Wednesday
- Scripture: 2 Nephi 4:1–14
- Commentary: Lehi's Grandchildren Are Free from the Sins of their Parents
- Commentary: 2 Nephi 4:3-7
- Commentary: 2 Nephi 4:8-10
- Commentary: 2 Nephi 4:11-13
- Evidence: Attestation of Laman
Thursday
- Scripture: 2 Nephi 4:15–35
- Commentary: Nephi Trusts in the Lord
- Commentary: Nephi Will Praise the Lord Forever
- Commentary: 2 Nephi 4:14-16
- Commentary: 2 Nephi 4:20-22
- Commentary: 2 Nephi 4:25-27
- Commentary: 2 Nephi 4:28-30
-
Additional Study
- KnoWhy: Why Should We Read the Book of Mormon Daily?
- Evidence: Nephi’s Psalm
- KnoWhy: Is "Nephi's Psalm" Really a Psalm?
Friday
- Scripture: 2 Nephi 5:1–13
- Commentary: A Book of Sacred Writings
- Commentary: Following Lehi's Example, Nephi Departs
- Commentary: The Prominence of the Law among the Nephites
- Commentary: 2 Nephi 5:5-6
- Commentary: 2 Nephi 5:7-9
- Commentary: 2 Nephi 5:12-13
- Additional Study
Saturday
- Scripture: 2 Nephi 5:14–25
- Commentary: Nephi's Three Symbols of Authority
- Commentary: Nephi's Righteous Kingship
- Commentary: Maintaining Membership Markers
- Commentary: 2 Nephi 5:14
- Commentary: 2 Nephi 5:20-21
- Commentary: 2 Nephi 5:22-23
-
Additional Study
- Commentary: 2 Nephi 5:24-25
- KnoWhy: Did Ancient Israelites Build Temples Outside of Jerusalem?
- Evidence: Pre-Columbian Swords
Sunday
- Scripture: 2 Nephi 5:26–34
- Commentary: The Acute Need for Accurate Records
- Commentary: 2 Nephi 5:26-27
- Commentary: 2 Nephi 5:28-34
- Evidence: Nephi as a New King
- KnoWhy: Why Did Nephi Write His Small Plates?
Additional Resources
Explore art, charts, and more.
Images
Charts
- Writings of Lehi Quoted or Paraphrased by Nephi and Jacob
- Life Spans of Lehi's Lineage
- Nephite and Mesoamerican History
- Key Doctrinal Chapters: 1 Nephi–Omni
- Murmurings of Laman and Lemuel
- Women in the Book of Mormon
- How Do You Say "Law" in Hebrew?
- Ten Essential Features of Book of Mormon Geography
- Geographical Names Listed Alphabetically
- Geographical Names Listed by Scripture Reference
- Journeys Indicating Distances
- Metals in the Book of Mormon
- Whose Words Are Found in the Book of Mormon?
- Number of Pages in Books of the Book of Mormon
- Average Number of Pages Covering One Nephite Year
- Nephite Books Compared by Length and Years Covered
- Nephite Books Listed Chronologically
- Names Used for Christ by Major Book of Mormon Authors
- Names and Concepts Associated with Christ by Major Book of Mormon Authors
- Number of Names Used for Christ by Major Book of Mormon Authors
- Number of Names for Christ Used Exclusively by Individual Authors
- Ten Essential Features of Book of Mormon Geography
- Geographical Names Listed Alphabetically
- Geographical Names Listed by Scripture Reference
Bibliography
2 Nephi
Axelgard, Frederick W.. "1 and 2 Nephi: An Inspiring Whole." BYU Studies Quarterly 26, no. 4 (1986): 53-65.
Barratt, Tanner A. "Nephi's Messiah," Religious Educator 23, no. 3 (2022): 126–135.
Peterson, Christopher James. "Nephi and Effective Followership," Religious Educator 21, no. 2 (2020): 99-111.
Reynolds, Noel B.. "Chiastic Structuring of Large Texts: Second Nephi as a Case Study." Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 41 (2020): 193-210.
Reynolds, Noel B.. "Chiastic Structuring of Large Texts: 2 Nephi as a Case Study." In Chiasmus: The State of the Art, edited by Donald W. Parry and John W. Welch, 177-192. Provo, UT/Springville, UT: BYU Studies/Book of Mormon Central, 2020.
Reynolds, Noel B.. "Nephi’s Small Plates: A Rhetorical Analysis." Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 50 (2022): 99-122.
Reynolds, Noel B.. "Lehi’s Dream, Nephi’s Blueprint: How Nephi Uses the Vision of the Tree of Life as an Outline for 1 and 2 Nephi." Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 52 (2022): 231-278.
Reynolds, Noel B. "The Nephite Prophets’ Understanding of Faith and Faithfulness," Religious Educator 21, no. 2 (2020): 73-97.
Reynolds, Noel B.. "The Nephite Metaphor of Life as a Probation: Rethinking Nephi's Portrayal of Laman and Lemuel." Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 57 (2023): 231-280.
2 Nephi 3
Book of Mormon Central. “Should 2 Nephi 1:1 - 4:12 Be Called the "Testament of Lehi"? (2 Nephi 3:3).” KnoWhy 29 (February 9, 2016).
Welch, John W.. "Lehi's Last Will and Testament: A Legal Approach." In The Book of Mormon: Second Nephi, The Doctrinal Structure, edited by Monte S. Nyman and Charles D. Tate, Jr., 61-82. Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1989.
2 Nephi 3:4
Bowen, Matthew L., and Loren Blake Spendlove. "“Thou Art the Fruit of My Loins”: The Interrelated Symbolism and Meanings of the Names Joseph and Ephraim in Ancient Scripture ." Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture 28 (2018): 273-298.
2 Nephi 3:5–7
Benson, RoseAnn. “Joseph Smith and the Messiah: Prophetically Linked.” Religious Educator 3, no. 3 (2002): 65–81.
Christensen, Craig C.. “A Choice Seer Will I Raise Up” In The One-Hundredth and Eighty-Sixth Semiannual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2016.
Maxwell, Neal A. “Joseph Smith: ‘A Choice Seer.’” BYU Speeches (March 30, 1986).
2 Nephi 3:6
Graham, Heather S.. Joseph Smith's Birth Foretold., 2018.
2 Nephi 3:9–10
Book of Mormon Central. “Why Is Lehi Depicted as Similar to Moses? (2 Nephi 3:9–10).” KnoWhy 268 (January 30, 2017).
Tvedtnes, John A. “Joseph’s Prophecy of Moses and Aaron.” Insights: A Window on the Ancient World 21, no. 1 (2001): 2–3.
2 Nephi 3:11
Book of Mormon Central. “What Unique Doctrines Did the Lord Reveal through the Book of Mormon? (2 Nephi 3:11).” KnoWhy 293 (March 29, 2017).
2 Nephi 3:12
Book of Mormon Central. “Why Do New Testament Words and Phrases Show Up in the Book of Mormon? (2 Nephi 3:12).” KnoWhy 525 (July 29, 2019).
Book of Mormon Central. “Why Is the Book of Mormon “Another Testament of Jesus Christ”? (2 Nephi 3:12).” KnoWhy 494 (December 18, 2018).
2 Nephi 3:18
Book of Mormon Central. “How Lehi Likened the Scriptures to Himself (2 Nephi 3:18).” KnoWhy 418 (March 22, 2018).
2 Nephi 3:20
Lindsay, Jeff. "“Arise from the Dust”: Insights from Dust-Related Themes in the Book of Mormon (Part 2: Enthronement, Resurrection, and Other Ancient Motifs from the “Voice from the Dust”)." Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture 22 (2016): 233-277.
2 Nephi 4
Welch, John W.. "Lehi's Last Will and Testament: A Legal Approach." In The Book of Mormon: Second Nephi, The Doctrinal Structure, edited by Monte S. Nyman and Charles D. Tate, Jr., 61-82. Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1989.
2 Nephi 4:3
Hardy, Grant. “Of Punctuation and Parentage.” Insights: A Window on the Ancient World 24, no. 2 (2004): 2–3.
2 Nephi 4:11
Haubrock, Ken. "Notes and Communications: Sam: A Just and Holy Man." Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 5, no. 2 (1996): 164-168.
Haubrock, Ken. "Sam: A Just and Holy Man." In Pressing Forward with the Book of Mormon: The FARMS Updates of the 1990s, edited by John W. Welch and Melvin J. Thorne, 66-71. Provo, UT: FARMS, 1999.
2 Nephi 4:15
Book of Mormon Central. “Why Should We Read the Book of Mormon Daily? (2 Nephi 4:15).” KnoWhy 368 (September 28, 2017).
Norton, Beverly J.. Record Keeping In Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Edited by Daniel H. Ludlow. Vol. 3. New York: Macmillan, 1992.
2 Nephi 4:16–35 (Nephi’s Psalm)
Book of Mormon Central. “Is "Nephi's Psalm" Really a Psalm? (2 Nephi 4:16–17).” KnoWhy 30 (February 10, 2016).
Book of Mormon Central. “Is the Book of Mormon Musical? (Ether 6:9).” KnoWhy 500 (January 31, 2019).
Bowen, Matthew L.. "“Their Anger Did Increase Against Me”: Nephi’s Autobiographical Permutation of a Biblical Wordplay on the Name Joseph." Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture 23 (2017): 115-136.
Fear, Michael J.. "The Merits of Christ: Fallen Humanity’s Hope for Redemption." In Living the Book of Mormon: Abiding by Its Precepts, edited by Gaye Strathearn and Charles Swift, 256-263. Provo, UT/Salt Lake City: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University/Deseret Book, 2007.
Hilton, III, John. "Old Testament Psalms in the Book of Mormon." In Ascending the Mountain of the Lord: Temple, Praise, and Worship in the Old Testament (2013 Sperry Symposium), 291-311. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2013.
Nickerson, Matthew. "Nephi's Psalm: 2 Nephi 4:16–35 in the Light of Form-Critical Analysis." Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 6, no. 2 (1997): 26-42.
Sondrup, Steven P.. "The Psalm of Nephi: A Lyric Reading." BYU Studies Quarterly 21, no. 3 (1981): 357-372.
Sperry, Sidney B.. "Types of Literature in the Book of Mormon: Epistles, Psalms, Lamentations." Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 4, no. 1 (1995): 69-80.
Tanner, John S.. "Two Hymns Based on Nephi’s Psalm: Texts and Commentary." Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 10, no. 2 (2001): 34-41, 70.
Tvedtnes, John A. “Reflections of Nephi’s Vision in His Psalm.” Insights: A Window on the Ancient World 20, no. 2 (2000): 2.
Welch, John W.. "The Psalm of Nephi as a Post-Lehi Document." In Pressing Forward with the Book of Mormon: The FARMS Updates of the 1990s, edited by John W. Welch and Melvin J. Thorne, 72-74. Provo, UT: FARMS, 1999.
2 Nephi 4:25
Bowen, Matthew L.. "“Upon the Wings of His Spirit”: A Note on Hebrew RÛAH and 2 Nephi 4:25." Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 58 (2023): 19-32.
2 Nephi 4:33
Bowen, Matthew L.. "“But That Thou Wouldst Clear My Way Before Me”: A Note on the Personal and Emotional Rendering of an Ancient Idiom in 2 Nephi 4:33." Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 53 (2022): 31-36.
Bowen, Matthew L.. "“Encircled About Eternally in the Arms of His Love”: The Divine Embrace as a Thematic Symbol of Jesus Christ and His Atonement in the Book of Mormon." Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 59 (2023): 109-134.
2 Nephi 4:35
Bokovoy, David E.. "From Distance to Proximity: A Poetic Function of Enallage in the Hebrew Bible and the Book of Mormon." Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 9, no. 1 (2000): 60-63, 79-80.
Barney, Kevin L.. "Enallage in the Book of Mormon." Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 3, no. 1 (1994): 113-147.
Barney, Kevin L.. "Notes and Communications: Divine Discourse Directed at a Prophet’s Posterity in the Plural: Further Light on Enallage." Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 6, no. 2 (1997): 229-234.
Wilkins, Alan L.. "Nephi states that God gives liberally to those who “ask not amiss.” What guidelines can help us pray in accordance with God’s will?”." Ensign 29, no. 2 (1999).
2 Nephi 5
2 Nephi 5:1
Welch, John W., and Greg Welch. “Murmurings of Laman and Lemuel.” In Charting the Book of Mormon: Visual Aids for Personal Study and Teaching. Provo, UT: Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, 1999.
2 Nephi 5:10
Book of Mormon Central. “How Do Commandments Bring Us Peace and Happiness? (2 Nephi 5:10).” KnoWhy 347 (August 2, 2017).
Welch, John W.. "Statutes, Judgments, Ordinances, and Commandments." In Reexploring the Book of Mormon, edited by John W. Welch, 62-65. Provo, UT/Salt Lake City: FARMS/Deseret Book, 1992.
Welch, John W., and Greg Welch. How Do You Say "Law" in Hebrew?. Provo, UT: Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, 1999.
Welch, John W., and Greg Welch. “Contents of the Plates of Brass.” In Charting the Book of Mormon: Visual Aids for Personal Study and Teaching. Provo, UT: Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, 1999.
2 Nephi 5:12
Bunker, Robert L.. "The Design of the Liahona and the Purpose of the Second Spindle." Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 3, no. 2 (1994): 1-11.
Gervais, Timothy and John L. Joyce. “’By Small Means’: Rethinking the Liahona.” Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 30 (2018): 207–232.
2 Nephi 5:14
Benson, Reed A.. Sword of Laban In Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Edited by Daniel H. Ludlow. Vol. 3. New York: Macmillan, 1992.
Book of Mormon Central. “Who Are the Lamanites? (2 Nephi 5:14).” KnoWhy 486 (November 20, 2018).
Holbrook, Brett L.. "Sword of Laban as a Symbol of Divine Authority." In Pressing Forward with the Book of Mormon: The FARMS Updates of the 1990s, edited by John W. Welch and Melvin J. Thorne, 93-96. Provo, UT: Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, 1999.
Holbrook, Brett L.. "The Sword of Laban as a Symbol of Divine Authority and Kingship." Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 2, no. 1 (1993): 39-72.
Rolph, Daniel N.. "Prophets, Kings, and Swords: The Sword of Laban and Its Possible Pre-Laban Origin." Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 2, no. 1 (1993): 73-79.
Thomasson, Gordon C.. "Mosiah: The Complex Symbolism and Symbolic Complex of Kingship in the Book of Mormon." Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 2, no. 1 (1993): 21-38.
Tvedtnes, John A.. "Notes and Communications: "The Workmanship Thereof Was Exceedingly Fine"." Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 6, no. 1 (1997): 73-75.
2 Nephi 5:15
Book of Mormon Central. “What Kind of Ore did Nephi Use to Make the Plates? (1 Nephi 19:1).” KnoWhy 22 (January 29, 2016).
Sorenson, John L.. "Out of the Dust: Steel in Early Metallurgy." Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 15, no. 2 (2006): 108-109, 127.
Sorenson, John L.. "Challenging Conventional Views of Metal." In Pressing Forward with the Book of Mormon: The FARMS Updates of the 1990s, edited by John W. Welch and Melvin J. Thorne, 187-189. Provo, UT: FARMS, 1999.
Welch, John W., and Greg Welch. “Metals in the Book of Mormon.” In Charting the Book of Mormon: Visual Aids for Personal Study and Teaching. Provo, UT: Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, 1999.
Welch, John W.. "Decorative Iron in Early Israel." In Reexploring the Book of Mormon, edited by John W. Welch, 133-134. Provo, UT/Salt Lake City: FARMS/Deseret Book, 1992.
2 Nephi 5:16
Book of Mormon Central. “Did Ancient Israelites Build Temples Outside of Jerusalem? (2 Nephi 5:16).” KnoWhy 31 (February 11, 2016).
Book of Mormon Central. “What Does the Book of Mormon Teach about the Temple? (2 Nephi 5:16).” KnoWhy 309 (May 5, 2017).
Bokovoy, David E.. Holiness to the Lord: Biblical Temple Imagery in the Sermons of Jacob the Priest. The Interpreter Foundation, 2012.
Ludlow, Jared W.. "A Tale of Three Communities: Jerusalem, Elephantine, and Lehi-Nephi." Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 16, no. 2 (2007): 28-41, 95.
Lundquist, John M., and John W. Welch. “Kingship and Temple in 2 Nephi 5–10.” Insights: A Window on the Ancient World 11, no. 6 (1991): 2.
Lundquist, John M., and John W. Welch. "Kingship and Temple in 2 Nephi 5–10." In Reexploring the Book of Mormon, edited by John W. Welch, 66-68. Provo, UT/Salt Lake City: FARMS/Deseret Book, 1992.
2 Nephi 5:17
Book of Mormon Central. “How Can Honest Labor and Self-Reliance Bring Lasting Happiness? (2 Nephi 5:17).” KnoWhy 365 (September 19, 2017).
2 Nephi 5:18
Reynolds, Noel B. “Nephite Kingship Reconsidered.” in Davis Bitton, ed., Mormons, Scripture, and the Ancient World: Studies in Honor of John L. Sorenson, FARMS, Provo, Utah 1998, pages 151–189.
2 Nephi 5:20-24
Jones, Clifford P.. "Understanding the Lamanite Mark." Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 56 (2023): 171-258.
Steenblik, Gerrit M.. "Demythicizing the Lamanites’ “Skin of Blackness”." Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 49 (2021): 167-258.
2 Nephi 5:21
Book of Mormon Central. “What Does it Mean to be a White and Delightsome People? (2 Nephi 30:6).” KnoWhy 57 (March 18, 2016).
Sproat, Ethan. "Skins as Garments in the Book of Mormon: A Textual Exegesis." Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 24 (2015): 138-165.
Turner, Rodney. "The Lamanite Mark." In The Book of Mormon: Second Nephi, The Doctrinal Structure, edited by Monte S. Nyman and Charles D. Tate, Jr., 133-157. Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1989.
Tvedtnes, John A.. The Charge of "Racism" in the Book of Mormon In 2003 FAIR Conference. Orem, UT: FairMormon, 2003.
Tvedtnes, John A. "The Charge of ‘Racism’ in the Book of Mormon." Review of Books on the Book of Mormon 15 , no. 2 (2003): 183–197.
2 Nephi 5:25
Haws, J.B.. "'To Stir Them Up in the Ways of Remembrance': Lamanites and Memory in the Book of Mormon." Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel 6, no. 3 (2005): 85-98.
2 Nephi 5:27
Marlin K. Jensen, “Living after the Manner of Happiness,” Ensign, December 2002
2 Nephi 5:30
Book of Mormon Central. “Why Did Nephi Write His Small Plates? (1 Nephi 9:4).” KnoWhy 11 (January 14, 2016).
Welch, John W.. "Why Nephi Wrote the Small Plates: The Political Dimension." In Pressing Forward with the Book of Mormon: The FARMS Updates of the 1990s, edited by John W. Welch and Melvin J. Thorne, 81-83. Provo, UT: FARMS, 1999.
Welch, John W.. "Why Nephi Wrote the Small Plates: Serving Practical Needs." In Pressing Forward with the Book of Mormon: The FARMS Updates of the 1990s, edited by John W. Welch and Melvin J. Thorne, 78-80. Provo, UT: FARMS, 1999.
Welch, John W.. "When Did Nephi Write the Small Plates." In Pressing Forward with the Book of Mormon: The FARMS Updates of the 1990s, edited by John W. Welch and Melvin J. Thorne, 75-77. Provo, UT: FARMS, 1999.