Nephi, the son of Lehi and Sariah, stands prominently as a founding prophet of the Nephite civilization and is a central figure within the narrative of the Book of Mormon. Born in Jerusalem around 615 B.C., Nephi was spiritually precocious from an early age, demonstrating a level of faith and commitment that would become the hallmark of his leadership (1 Nephi 2:16). His chronicles begin with an admittance of his own afflictions and the acknowledgment of the Lord’s favor in his life, echoing the formative impact of his “goodly” parents and the teachings received from his father (1 Nephi 1:1).
Nephi’s life was characterized by a series of divine mandates, which he accepted and performed with unwavering diligence. His first test of obedience surfaced when he courageously sought to obtain the brass plates from Laban in Jerusalem, which culminated in his reluctant murder of Laban and acquisition of the critical records (1 Nephi 3:7; 1 Nephi 4:18). This decisive action ensured the spiritual and historical legacy of his people, as the brass plates contained the genealogy and the sacred writings of the prophets up to that point.
A man of considerable physical stature and spiritual strength, Nephi was prophesied to be a ruler and a teacher over his brethren, a destiny that caused tension and enmity between him and his elder brothers, Laman and Lemuel (1 Nephi 2:22). Nephi’s leadership was further cemented when he was commanded by the Lord to construct a ship to carry the Lehi family to the promised land, a task he fulfilled despite the mockery and disbelief of his brethren (1 Nephi 17:8-9; 1 Nephi 18:1-4).
During the long journey to the promised land and thereafter, Nephi emerged as the spiritual and temporal leader of his people. His reign was distinguished by his efforts to teach, to build a temple, and to establish a community that could live according to the principles of happiness as revealed by God (2 Nephi 5:16, 27). His records, including the keeping of both the large plates, covering more secular and historic events, and the small plates, focusing on the ministry and prophecies, laid the groundwork for the Book of Mormon (1 Nephi 9:1-6).
Nephi’s scriptural contributions include a detailed first-person account of his vision in which he witnessed the birth, life, ministry, and crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the future of his seed and the house of Israel (1 Nephi 11-14). His writings vigorously expound on the prophecies of Isaiah and emphasize the critical role of the Messiah. He articulated the foundational doctrines of the gospel, including the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, receipt of the Holy Ghost, and endurance to the end for salvation (2 Nephi 31:20–21).
Nephi concluded his record with a poignant exhortation for mankind to accept his testimony and come unto Christ, who is the only path to salvation (2 Nephi 33:10-15). His influence continued beyond his mortal life, as subsequent Nephite kings were referred to by his name, signifying his lasting legacy as a significant figure of faithfulness and virtue among his people.