Scripture Stories
The Tree of Life


“The Tree of Life,” Book of Mormon Stories (2023)

“The Tree of Life,” Book of Mormon Stories

1 Nephi 8

The Tree of Life

Lehi’s inspired dream

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Lehi talking to family

One night, Lehi had a dream from the Lord. He told his family about the dream.

1 Nephi 8:2–4

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angel talking to Lehi

In his dream, Lehi saw a man in a white robe. The man told Lehi to follow him.

1 Nephi 8:5–6

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Lehi in darkness

Lehi saw that he was in a dark and empty place. He walked for many hours. But the darkness did not go away. Finally, Lehi prayed for help.

1 Nephi 8:7–8

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Lehi looking at tree with fruit

When Lehi finished praying, he saw a large field. In that field was a tree with white fruit. Lehi thought the fruit would make him happy, so he ate it. His soul was filled with joy.

1 Nephi 8:9–12

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Lehi eating fruit as Sariah, Sam, and Nephi stand near river

The fruit tasted better than any other fruit. It was sweet and delicious. Lehi wanted to share it with his family. He knew it would make them happy too. Lehi saw Sariah, Sam, and Nephi standing by a river. They looked lost. Lehi called to them in a loud voice. He asked them to come and eat the fruit.

1 Nephi 8:11–15

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Laman and Lemuel walking away

Sariah, Sam, and Nephi came to the tree and ate the fruit. Lehi looked for Laman and Lemuel. He wanted them to enjoy the fruit too. But they would not come to eat the fruit.

1 Nephi 8:16–18

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people coming to tree

Then Lehi saw a path with an iron rod that led to the tree. He saw many people walking on the path. Suddenly, a thick darkness came. The darkness made it hard to see. The only way to get to the tree was to hold on to the iron rod.

1 Nephi 8:19–24

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hand holding rod

Some people left the path and got lost. Others held on to the iron rod and moved forward.

1 Nephi 8:23–24

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woman eating fruit

When they got to the tree, they ate the fruit.

1 Nephi 8:24

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tree, river, and large building

Lehi looked up and saw a large building filled with lots of people. They made fun of the people who ate the fruit. Some who ate the fruit felt bad when others laughed at them, so they left the tree. They wandered away and got lost.

1 Nephi 8:25–28, 31–32

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people at tree

In his dream, Lehi saw more people who held on tight to the iron rod. They moved forward step by step until they came to the tree. Then they knelt at the tree and ate the fruit. They did not listen to the people in the building. They chose to stay at the tree.

1 Nephi 8:30, 33

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Lehi talking to family

When Lehi woke up, he was worried about Laman and Lemuel. They did not eat the fruit in his dream. Lehi loved Laman and Lemuel. He hoped they would stay close to the Lord. He invited them to keep God’s commandments.

1 Nephi 8:36–38