The First Book of Nephi

The First Book of Nephi, written by Nephi the son of Lehi, is the first book in the Book of Mormon. This book was translated from the small plates, which include 1 Nephi through the book of Omni. Nephi was commanded to make this record thirty years after he left Jerusalem (see 2 Nephi 5:28–33). He had kept other records devoted mainly to “the reign of the kings, and the wars and contentions of my people.” These small plates, however, were to focus mainly on “the ministry” (1 Nephi 9:4) and “that which is pleasing unto God” (2 Nephi 5:32). Nephi wrote that his intent in writing was to “persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved” (1 Nephi 6:4).

In the first eight chapters of this book, Nephi provides an abridgment of the record of his father Lehi (see 1 Nephi 1:17). In chapter 9, Nephi further discusses his record-keeping responsibilities and his approach to the task. Beginning in chapter 10, Nephi begins the account of his own “reign and ministry” (1 Nephi 10:1).

• 1 Nephi 1–5

• 1 Nephi 6-9

• 1 Nephi 10-15

• 1 Nephi 16-22