Seminaries and Institutes
2 Nephi


“2 Nephi,” Book of Mormon Study Guide for Home-Study Seminary Students (2012), 44–86

“2 Nephi,” Book of Mormon Study Guide, 44–86

Introduction to 2 Nephi

Why Study This Book?

The book of 2 Nephi will help you understand basic gospel doctrines, such as the Fall of Adam and Eve, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and agency. Additionally, this book is filled with prophecies from Nephi, Jacob, and Isaiah, who were special witnesses of the Savior. They prophesied of the Restoration of the gospel in the latter days, the gathering of God’s covenant people, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and the Millennium. The book of 2 Nephi also contains Nephi’s explanation of the doctrine of Christ and concludes with Nephi’s testimony of the Savior.

Who Wrote This Book?

Nephi, the son of Lehi, wrote 2 Nephi. Nephi was a prophet and the first great leader of the Nephite people. His writings reveal that he experienced the Lord’s redeeming power (see 2 Nephi 4:15–35; 33:6) and desired with his whole soul to bring salvation to his people (see 2 Nephi 33:3–4). To accomplish this purpose, he established a temple and taught his people to believe in Jesus Christ.

When and Where Was It Written?

Nephi began writing the account that became 2 Nephi in approximately 570 B.C.—30 years after he and his family left Jerusalem (see 2 Nephi 5:28–31). He wrote it when he was in the land of Nephi (see 2 Nephi 5:8, 28–34).