Introduction to 4 Nephi

In your study of 4 Nephi, you will witness the blessings that come to people who are united in living the gospel of Jesus Christ. The book reveals that all the people throughout the land were converted during the Savior’s ministry among them. By obeying the commandments, they enjoyed peace, prosperity, and marvelous spiritual blessings. Mormon declared: “Surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God” (4 Nephi 1:16). You will also learn important lessons from this people’s gradual decline into a state of gross wickedness.

Mormon compiled and abridged the records of four other writers to create the book of 4 Nephi. The first of these was Nephi, for whom the book was named. Nephi was the son of Nephi who was one of the 12 disciples chosen by the Lord during His ministry among the descendants of Lehi (see 3 Nephi 11:18–22; 12:1). The other three writers were Amos the son of Nephi, Amos the son of Amos, and Ammaron the brother of Amos (see 4 Nephi 1:19, 21, 47).

The original records used as sources for 4 Nephi were likely written between A.D. 34 and A.D. 321. Mormon abridged those records sometime between A.D. 345 and A.D. 385. Mormon did not record where he was when he compiled this book.