You are here

KnoWhy #131 - Why Did Converted Lamanites Call Themselves Anti-Nephi-Lehies? (Alma 23:17)

TitleKnoWhy #131 - Why Did Converted Lamanites Call Themselves Anti-Nephi-Lehies? (Alma 23:17)
Publication TypeKnoWhy
Year of Publication2016
Corporate AuthorsBook of Mormon Central Staff
PublisherBook of Mormon Central
Place PublishedSpringville, UT
KeywordsAmmon (Son of King Mosiah); Anti-Nephi-Lehi; Conversion; King Lamoni; Lamanite; Missionary Work; Nephite; People of Ammon; Politics
Abstract

Many of the Lamanites taught by Ammon and his brethren took the name Anti-Nephi-Lehies. This unusual name has perplexed readers, especially in trying to understand the presence of Anti- in the name. It would not make sense for these recent converts to declare themselves to be against Nephi and Lehi. Alternatively, if the element Anti- derives from Egyptian, the name could mean “that-which(-is-of-)Nephi-Lehi” or “the-one-who(-is-of-)Nephi-Lehi.” Political allies in ancient Near Eastern cultures often used this kind of language. The name Anti-Nephi-Lehi was likely a public statement by this group that they had allied themselves with their former enemies.

URLhttps://knowhy.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/why-did-converted-lamanites-call-themselves-anti-nephi-lehies
Citation Key1961

Scripture Reference

Alma 23:17