KnoWhy #546 - What is the Significance of the Great and Spacious Building? (1 Nephi 12:18)

The great and spacious building in Lehi's dream was identified by the angel as representing "the pride and vain imaginations of the children of men" (1 Nephi 12:18). Lehi's contemporary Jeremiah speaks of the pride of Jerusalem and her people. The Hebrew word used by Jeremiah means "to be/become high." The word imaginations may be based upon a Hebrew word also found in Jeremiah which denotes a kind of defiant stubbornness in opposition to God which leads to calamity. Vanity (as in vain) is likely based on a Hebrew word meaning "vapor" and often signifies something that is fleeting, worthless, and does not last. Each of these words shed light on the nature of the great and specious building.