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

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.