1 Nephi 1
1 Nephi chapter 1 overview
1 Nephi verse by verse
1 I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days.
Possible Hebrew
אני, נפיי, נולדתי מהורים טובים ובגלל כך למדתי משהו בכל לימודי אבי; ואחרי שראיתי רבות במהלך ימיי, אני עדיין נחשב למצויין בעיני ה' בכל ימיי; כן, לי הייתה ידיעה רבה בטובו ובסודותיו של אלוהים, ולכן אני רשום את סדר פעולותי בימי.
- נולדתי (noladeti) - I was born
- הורים טובים (horim tovim) - goodly parents
- לימודי אבי (limudei avi) - the learning of my father
- ראיתי (ra'iti) - I have seen
- נחשב (nechshav) - I am considered
- מצויין (metsuyan) - highly favored/excellent
- ידיעה רבה (yediah rabah) - great knowledge
- טובו וסודותיו (tovo usodotav) - goodness and mysteries
- רשום (rishum) - I write down
- סדר פעולותי בימי (seder pe'ulotai bayamai) - the record of my proceedings in my days
Hebrew Transliteration
Avraham Gileadi
Alter
Rashi
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
Pulpit Commentary Book by Donald Spence Jones
Peshat (literal meaning)
The verse introduces the speaker, Nephi, who is sharing some information about himself. He explains that he was born to good parents and was taught by his father, who had a broad education. Nephi also mentions that he has experienced many hardships in his life, but has been blessed by God and has gained a deep understanding of God's goodness and mysteries. As a result, he is writing down his experiences.
Remez (allegorical meaning)
Nephi's story can be seen as a metaphor for the human experience. Like Nephi, we are all born into certain circumstances and learn from those around us. We also encounter difficulties in life, but can be blessed by God and gain a deeper understanding of spiritual truths. Nephi's decision to record his experiences can be seen as a call for us to reflect on our own lives and consider how we can document our own spiritual journeys.
Drash (homiletic meaning)
Nephi's emphasis on his education and experiences can be seen as a reminder of the importance of learning and personal growth. We should strive to learn from those around us, even when it is difficult, and should trust in God's guidance during challenging times. Additionally, Nephi's focus on recording his experiences can be seen as a call to mindfulness and self-reflection. By taking the time to write down our own experiences and insights, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our relationship with God.
Sod (mystical meaning)
Nephi's story can be seen as a reflection of the spiritual journey that all humans undertake. The emphasis on Nephi's birth to good parents can be seen as a symbol of his spiritual heritage, or his connection to a deeper spiritual truth. Nephi's education can be seen as a metaphor for the process of spiritual learning and growth. The hardships that Nephi experiences can be seen as a necessary part of the spiritual journey, as they help to refine and purify the soul. Finally, Nephi's knowledge of God's goodness and mysteries can be seen as a symbol of the ultimate spiritual goal, which is to attain a deeper understanding of the divine.