Book of Mormon Outlines showing some possible structures for the books and noting, where possible, the original source and audience of a passage, the genre or form, and its editor.

• Outlining as a Study Tool
• Genres

Small Plates of Nephi

• 1 Nephi
• 2 Nephi
• Jacob
• Enos
• Jarom
• Omni

Mormon's Abridgment of the Large Plates of Nephi

• Mosiah
• Alma (1-29)

Go to Huntsman's Rel 211 Outlines page

Return to Huntsman's Rel 121 homepage

Outlining Books of Scripture (expanded, printable version)

Outlining the books of the New Testament is a common study tool that allows readers to see the content of a biblical book at a glance. This tool can easily be applied to the Book of Mormon or other scriptural books.

The process of producing an outline begins by identifying sections or "pericopes" (from the Greek "to cut around"). A pericope is generally a self-contained episode, story, or section of a larger unit, oftentimes discernable in the LDS edition of the King James Version by paragraph markings (¶).  Although editions of the Book of Mormon do not have such paragraph markers, other clues—in particular the use of "it came to pass, especially in the writings of Nephi—can help indicate divisions.  In some study Bibles and commentaries, these pericopes are given titles or labels, making a quick review of the entire book easy.

Since reading the scriptures piecemeal—verse by verse or in chapters only—can harm the integrity of the overall text and allows readers to take an important passage out of context, reading the scriptures in sections provides a ready way of seeing how a verse or group of verses fits into the text before and after it. This helps avoid misinterpretation and the tendency to "proof text," the process of using verses to prove one’s own point rather than letting the text make its point.

Because the chapter and verse divisions are not original to the author of each book, sometimes pericopes overlap these later divisions. Occasionally, for instance, a pericope may bridge chapters and include only the first part of a verse while the next pericope begins in the second part of the same verse. Such divided verses are sometimes identified with letters—for instance, The Roman Trial of Jesus is found in John 18:12–19:17a, while the next pericope, The Crucifixion, constitutes John 19:17b–37.

Outlines can also can reveal something about the structure of the book by organizing pericopes into larger groups, graphically representing possible structures that highlight the author’s purposes or themes. A notable example of this is seen in an outline of Matthew, which divides into five major sections reminiscent of the Five Books of the Torah; since Matthew depicts Jesus as the New Moses, these divisions may reflect that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the New Law. While such structural analysis of a book may illustrate the plan of the original writer, one must remember that outlines are later impositions of the text and are tools for study, not definitive interpretations.

Genres

We read different types, or genres, of writing differently. For instance, we read a newspaper much differently than we read a novel. Likewise, a love letter affects us differently than reading a text book. Authors, including scriptural authors, use different kinds of writing to produce different effects in their reading audience.

The most fundamental division in types of writing is between prose and poetry. Prose is, effectively, straightforward writing that is reflective of how people speak. Poetry, on the other hand, is the creative use of language in which words are chosen and arranged create a specific emotional response through meaning, sound, and rhythm. Often, however, scriptural writing is mixed, with otherwise prosaic passages including poetic elements.

Genres are characterized by style, form, and content. Below is a helpful, but not all inclusive, list of the many smaller genres found in the scriptures, including the Book of Mormon:

1 Nephi (Click here for a printable version of 1 Nephi)   The overall structure of 1 Nephi is chiastic—Lehi’s ministry followed by travels in the wilderness, visions, further travels, and Nephi’s teaching ministry as exhibited in his exposition of Isaiah. 

Overview For detailed view, click any of the items in the outline below.

• Superscription
• Lehi’s Jerusalem Ministry (1:4–20)
  • Journey Into the Wilderness (2:1–7:22)
    • Lehi’s Dream and Prophecy (8:1–10:22)
    • The Apocalypse of Nephi (11:1–15:19)
  • The Journey Resumed (16:1–18:25)
• Nephi Quotes and Interprets Isaiah (19:1–22:18)
• Witnesses of the Brass Plates (esp. Isaiah), Lehi, and Nephi (22:29–31)

Note that the The Apocalypse of Nephi (11-14) dominates the account of the book, focusing on the vision of the Condescension with its interpretive centerpiece that shows that Christ is the Love of God, the Tree of Life and the Fountain of Living Waters (11:21-25).  Isaiah is quoted towards the end and then cited in the final verse as the authority for the contents of the book.

Detailed View

[THE RECORD OF NEPHI]

SUPERSCRIPTION    Nephi writes an explanatory introduction to his record for his readers.

• "THE FIRST BOOK OF NEPHI.  HIS REIGN AND MINISTRY.  An account of Lehi and his wife Sariah, and his four sons, being called, (beginning at the eldest) Laman, Lemuel, Sam, and Nephi. The Lord warns Lehi to depart out of the land of Jerusalem, because he prophesieth unto the people concerning their iniquity and they seek to destroy his life. He taketh three days' journey into the wilderness with his family. Nephi taketh his brethren and returneth to the land of Jerusalem after the record of the Jews. The account of their sufferings. They take the daughters of Ishmael to wife. They take their families and depart into the wilderness. Their sufferings and afflictions in the wilderness. The course of their travels. They come to the large waters. Nephi's brethren rebel against him. He confoundeth them, and buildeth a ship. They call the name of the place Bountiful. They cross the large waters into the promised land, and so forth. This is according to the account of Nephi; or in other words, I, Nephi, wrote this record."

Nephi Begins His Record (1:1–3)    Nephi

Lehi’s Jerusalem Ministry (1:5–20) (1:5-20)    Nephi writes a narrative description of his father's call, visions, and preaching, interrupted by an editorial digression on his record keeping practices    <  original source: Record of Lehi

• Lehi’s Visions and Call (1:4–15)
• Nephi Abridges the Book of Lehi (1:16–17) Nephi’s First Editorial Digression for His Readers Explaining His Record Keeping Practices
• Lehi Prophesies to the Jews (1:18–20a)
• Nephi’s Reflection (1:20b)

Journey Into the Wilderness (2:1–7:22)

• Lehi Takes His Family into the Wilderness (2:1–24) Nephi writes a narrative of their departure from Jerusalem < original sources: Record of Lehi and Nephi’s own recollections and records
  • Flight from Jerusalem: Warned by the Spirit, Lehi Leads His Family to a Desert Site (2:1–7)
  • Nephi’s Faithfulness and Blessing (2:16–24)
• The Brothers Return for the Brass Plates(3:1–4:38)    Nephi, narrative continues punctuated with speeches and quotations
  • Commandment to Retrieve the Brass Plates Revealed (3:1–5)
  • Nephi’s Willingness (3:6–8)
  • First Attempt with Laban (3:9–14)
  • Second Attempt (3:14–31)
  • Nephi’s Successful Attempt (4:1–29)
    • The Slaying of Laban (4:7–19)
  • Zoram Joins the Expedition (4:30–38)
• Lehi’s family reunited (5:1–20)    Nephi, narrative with speeches and quotations
  • Sariah’s Murmuring and Return to Faith (5:1–9)
    • Sariah’s Testimony (5:8)
    • Rejoicing and Sacrifices of Thanksgiving (5:9)
  • The Contents of the Brass Plates (5:10–22)
• Nephi’s Intents for the Record (6:1-6)        Nephi's second editorial digression for his readers explaining his record keeping practices
• Ishmael’s Family Joins the Expedition (7:1-22)    Nephi, narrative with speeches and quotations
  • Finding Favor with Ishmael (7:1–5)
  • Rebellion in the wilderness (7:6–22)
    • Nephi Exhorts His Brothers (7:6–15)
    • Nephi Bound, Delivered, and Reconciled (7:16–22)

Bridge: "And it came to pass that we gathered together all manner of seeds of every kind . . ." (8:1) Sets up "horticulture motif" for the following vision

Lehi’s Dream and Prophecy (8:1–10:22)

• The Tree of Life (8:2–20) Vision  Nephi recounted this, either from memory or more likely from his father's records (Book of Lehi) in his Small Plates narrative, for the descendants of Lehi and for all future readers.  <  Lehi described his visionary dream to his family
  • Dark and Dreary Waste (8:2–8)
  • The Tree and Its Fruit (8:9–12)
  • The River (8:13)
  • Reactions of Lehi’s Family (8:14–18)
  • The Rod and the Path (8:19–20)
• The World and the Tree (8:21–35) Parable or comparative story
  • Mists of Darkness (8:21–23)
  • Shame (8:24–25)
  • Great and Spacious Building (8:26–28)
  • The Persistent Partake (8:29–30)
  • Many Lost (8:31–35)
• Lehi pleads with his family (8:36–38) Nephi’s narrative of his father’s exhortations to his children
• Nephi’s Two Sets of Plates (9:1–6)    Nephi's third editorial digression for his readers explaining his record keeping practices
• Lehi Prophesies of the Messiah and the House of Israel (10:1–16):  sermon  < copied or recalled by Nephi for his readers ; Lehi's sermon or exhortation intended to move and convince his family (material came to him originally as prophecy or revelation)
  • The destruction of Jerusalem (10:1–3)
  • The coming of the Messiah (10:4–6)
  • The mission of John the Baptist (10:7–10)
  • Christ’s death and resurrection (10:11)
  • Allegory of the Olive Tree Summarized: The Scattering and Gathering of Israel (10:12–16; see 1 Ne 15:12–20; Jacob 5)

Nephi’s Desire to Know for Himself (10:17–22)    Personal account that moves to an written exhortation to his readers (as opposed to a sermon delivered orally)

• Principle: God the same yesterday, today, and forever (10:18)
• Addressing the reader: Nephi moves to an account of his vision (10:20–22)

The Apocalypse of Nephi (11–14)   Nephi's record of his interpretative vision of his father's Tree of Life dream; shares many of the characteristics of an apocalypse, including panoramic depictions of world history given by a divine or otherworldly guide (compare to John's Revelation)

Nephi Teaches His Brothers (15:1–29)    Nephi wrote this account, a narrative interrupted by quotations from his sermon,  from memory or from his own records for his later readers

• Disobedience precludes understanding (15:1-11)    Nephi's narrative introduction of his teaching his brothers
  • Nephi’s brothers dispute the meaning of Lehi’s dream (15:1-4)
  • Nephi preaches the necessity of inquiring of the Lord (15:5-11)
• Nephi's teaching    Originally a sermon, Nephi recounts this largely in narrative format
  • Nephi Explains the Allegory of the Olive Tree (15:12–20)
  • Nephi Explains the Symbolism of the Tree of Life Vision (15:21–29)
  • Nephi Explains the Justice of God: Judgment, Hell, and the Kingdom of God (15:30–36)

   

The Journey Resumed (16:1–18:25)

• Traveling for Eight Years through the Wilderness (16:1–17:4)    Nephi wrote this narrative from his father's records, his own records, and/or his recollections; the account includes illustrative stories of trials and lessons learned during their travel that Nephi intended to teach the reader valuable truths and principles
  • Reaction to Nephi’s Preaching in Chapter 15 (16:1–6) Narrative Transition Report
  • Daughters of Ishmael Marry (16:7–8)
  • Traversing the Wilderness with the Liahona (16:9–17)
  • The Broken Bow (16:18–32)
  • Death of Ishmael (16:33–39)
    • Rebellion and Repentance (16:37–39)
  • Traveling in Faith, Sustained by the Lord (17:1–4)
• The Land Bountiful (17:5–18:7)  narrative with dramatic scenes
  • Description of the Land (17:5–6)
  • Nephi Commanded to Build a Ship (17:7–16)
  • Nephi’s Brothers Refuse to Help (17:17–22)
  • Nephi Admonishes His Brothers (17:23–55)
    • Nephi Recounts History of Israel (17:23–47) Historical Paraphrase
    • Psalm on the Lord’s Relations with His People (17:35–40) Song or Poem
    • The "Shocking" Power of the Spirit of the Lord (17:48–55)
  Nephi Recounts History of Israel (17:23–47) Historical ParaphrasePsalm on the Lord’s Relations with His People (17:35–40) Song or PoemThe "Shocking" Power of the Spirit of the Lord (17:48–55)
  • Building the Ship (18:1–6) returns to narrative
  • Jacob and Joseph Born (18:7) narrative report
• Sailing to the Promised Land (18:8–22)    narrative with dramatic scenes
  • Setting forth (18:8)
  • Rebellion on the sea (18:9–21)
    • Nephi Bound (18:9–11)
    • Liahona ceases to work, storm arises (18:12–19)
      • Nephi’s lament over his parents’ sorrow (18:18) song or poem
    • Temporary repentance (18:20–21)
  • Nephi Guides Ship to the Promised Land (18:22)
• Arriving in the Promised Land (18:23-25)

Nephi Quotes and Interprets Isaiah (19:1–22:18)

• Two Sets of Plates (19:1–7a) Nephi’s fourth editorial digression for his readers explaining his record keeping practices
• Setting the Stage for Isaiah: Prophecies of Christ (19:7b–21)
  • Clear Prophecies from the Brass Plates (19:7b–17 < Zenock, Neum, Zenos)
    • Scattering a Result of the Rejection of Israel’s God (19:7b–14)
      • The Passion, Crucifixion, and Burial of God of Israel (19:7b–10)
      • Visitations By His Voice and By Destructions (19:11–12)
      • Jews at Jerusalem to Be Scattered (19:13–14)
    • Gathering Results from Turning to the Holy One of Israel (19:15–17)
  • Nephi’s Audience: He Writes These Things to All Israel (19:18–21)
• Nephi’s Quotation and Interpretation of Isaiah (19:22–22:18)
  • Introduction to Isaiah (19:22–24) Formula Quotation Introduction
  • Symbolic Prophecies from the Brass Plates (20:1–21:26)  < from Brass Plates < from the prophet Isaiah
    • Isaiah 48: God and Israel poetic prophecy
    • God Loves Israel Despite Her Unworthiness (20:1–11)
    • Israel Broke the Covenant (20:1–11)
    • Israel Will Not Be Cast off for the Lord’s "Name’s Sake" (20:9–11)
    • God Proclaims the Redemption of Israel (20:12–22)
    • Israel’s God Can Save His People (20:12–17)
    • God Will Save Repentant Israel as He Did in the Past (20:18–22)
    • Isaiah 49: God and the Servant poetic prophecy
    • The Suffering Servant of the Lord (21:1–4)
    • The Servant Will Gather Jacob (21:5–12)
    • The Song of Israel’s Redeemer (21:13–21)
    • The Gentiles Will Aid the Gathering of Israel (21:22–23)
    • The Lord Will Deliver His People with Power (21:24–26)
  • Nephi Interprets Isaiah (22:1–28) Formula Quotation Explanation < Nephi’s sermon to his brothers, eventually recorded on the Small Plates for his readers
    • Temporal and Spiritual Applications of the Scattering and Gathering of Israel (22:1–12)
    • The Fall of the Great and Abominable Church and the Destruction of All Wicked (22:13–16a)
    • The Preservation of the Righteous (22:16b–20)
    • The Messiah Will Overthrow the Wicked and Gather the Righteous (22:21–28)
• The Brass Plates (esp. the quoted Isaiah passages) support and are the authority for Lehi and Nephi’s teaching (22:29–31)

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2 Nephi  (Click here for a printable version of the outline for 2 Nephi)

Lehi's final teachings in chs. 1-4 are balanced at the end of 1 Nephi with Nephi's final teachings in chs. 31-33, the two blocks framing the book.  The body of the text is dominated by two discourses, that of Jacob and the longer one of Nephi.  Each follows the standard quotation formula of introducing a block of Isaiahan prophecy and then explaining it afterwards (Nephi's discourse has an extended post-Isaiah teaching section that  includes "midrashes" on additional Isaiah texts).

Overview For detailed view, click any of the items in the outline below.

• Superscription
• Lehi's final teachings (1:1-4:12)
• Historical and Biographical Material (4:13–5:34)
  • Nephi’s reflection (4:13-35)
  • Division of the Descendants of Lehi (5:1-26)
  • The Small Plates of Nephi (5:29-34)
• Jacob's Discourse (6:1-10:25)
• Nephi's Discourse (11:8-30:18)
• Nephi's final teachings (31:1-33:15)

Detailed View

SUPERSCRIPTION

• "An account of the death of Lehi. Nephi's brethren rebel against him. The Lord warns Nephi to depart into the wilderness. His journeyings in the wilderness, and so forth."

Nephi introduces his father's final acts and teachings (1:1-3)    narrative transition report

Lehi's Final Teachings (1:4-4:12) < here and following (1:4-4:11), probable source: record of Lehi

• Lehi's prophecy 
  • the destruction of Jerusalem (1:4-5)
  • the destiny of the Promised Land (1:6-12a)
• Lehi's exhortation to his sons (1:12b-27)
  • poetic plea "to awake"  (1:13-14, 20-23)
  • poetic testimony of God's love (1:15)
• Lehi blesses his elder sons and his sons-in-law (1:28-29)    narrative
• Lehi blesses Zoram (1:30-32)    narrative
• Lehi's last words to Jacob (2:1-13)    discourse < source: Record of Lehi
  • Jacob is a witness of Jesus Christ (2:4)
  • Christ has answered then ends of the law (2:5-10)
  • Opposition in all things (2:11-13)
• Lehi exhorts all his sons (2:14-30)    discourse < probable source: Creation and Fall accounts on the Brass Plates
  • the beginning of opposition: the creation, the devil, and the fall (2:15-19)
  • the purpose and nature of the Fall (2:20-25)
  • Christ overcomes the Fall and makes men free to choose eternal life (2:26-30)
• Lehi's last words to Joseph (3:1-25)    discourse on Joseph and his descendants < source: record of Joseph in Egypt on Brass Plates
  • promises to Joseph and his descendants 1 (3:1-3)
  • the prophesies of Joseph in Egypt (3:3-22)
    • a choice seer, Moses, and a record to come forth promised
  • promises to Joseph and his descendants 2 (3:23-25)
• Final blessings (4:3-11)    quotes and narrative summary
  • Blessing on the children on Laman and Lemuel (4:3-9)
  • Blessing on the sons of Ishmael (4:10)
  • Blessing on Sam (4:11)
• Death of Lehi (4:12)    narrative

Historical and Biographical Material (4:13–5:34)

• Nephi’s reflection (4:13-35)    narrative followed by a psalm (poetry) < Nephi recorded his thoughts and feelings onto the Small Plates
  • The Psalm of Nephi (4:17-35)
• Division of the Descendants of Lehi (5:1-28)    narrative
  • Nephi and his people flee (5:1-7)
  • Description of life in the Land of Nephi (5:8-18, 26-28)
  • The Lamanites are "cursed" (5:19-25)
• The Small Plates of Nephi (5:29-34)    Nephi's fifth editorial digression explaining his record keeping practices

 

[Quoted Teachings of Jacob]

Jacob's Discourse (6:1-10:25)   Effectively an extended Formula Quotation <  Nephi recorded Jacob's sermon onto the Small Plates  <  Jacob preached this sermon to the People of Nephi

• Introduction (6:1-18)    Formula Quotation Introduction
  • Jacob's preamble (6:1-3)
  • Scattering and gathering of Israel dependant upon the acceptance or rejection of her Redeemer (6:4-18)
• Quotation
  • Isaiah 50 (7:1-11): An Impenitent Nation and a Willing Servant   poetic prophecy  < source: Isaiah on Brass Plates
    • The Covenant: God’s Faithfulness to Israel (7:1-3)
    • The Servant's Song (7:4-9)
      • The Servant’s worthiness (7:4-5)
      • The Servant’s suffering (7:6)
      • The Servant’s vindication (7:7-9)
    • Faith or Judgment (7:10-11)
      • Trust in the Lord even in darkness (7:10)
      • Those who are their own light will suffer (7:11)
  • Isaiah 51 (8:1-23): Salvation for the Willing    poetic prophecy "after the manner of the Jews"
    • Salvation is near (8:1-8)
      • The comforting of Zion (8:1-3)
      • Deliverance is coming (8:4-6)
      • Do not fear or be dismayed (8:7-8)
    • Interlude (apostrophe): a fervent call for God’s intervention (8:9-11)
      • The arm of the Lord is strong (8:9-10)
      • The ransomed shall return (9:11)
    • God comforts his people (8:12-16)
    • Appeal to Jerusalem (8:17-23)
  • Isaiah 52:1-2 (8:24-25)    poetic prophecy "after the manner of the Jews"
    • Let Zion Rejoice (8:24-25)
• Formula Quotation Explanation/Interpretation (9:1-54)   
  • Gathering of the Jews (9:1-2)
  • God's plan of salvation (9:3-24)
    • the resurrection (9:4-7)
    • O the wisdom and goodness of God (9:8-10; first of the poetic "O’s")
    • Conquest of temporal and spiritual death (9:11-12)
    • O the great plan of God (9:13)
    • The Judgment (9:14-16)
    • Hymn to the Holy One of Israel (9:17-19)
    • Summary of the Atonement: Messiah Satisfies Justice (9:20-24)
  • The Law and its requirements (9:25-27)
  • Nine woes (9:28-38)
    • O the cunning of the devil (9:28)
  • Entreaties to Jacob's brethren (9:39-54)
• Conclusion (10:1-25)        discourse
  • Destiny of the righteous branch (10:1-9)
  • Promised land to be a land of liberty (10:10-13)
  • Promised and covenants of the Lord (10:14-22)
  • Jacob's final plea: reconcile yourself to God (10:23-25)

[Nephi’s Writings and Teachings Resumed]

Nephi's Discourse (11:1-30:18)  another, even longer extended Formula Quotation <  Nephi recorded this treatise onto the Small Plates

• Introduction: Witnesses of Christ (11:1-8)
• Quotations from Isaiah (12-24)    poetic prophecy "after the manner of the Jews" < source: Isaiah on Brass Plates
  • Isaiah 2 (12:1-22)
    • Mountain of the Lord's House (12:1-4)
    • The Day of the Lord: Judgment to come against Jacob (Israel) (12:5-22)
  • Isaiah 3:1-4:1: Judgments against Judah (13:1-14:1)
    • Judgments against the Leaders of Judah (13:1-15)
    • Judgments against the Daughters of Zion (13:16-14:1)
  • Isaiah 4:2-6 (14:2-6)
    • The Remnant and Jerusalem Will Be Restored
  • Isaiah 5 (15:1-30)
    • Song of the Unfruitful Vineyard (15:1-7)
    • Woes and Judgments: Social Injustice Denounced (15:8-24)
    • Judgment Unabated: Invasion Threatened (15:25-30)
  • Isaiah 6 (16:1-13)
    • Isaiah's Call
  • Isaiah 7 (17:1-25)
    • Sign of Shearjeshub (a remnant will return) (17:1-9)
    • Birth of Immanuel as a Sign (17:10-15)
    • Assyrian Invasion/Future Desolation (17:16-25)
  • Isaiah 8 (18:1-22)
    • Sign of Maher-shalal-hashbaz (speed to the spoil, hasten to the prey; destruction is imminent) (18:1-4)
    • Trust in the Lord and not in Human Alliances (18:5-15)
    • Isaiah rejected (18:16-22)
  • Isaiah 9:1-10:4 (19:1-20:4)
    • Promise of the Prince of Peace (19:1-7)
    • Anger of the Lord against Israel (19:8-20:4)
      • idolatry, failing to turn to the Lord (19:13-17)
      • hatred of his brother (Ephraim and Manasseh turning against Judah, 19:18-21)
      • social injustice: oppression of the poor and powerless (20:1-4)
  • Isaiah 10:5-34: Assyria and Israel (20:5-34)
    • Judah's Enemy is the Lord's Instrument: "Assyria, the rod of my anger (20:5-11)
    • In the end Assyria, too, will be judged (20:12-19)
    • Israel, destroyed by Assyria, will return (20:20-23)
    • the Lord will chasten Judah but then destroy Assyria (20:24-34)
  • Isaiah 11 (21:1-16)
    • the Rod of the Stem of Jesse (21:1-5)
    • Conditions during the Millennium under Messiah's rule (21:6-10)
    • the Gathering of All Israel (21:11-16)
      • reconciliation of Ephraim (Israel) and Judah (21:13-16)
  • Isaiah 12 (22:1-6)
    • Hymn of Praise
  • Isaiah 13 (23:1-22)
    • Prophecy against Babylon
  • Isaiah 14 (24:1-32)
    • Restoration of Israel (24:1-3)
    • Fall of Gentile kingdoms
      • Prophecy against the King of Babylon (24:4-23)
        • Babylonian king likened to Lucifer (24:12-15)
      • Prophecy against Assyria (24:24-27)
      • Prophecy against Philistines (24:28-31)
    • The Lord will establish Zion (24:32)
• Nephi's Explanations, Interpretations, and Prophecies (25-30)    treatise
  • Nephi's commentary on Isaiah and keys to understanding his prophecies (25:1-8)
  • Message to the Jews (25:9-30)
    • Christ and the Jews (25:9-19)
      • first scattering and gathering (25:9-11)
      • first mission of Christ (25:12-13)
      • rejection of Christ and the second scattering (25:14-16)
      • acceptance of Christ and the second gathering (25:17-19)
    • Christ and the Book of Mormon (25:20-23)
    • Christ and the Law of Moses (25:24-30)
  • Message to Lehi's Descendants (26:1-33)
    • Christ the Nephites (26:1-11)
    • Christ and the Gentiles (26:12-13)
    • scattering of the descendants of Lehi (26:14-19; midrash on Isaiah 29:3-5)
    • wickedness of the Gentiles (26:20-22)
    • the Lord does not work in darkness: his commandments and invitation  (26:23-33)
  • Apostasy and Restoration (27:1-35)
    • darkness for those who fight against Zion (27:1-5; midrash on Isaiah 29:6-10)
    • a sealed book (27:6-23; midrash on Isaiah 29:1-12)
    • Isaiah 29:13-24 (27:13-35): the Lord knows man's works and will judge them
  • The Last Days and Satan's Success (28:1-32)
    • false churches (28:1-14)
    • pride generally (28:15-18)
    • Satan rages, misleads, and destroys (28:19-23)
    • woes and judgments pronounced (28:24-32)
  • The Book of Mormon and Other Scripture (29:1-14)
  • Israel Gathered (30:1-18)
    • Jews and Gentiles gathered through Christ (30:1-8)
    • the Messianic Age (30:9-15 =Isaiah 11:4-9)
    • all things will be made known (30:16-18)

Nephi's Final Teachings: (31:1-33:15)

• The Doctrine of Christ (31:1-21)
  • Nephi Delights in "Plain Prophesying," (31:1-3)
  • Following Christ through Baptism (31:4-14)
  • Pressing Forward in Christ (31:15-21)
• Guidance of the Spirit (32:1-9)
  • Feast on the Words of Christ (32:1-6)
  • Unbelief and Wickedness Restrain the Spirit (32:7)
  • The Spirit Teaches to Pray (32:8-9)
• Nephi's Concluding Testimony (33:1-15)
  • Nephi Affirms the Truth of His Record (33:1-9)
  • Nephi's farewell (33:10-15)

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Jacob (click here for a printable version of the outline for Jacob)

Jacob recorded his teachings and writings onto the Small Plates, which Moroni included with his abridgment of the Large Plates.  The Book of Jacob consists of a narrative introduction, a quoted sermon, a longer discourse or treatise, and then historical information (a long dramatic episode and a shorter narrative summary) before Jacob's final farewell.

Overview For detailed view, click any of the items in the outline below.

• Superscription
• Introductory chapter (1:1-19)
• Sermon at the Temple (2:1-3:14)
• Discourse on God’s relationship with Israel (4:1-6:13)
• Encounter with Sherem (7:1-23)
• Struggles with the Lamanites (7:24-25)
• Jacob’s farewell (7:16-2)

Detailed View

SUPERSCRIPTION

• "THE BROTHER OF NEPHI.  The words of his preaching unto his brethren. He confoundeth a man who seeketh to overthrow the doctrine of Christ. A few words concerning the history of the people of Nephi."

[THE RECORD OF JACOB]