< 1 Nephi 15 >
v. 6: And it came to pass that after I had received strength I spake unto my brethren...
How to Receive Strength
Nephi doesn’t spell out the mechanics, but looking at his pattern across the record, we can piece it together:
1 Nephi 2:16
— Early conversion
“I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe…”
1 Nephi 7:16–18
— Bound by his brothers
“…they did bind me with cords… and I prayed unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee… deliver me. And it came to pass that when I had said these words, behold, the bands were loosed from off my hands and feet.”
1 Nephi 18:16
— On the ship, tied up for days
“…I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions.”
2 Nephi 4:17–35
— “Psalm of Nephi”
“Nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted. My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions… O Lord, wilt thou redeem my soul? Wilt thou make me that I may shake at the appearance of sin?”
Back to 1 Nephi 15:6
When Nephi says: “after I had received strength, I spake unto my brethren,” it’s consistent with:
Alma Connection to Nephi
Summary
When Nephi says “after I had received strength”, he seems to mean:
How to Receive Strength
Nephi doesn’t spell out the mechanics, but looking at his pattern across the record, we can piece it together:
- Physical & emotional recovery: He had just experienced an exhausting vision — seeing the destruction of his people, the apostasy, and the battles of the last days.He admits being overcome (emotionally, spiritually, even physically).Receiving strength suggests he paused to rest and compose himself before teaching.
- Spiritual renewal: Nephi consistently turns to the Lord when distressed (see 1 Nephi 2:16, 1 Nephi 11:1).Likely he prayed and sought divine help to move from despair to clarity.
- Remembrance of promises: Later in his writings, when weighed down, Nephi recalls the covenants and tender mercies of the Lord (see 2 Nephi 4:16–35, the “Psalm of Nephi”).That pattern suggests that here too, “receiving strength” came by remembering God’s promises and trusting His plan, even though the vision was painful.
1 Nephi 2:16
— Early conversion
“I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe…”
- Pattern: Cry to God → God softens heart → spiritual strength.
1 Nephi 7:16–18
— Bound by his brothers
“…they did bind me with cords… and I prayed unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee… deliver me. And it came to pass that when I had said these words, behold, the bands were loosed from off my hands and feet.”
- Pattern: Affliction → prayer → deliverance.
1 Nephi 18:16
— On the ship, tied up for days
“…I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions.”
- Pattern: Affliction → worship/thanksgiving → strength to endure.
2 Nephi 4:17–35
— “Psalm of Nephi”
“Nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted. My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions… O Lord, wilt thou redeem my soul? Wilt thou make me that I may shake at the appearance of sin?”
- Pattern: Discouragement → remembering God’s past mercies → renewed strength → prayer for deliverance.
Back to 1 Nephi 15:6
When Nephi says: “after I had received strength, I spake unto my brethren,” it’s consistent with:
- Pausing in affliction,
- Turning to the Lord in prayer,
- Remembering His mercies,
- Then receiving the strength to act.
Alma Connection to Nephi
- Nephi in 1 Nephi 15:6: “after I had received strength…”
- Sons of Mosiah in Alma 17:9–10: “they fasted much and prayed much… and they were comforted… and they received strength through the Spirit.”
Summary
When Nephi says “after I had received strength”, he seems to mean:
- He took time to recover physically and emotionally from being overwhelmed.
- He likely sought the Lord in prayer and reflection.
- He then found the spiritual strength and clarity to face his brothers and teach them.