The Lamanites, originally named after Laman, the eldest son of Lehi, play a significant role in the narrative of the Book of Mormon. The term “Lamanite” evolved over time, encompassing not only the direct descendants of Laman but also those who shared a common cultural and ideological heritage, including the descendants of Lemuel and Ishmael. Furthermore, the definition of a Lamanite expanded to include various groups that either dissented from the Nephites or rejected certain Nephite beliefs and practices. Jacob, one of the early writers in the Book of Mormon, chose to refer to those who opposed the Nephite people as “Lamanites” to simplify the complex genealogical relationships that had developed over time (Jacob 1:13-14).
Throughout their history, the Lamanites were often at odds with the Nephites, the group named primarily after Nephi, the younger brother of Laman. These contentions were rooted in a blend of historical grievances, cultural differences, and religious divergence. The Lamanites received a cursing from God. This curse’s effect was withdrawal from the Spirit of the Lord due to their ancestors’ iniquity and rejection of prophetic teachings (2 Nephi 5:21; Alma 3:6-8). The curse was not static and could be lifted when Lamanites embraced the gospel, illustrating the conditional nature of the curse based on spiritual faithfulness (Alma 23:18, 3 Nephi 2:14-16). Controversially, the curse apparently came with a “mark,” a physical distinction in skin tone between them and the Nephites. (1 Nephi 12:23; 2 Nephi 5:21,23; Jacob 3:5,8–9; Alma 3:4,6,9,13; Alma 23:18; 55:4-5; 3 Nephi 2:14–16)
As agents of God’s promise to Lehi that his descendants would inhabit the promised land, the Lamanites were preserved despite periods of heated conflict and spiritual apostasy, ensuring the ongoing fulfillment of divine covenants with the house of Israel. Even in their periods of enmity toward the Nephites, they were not without redeeming qualities, such as their strict adherence to oaths made and their sense of internal kinship loyalty.
During the ministry of Alma and Amulek, the Lamanites, influenced by Nephite dissenters, were incited to attack and destroy the city of Ammonihah, fulfilling a prophecy of destruction on that city (Alma 16:2-3). Yet, the Book of Mormon narrative also showcases periods when the Lamanites experienced profound conversions to the gospel, such as the Anti-Nephi-Lehies who became notable for their firm commitment to peace and righteousness (Alma 23:6-7).
The Lamanites’ story is one of transformation, struggle, divine promise, and at times, profound righteousness. The promised restoration of the Lamanites to the knowledge of their fathers and the true faith of God was a theme echoed by prophets throughout the Book of Mormon and is a central aspect of the latter-day restoration foretold in the text. In their full historical and spiritual trajectory, the Lamanites are emblematic of God’s mercy and the power of the Atonement to redeem and reconcile even those who have wandered from the covenant path.