The Tree of Life, a Personification of Christ

Authors

Jeanette W. Miller, Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies

Keywords

Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi, Tree of Life, Jesus Christ, Language, Symbolism, Imagery, Teaching

Abstract

Throughout history in many cultures, man has looked to the tree of life as a symbol of eternal life. The form of the tree of life varies according to a culture’s perception of the universe. Many early Christians saw the tree of life as a personification of Jesus Christ. It may be that the tree of life vision in the Book of Mormon was presented to introduce the Savior and his ministry. We may learn much about the Lord’s calling and personality by combining a study of various cultural ideas of the tree of life with the testimonies of the prophets contained in the scriptures.

BYU ScholarsArchive Citation

Miller, Jeanette W. (1993) "The Tree of Life, a Personification of Christ," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies: Vol. 2: No. 1, Article 7.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jbms/vol2/iss1/7