Todd Noall
Fact Checked by Kevin Prince
Last Updated: March 5, 2025
The sword of Laban is one of the most iconic artifacts mentioned in the Book of Mormon. It appears at key moments in the narrative, playing a crucial role in the founding of the Nephite civilization and carrying deep symbolic significance across generations. While its exact appearance remains unknown, its influence extends far beyond its physical form, representing faith, divine intervention, and the fulfillment of prophecy.
The Origins of Laban’s Sword
The first mention of Laban’s sword occurs in 1 Nephi 4:9, when Nephi encounters Laban in a dramatic confrontation. Nephi and his brothers had been commanded by the Lord to retrieve the brass plates from Laban, a powerful figure in Jerusalem. However, after several failed attempts, the Lord led Nephi to find Laban drunk and unconscious. It was at this moment that Nephi was commanded to slay Laban and take the plates.
Nephi initially hesitated—killing another man was not an easy choice. However, he ultimately followed the Lord’s command, recognizing that the survival of an entire nation depended on their access to sacred scripture. Nephi used Laban’s sword to carry out the act, making it a defining moment in his journey and the future of his people.
A Weapon of Exceedingly Fine Workmanship
What is Laban’s sword? Nephi provides the only direct description in the Book of Mormon:
“The hilt thereof was of pure gold, and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine, and the blade thereof was of the most precious steel.” (1 Nephi 4:9)
This brief but powerful description tells us that Laban’s sword was not just an ordinary weapon—it was a finely crafted object of great value. The mention of “precious steel” is particularly noteworthy, as it suggests advanced metallurgical techniques. Scholars and artists have attempted to visualize what the sword might have looked like, but without additional details, its exact form remains speculative.
One modern craftsman, after careful study, created a sword he believed could represent the practical utility and beauty of Laban’s sword. Although the true design is lost to history, such artistic interpretations help bring to life the grandeur and significance of this ancient weapon.
A Legacy Passed Down Through Generations
The story of Laban’s sword is a fascinating element in Mormonism Explained. This sacred artifact did not disappear after Nephi’s time. Instead, it was preserved as a sacred heirloom, passed from generation to generation among Nephite leaders.
In the book of Jacob, we learn that Nephi wielded Laban’s sword in defense of his people, reinforcing its role as both a weapon of war and a symbol of divine protection. Later, in the Words of Mormon, we find that King Benjamin used Laban’s sword to defend his people against the Lamanites. This lineage continued as King Benjamin passed the sword down to his son Mosiah.
Through these successions, Laban’s sword became more than a weapon—it became a symbol of divine authority and righteous leadership. It represented the responsibility of Nephite rulers to uphold God’s commandments and protect their people from destruction.
The Sword of Laban in Latter-Day Revelation
The story of Laban’s sword does not end with the Nephite civilization. It is said that the sword was seen by Joseph Smith and the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon. In Doctrine & Covenants 17:1, the Lord promises Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris that they would see sacred artifacts, including:
“The plates, and the breastplate, Laban’s sword, the Urim and Thummim, which were given to the brother of Jared upon the mount, when he talked with the Lord face to face, and the miraculous directors which were given to Lehi while in the wilderness.”
This testimony suggests that Laban’s sword was preserved, perhaps alongside the gold plates, in a sacred location.
Brigham Young later related an account in which Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery saw Laban’s sword in a cave, lying on a table alongside the gold plates. The presence of this ancient weapon alongside the record of the Nephites reinforces its enduring significance.
A Symbol of Faith and Divine Power
More than just a historical artifact, Laban’s sword has come to symbolize faith, divine intervention, and the power of God’s will. One artist, Suzanne Gerhart, depicted Laban’s sword as part of a larger heritage of faith. Her painting portrays both Nephi’s defining moment and Joseph Smith’s experience viewing Laban’s sword, illustrating how it spans generations as a sacred relic.
Gerhart took artistic liberties in adding symbolic elements to Laban’s sword and the cloth surrounding it, emphasizing that those who carried Laban’s sword were men devoted to the Lord. This interpretation aligns with the broader theme of the sword’s legacy—it was not merely a weapon but a divine instrument wielded by those chosen to lead and protect God’s people.
Nephi’s Faith and the Power of Obedience
The story of Laban’s sword is inseparable from the story of Nephi’s faith. His willingness to follow the Lord’s command, despite personal hesitation, teaches us a vital lesson about obedience and trust in divine wisdom.
As Nephi declared in 1 Nephi 3:7:
“I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded.”
This scripture has become a powerful reminder that sometimes, God asks us to do hard things. Whether it be retrieving sacred records, leading a people, or defending the truth, the example of Nephi and Laban’s sword illustrates the blessings that come when we trust in the Lord.
A Dramatic Testament to God’s Plan
The Book of Mormon account of Nephi’s encounter with Laban is filled with drama: an angel’s appearance, a dangerous mission, a miraculous disguise, and a momentous decision. It is a story that showcases the Lord’s wisdom and power, reminding us that He prepares a way for His commandments to be fulfilled.
The events surrounding Laban’s sword are not just about war or leadership; they are about God’s plan unfolding through faithful individuals. The sword itself serves as a tangible reminder of divine guidance, protection, and the heritage of faith that connects ancient prophets with modern believers.
The story of Laban’s sword is sometimes a point of discussion in the question: Are Mormons Christians? The use of divine instruments, visions, and angelic guidance reflects themes found in biblical Christianity, reinforcing the deeply rooted Christian faith in the Book of Mormon.
The Sword of Laban’s Enduring Legacy
Though we may never know its exact form, Laban’s sword remains a profound symbol in the history of the Book of Mormon. From Nephi’s obedience to its role in Nephite leadership, from its preservation through revelation to its representation of faith, the sword stands as a powerful reminder of divine intervention in human affairs.
Whether viewed as a literal artifact or a symbolic object, the legacy of Laban’s sword continues to inspire faith, courage, and a commitment to God’s will. For those exploring Mormonism Explained, Laban’s sword stands as a testament to the intersection of faith and history, answering the question: What is Laban’s sword?
By Todd Noall, Source Expert
Todd Noall is an author and religious scholar at Mormonism Explained with a focus on the history and theology of religion.
Fact Checked by Mr. Kevin Prince, Source Expert
Kevin Prince is a religious scholar and host of the Gospel Learning Youtube channel. His channel has garnered over 41,000 subscribers and accumulated over 4.5 million views. Mr. Prince also created the Gospel Learning App, a reliable platform where individuals seeking truth can access trustworthy answers to religious questions from top educators worldwide.
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