Tree of Life

The Tree of Life a is common and important symbol in Mormonism. It represents Eternal Life and the Love of God as manifested by Jesus Christ, our Savior. The Tree of Life is commonly seen in Mormon art and in the decoration of Mormon temples and churches.

In the Book of Mormon, which is part of the official canon of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormon Church, a prophet named Lehi had a vision. In his vision he saw “a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy. ... And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy”(1 Nephi 8:10, 12). There was a straight and narrow path, which led to the tree, but there were many obstacles along the path. There was also a rod of iron leading to the tree that acted as a guide for those who would hold onto it and follow it.

When Lehi told his sons about his vision, Nephi, one of his younger sons desired to understand the vision. So he went and prayed. Nephi was also shown the same vision and given insight into what it meant. Of the tree of life, Nephi said, “It is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men” (1 Nephi 11:22). The love of God was to send His son Jesus Christ to the earth (see John 3:16). In 1 Nephi 11:25, Nephi learns that the iron rod is the word of God, and the fruit of the tree of life is the gospel, of which we must partake of to enjoy the joy of God’s love.

Many Mormon Church scholars have written about the symbolism of the Tree of Life and its connection to both Ancient Near Eastern societies, and ancient American societies. For instance, trees are often used in religious symbolism. Green, living trees represent the righteous, whereas dead, dry trees represent the wicked. Trees are also used to represent reaching toward Heaven or deity.