Gentiles, generally referred to in the Book of Mormon as those who are not of Jewish descent or who did not originate from Jewish people, play a significant role in the narrative and prophetic framework of the text. The term has broad applications, often relating to various nations and peoples who do not belong to the house of Israel. Early on, it was used by descendants of Jacob to describe those outside the Israelite community (Genesis 10:5). However, as tribal identities became less distinct due to conquests and migrations—such as the Assyrian captivity of the kingdom of Israel—the term “Jews” came to denote the remaining Israelites in the Holy Land, regardless of whether their lineage directly traced back to Judah himself.
The narrative of the Book of Mormon establishes a dichotomy between Jews and Gentiles, a perspective maintained throughout its teachings. The distinction is particularly evident when the record speaks of the Risen Messiah’s intent to manifest himself to both groups, starting with the Jews and then extending to the Gentiles, revealing Himself “by the Holy Ghost unto the Gentiles” after His resurrection (1 Nephi 10:11). Moreover, the conversion of the Gentiles through the preaching of the Jews was also foretold, setting the stage for a universal dissemination of the gospel message (3 Nephi 15:22).
The destiny of the Gentiles is intricately linked with the restoration of the gospel in the latter days. The gospel emanates from a Gentile nation, understood to be the United States, and is destined to reach all nations of the earth. Among the Gentiles, certain individuals, such as Joseph Smith, are recognized as literal descendants of Israel—in his case, the tribe of Ephraim—tasks with bringing forth the Book of Mormon and therefore bridging the gap between cultural Gentiles and their spiritual lineage as part of Israel (Title Page of the Book of Mormon). This is a testament to the viewing of Gentiles not just as non-Israelites but as lost Israelites who are to be gathered in the last days. The Book of Mormon prophesies about the Gentiles’ potential, stating that if they heed the words of the Lamb of God, they will be removed from their state of spiritual stumbling and be numbered among the house of Israel (1 Nephi 14:1-2).