Korihor was a notable figure in the Book of Mormon, primarily known for his role as an anti-Christ, a purveyor of false doctrine directly opposing the teachings of the coming of Christ and the existence of God. He emerged in the land of Zarahemla around 74 B.C., during the ministry of Alma the Younger, the chief judge, and high priest of the Nephites. Articulate and persuasive, Korihor advocated a philosophy that dismissed prophecy and revelation as mind-binding traditions handed down by foolish, power-hungry priests who enslaved the people for personal gain (Alma 30:12-18). He promoted a secular life, where actions were not judged by any divine law, suggesting that “whatsoever a man did was no crime” and that a man’s success in life was solely a product of his personal strength and ingenuity (Alma 30:17).
Korihor’s teachings gained traction among some Nephites, leading to significant social upheaval. However, in the land of Jershon, he was rejected by the people of Ammon, who had converted to the Nephite faith from their Lamanite heritage. The people of Ammon detained Korihor and banished him from their territory, demonstrating the strong foundation of their faith (Alma 30:19-21). In the land of Gideon, he continued to preach his doctrine but was met with resistance and subsequently brought before the high priests and authorities to account for his beliefs (Alma 30:22-29).
Korihor’s insistent opposition culminated in a confrontational hearing before Alma, where he continued to accuse the priesthood of deceit and teach against Christ. Alma offered Korihor a spiritual witness of the truth and warned him that if he continued to deny God’s power, he would be struck dumb. Undeterred, Korihor demanded a sign, to which he was struck dumb by divine power, as Alma had proclaimed (Alma 30:30-50). This sign was intended not only to silence Korihor’s destructive rhetoric but also to stand as a testament to the presence and authority of God. Rendered unable to speak, Korihor admitted he had been deceived by the devil, who had appeared to him as an angel, persuading him to lead the people away from God by teaching what was pleasing to the carnal mind (Alma 30:52-53).
Following this event, Korihor’s life took a tragic turn. Despite his request for the curse of muteness to be removed, Alma perceived that if it were lifted, Korihor would return to his nefarious ways. Thus, he was cast out to live as a beggar until his life ended abruptly when he was trodden to death by the Zoramites, a faction that had broken away from the Nephites (Alma 30:54-59). This harsh ending exemplified a key moral lesson recounted in the Book of Mormon: that evil ultimately leads to misery and that Satan does not support those he deceives in the end (Alma 30:60).