The wording of this verse is difficult. If Lehi had left out a few words, the meaning would be much easier to understand. Had the verse read “And I exceedingly fear and tremble… , lest he shall suffer again” it would mean that Lehi was afraid that Nephi would suffer again. If a word were placed differently, it would be easier to read: “And I exceedingly fear and tremble… lest because of you,… he shall suffer again.” Nor does it say, “And I exceedingly fear and tremble… , lest he shall suffer again… because of you.” In each of these cases, Lehi would be focusing his “fear and trembling” on Nephi’s welfare at the hands of his brothers. Lehi is certainly concerned for Nephi, but that is not the focus of his current discourse. This is a father’s speech to Laman and Lemuel about Nephi and Nephi’s prophesied role.
The placement of “because of you” implies that Lehi’s focus remains on Laman and Lemuel rather than shifting to Nephi. Lehi was rightly concerned that Laman and Lemuel might harm Nephi. Soon after Lehi’s death they intended or attempted just that. However, at this point Lehi is concerned with what happens to them because of their actions.
I see this verse as similar to verse 17: “My heart hath been weighed down with sorrow from time to time, for I have feared, lest for the hardness of your hearts the Lord your God should come out in the fullness of his wrath upon you, that ye be cut off and destroyed forever.” As with that statement, Lehi is concerned for Laman and Lemuel should they harm Nephi again. Lehi probably saw that they would make such an attempt, and surely saw that Nephi survived it. However, Laman and Lemuel’s souls might not survive that murderous action.