The Latter-day Saint Canon: A Guide to Its Sacred Texts

Explore the distinct collection of sacred scriptures that form the foundation of faith for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 2, 2026

Branched from The Book of Mormon

Quick take

The Latter-day Saint canon is a collection of four specific scriptural works.
It includes the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.
These texts provide spiritual guidance, doctrine, and accounts of God's dealings with humanity.
Believers see them as complementary witnesses of Jesus Christ and God's ongoing revelation.

The Latter-day Saint canon refers to the collection of sacred texts considered scripture by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Unlike many Christian denominations that rely solely on the Bible, Latter-day Saints believe God continues to reveal His word, resulting in an expanded set of canonical works that provide additional spiritual guidance and understanding.

How It Works: The Standard Works

These four books, often collectively called the "Standard Works," serve as the authoritative foundation for Latter-day Saint doctrine, worship, and practice. Each offers unique insights into God’s plan and humanity’s relationship with Him, and they are studied both individually and together to provide a comprehensive spiritual understanding.

The Bible

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints revere the Bible as the word of God, primarily using the King James Version. They accept it "as far as it is translated correctly," recognizing that ancient texts may have undergone some alteration over centuries. It is foundational to their understanding of God, Jesus Christ, and the history of salvation.

The Book of Mormon

Subtitled "Another Testament of Jesus Christ," the Book of Mormon is a volume of scripture translated by Joseph Smith from ancient records. It recounts God’s dealings with ancient inhabitants of the Americas, focusing on their knowledge of Jesus Christ, His teachings, and His personal visit to them after His resurrection. It stands as a companion witness to the Bible, testifying of Christ's divinity and atonement.

Doctrine and Covenants

This book is a collection of revelations, declarations, and inspired writings given to Joseph Smith and subsequent prophets, primarily in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It contains instructions on Church organization, priesthood authority, temple ordinances, and theological principles relevant to the modern era, offering insights into the restoration of the gospel.

Pearl of Great Price

The Pearl of Great Price is a small but significant volume containing several distinct works. These include selections from the Book of Moses (a revealed account of creation and early biblical figures), the Book of Abraham (translated from ancient Egyptian papyri, detailing Abraham's visions and the creation), Joseph Smith—Matthew (an inspired revision of Matthew 24), Joseph Smith—History (an autobiographical account of the Church's origins), and the Articles of Faith (a concise summary of Latter-day Saint beliefs).

For Latter-day Saints, this expanded canon provides a richer, more complete understanding of God's nature, His plan for humanity, and the path to salvation. These scriptures offer additional witnesses of Jesus Christ, clarify doctrines, and provide guidance for contemporary life. They are seen not just as historical records, but as living words of God, meant to inspire personal revelation and draw individuals closer to the Divine.

The Standard Works

The Bible (King James Version)
The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ
Doctrine and Covenants
Pearl of Great Price

How is the Latter-day Saint canon different from other Christian canons?

Most Christian canons include only the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The Latter-day Saint canon expands upon this by adding the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price, which they believe contain additional revealed truth and provide further witness of Jesus Christ.

Do Latter-day Saints believe the Bible is perfect?

Latter-day Saints believe the Bible is the word of God 'as far as it is translated correctly.' They respect its teachings deeply but acknowledge that centuries of translation and transmission may have introduced errors or omissions. The additional scriptures in their canon are seen as clarifying and restoring plain and precious truths.

Can new scripture be added to the Latter-day Saint canon?

Yes. Latter-day Saints believe in continuing revelation through modern prophets. While additions are not frequent, the canon can be expanded if the Church's President, acting as prophet, seer, and revelator, presents new revelations to the Church membership for their common consent and acceptance as scripture.

How do Latter-day Saints use these scriptures in their daily lives?

Members are encouraged to study all four books regularly, both individually and with their families. They are used in Sunday school lessons, sermons, personal prayer, and for seeking guidance. The scriptures are seen as a source of doctrine, inspiration, comfort, and a means to draw closer to God.

Sources

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 'Scriptures and Study Aids'