The Pearl of Great Price: Unique Insights into Latter-day Saint Theology

A foundational Latter-day Saint scripture, the Pearl of Great Price offers expanded understanding of humanity's origins, God's nature, and the path to salvation.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 2, 2026

Branched from How Latter-day Saint Scriptures Guide Daily Living and Core Beliefs

Quick take

The Pearl of Great Price is a unique collection of scripture for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
It contains writings by Moses, Abraham, and Joseph Smith, offering distinct theological insights.
Key themes include pre-mortal life, the nature of God, the Plan of Salvation, and the Restoration of the Gospel.
It is considered essential for understanding core Latter-day Saint doctrine and practices.

The Pearl of Great Price is a distinctive volume of scripture canonized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Unlike a single book, it's a collection of several distinct texts, including writings attributed to ancient prophets Moses and Abraham, a revision of a New Testament book, excerpts from Joseph Smith's personal history, and a concise summary of fundamental beliefs. It serves alongside the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants as a guide for Latter-day Saint doctrine and practice.

How Its Diverse Contents Unfold Unique Teachings

This volume isn't a continuous narrative but a compilation, each part contributing to a broader theological tapestry. Its contents include:

**The Book of Moses:** An extract from Joseph Smith's inspired revision of the Bible, this book expands significantly on the early chapters of Genesis. It reveals detailed accounts of the Creation, the Fall of Adam and Eve, the purpose of life, and the ministry of Enoch, including the establishment of a righteous city called Zion.
**The Book of Abraham:** Translated by Joseph Smith from ancient Egyptian papyri, this book focuses on the life and teachings of the patriarch Abraham. It introduces concepts like the pre-mortal existence of spirits, a grand council in heaven, and unique cosmological insights regarding the organization of the universe and God's plan for His children.
**Joseph Smith—Matthew:** This is an extract from Joseph Smith's inspired revision of the New Testament book of Matthew, specifically chapter 24. It clarifies and expands upon Jesus Christ's prophecies regarding the signs of His Second Coming and the destruction of Jerusalem.
**Joseph Smith—History:** Excerpts from Joseph Smith's own autobiographical account, this section details the foundational events of the Latter-day Saint movement. It includes his First Vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ, the visitations of the angel Moroni, and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.
**The Articles of Faith:** A concise, thirteen-point summary penned by Joseph Smith, outlining the fundamental beliefs and principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Why It Matters: Deepening Understanding of God's Plan

The Pearl of Great Price offers distinct and profound insights that are central to Latter-day Saint theology. It provides a clearer understanding of humanity's divine parentage and pre-mortal existence, teaching that all people are literal spirit children of God who lived with Him before coming to earth. It clarifies the purpose of earthly life—to gain experience, learn, and progress toward our divine potential. The book also expands on the nature of God, presenting Him as an embodied being who orchestrates a grand plan for His children's salvation and exaltation. Its teachings on the Abrahamic covenant, the gathering of Israel, and the establishment of Zion offer a comprehensive view of God's ongoing relationship with humanity, emphasizing agency, accountability, and the path back to His presence. For Latter-day Saints, it's an indispensable guide for understanding their identity, purpose, and destiny.

Is the Pearl of Great Price a modern book or an ancient one?

It's a collection of both. The Book of Moses and Book of Abraham contain ancient prophetic writings translated by Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith—Matthew is a revision of an ancient text. Joseph Smith—History and the Articles of Faith are modern accounts and statements from Joseph Smith himself.

How does it relate to the Bible?

The Pearl of Great Price complements and expands upon the Bible. For example, the Book of Moses adds significant detail to the Genesis account, and Joseph Smith—Matthew clarifies prophecies in Matthew 24. It's seen as a restoration of plain and precious truths lost from the Bible over time.

What are some of its most unique contributions to Christian theology?

Its most unique contributions include a detailed understanding of pre-mortal life as spirit children of God, a clearer vision of God's nature and the Plan of Salvation, insights into the ancient Enoch and his city of Zion, and a foundational account of the Restoration of the Church through Joseph Smith.

Is there any controversy surrounding the Book of Abraham?

Yes, the Book of Abraham has been the subject of scholarly discussion regarding the papyri from which Joseph Smith translated it. Latter-day Saints believe Joseph Smith translated it by divine inspiration, regardless of the physical fragments' current interpretation by Egyptologists, much like how the Book of Mormon was translated from plates no longer available.

Why is it called "The Pearl of Great Price"?

The title comes from the parable of Jesus found in Matthew 13:45-46, where a merchant sells all he has to buy one pearl of great price. For Latter-day Saints, this title symbolizes the immense value and preciousness of the truths and revelations contained within the book.