Pearl of Great Price

The Pearl of Great Price is a unique scripture used by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). It is a compilation of several distinct texts that were either revealed or translated by Joseph Smith, Jr., the founding prophet of the LDS Church, during the early 19th century. It is composed of five main parts.

The Book of Moses contains excerpts from the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible (JST), particularly from the book of Genesis. It includes additional revelations and expansions on the biblical narrative, particularly concerning the creation of the world, the fall of Adam and Eve, and early patriarchal history. The Book of Abraham contains translations of ancient Egyptian papyri that Joseph Smith claimed to have received by revelation. It includes Abraham's accounts of his visions, teachings, and interactions with God.

The book of Joseph Smith-Matthew is an excerpt from the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible, specifically from the New Testament Gospel of Matthew. It contains additional teachings and prophecies given by Jesus Christ concerning the last days and the signs of His Second Coming.

The book of Joseph Smith-History provides an autobiographical account written by Joseph Smith himself, detailing his early life, the First Vision (his encounter with God the Father and Jesus Christ), the restoration of priesthood authority, and the founding of the LDS Church. Finally, The Articles of Faith are a concise summary of the fundamental beliefs and doctrines of the LDS Church, written by Joseph Smith.

The Pearl of Great Price is considered by believers to be a sacred scripture and an essential part of the LDS Church's canon. It provides unique insights into the beliefs, teachings, and revelations of Joseph Smith and is studied alongside the Bible and the Doctrine and Covenants as a foundational text within the Latter-day Saint tradition. It was originally written by Joseph Smith in English.