What do Mormons believe about the Bible? Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe the Bible is the word of God, but only “as far as it is translated correctly.” They value it as scripture, but not as the final or complete authority. Instead, they see it as one part of a larger collection that includes the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, along with ongoing revelation through living prophets.
“As Far as It Is Translated Correctly”
The eighth LDS Article of Faith says they believe the Bible to be the word of God “as far as it is translated correctly.” That phrase is a major pivot point. Latter-day Saints believe that over the centuries many “plain and precious” parts were lost or removed from the Bible, which is why they believe a restoration was necessary. In this view, the Bible is a good but damaged book that needs modern revelation to fill in its gaps.
Historic Christianity sees it differently. The Bible was written over many centuries, yet it holds together with remarkable consistency, and thousands of ancient manuscripts allow scholars to compare and confirm its text. Christians believe God not only inspired his Word but has preserved it.
The Book of Mormon and Other Scriptures
Latter-day Saints call the Book of Mormon “Another Testament of Jesus Christ” and describe it as a companion to the Bible. Joseph Smith called it “the most correct of any book on earth.” In practice, that creates a hierarchy. When a Bible passage seems to conflict with LDS teaching, the Bible is usually the one that gets reinterpreted.
Mormons also believe the canon of scripture is open. God continues to speak through living prophets, and their teachings can add to or clarify what the Bible says.
Is the Bible Enough?
Paul wrote to Timothy about the nature and purpose of Scripture.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Scripture makes us “thoroughly equipped for every good work.” The Bible doesn’t present itself as a partial or broken record waiting to be completed. Jude urged believers to “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 3). And Hebrews says that after speaking through the prophets, God “in these last days … has spoken to us by his Son” (Hebrews 1:1-2). Jesus is God’s final and complete revelation.
Paul also warned the Galatians about anyone who brings a different message: “Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!” (Galatians 1:8).
The Joseph Smith Translation
Joseph Smith also produced what is called the Joseph Smith Translation, or Inspired Version, of the Bible. He didn’t work from Hebrew or Greek manuscripts. Instead, he revised verses of the King James Version and added passages based on what he said were revelations from God. Some of these changes support distinctly LDS doctrines. Rather than testing prophets by the Bible, this approach uses a prophet to change the Bible.
Testing Everything by Scripture
The early Christians in Berea set a helpful example. When Paul preached to them, they “examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11). Christians believe every teacher, prophet, and new claim should be measured by the Bible, not the other way around.
As you talk with Latter-day Saint friends and neighbors, remember Peter’s instruction to give the reason for your hope “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). The goal isn’t to win an argument but to point people to the Jesus of the Bible.
The Takeaway
Mormons believe the Bible is God’s word as far as it is translated correctly, but not the final word. They rely on the Book of Mormon, other scriptures, and living prophets to complete it. Christians believe the Bible is God’s inspired, preserved, and sufficient Word, the standard by which every other claim is tested.
