The Book of Abraham, contained in the Pearl of Great Price, is one of the foundational books of Mormonism. It is often used to define LDS beliefs about God, creation, and the pre-existence of souls. Joseph Smith claimed to have “translated” the Book of Abraham from an Egyptian papyrus he purchased in the 1830s.
At the time, no one in America could read Egyptian, so his claim went unchallenged. But today, with modern knowledge of the language, Egyptologists have confirmed that the papyri are ordinary Egyptian funerary texts with no connection to Abraham or biblical history. Joseph Smith’s “translation” was completely false.
False Prophecy Condemned by Scripture
The Bible warns us about false prophets who speak lies in God’s name:
- “When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously.” (Deuteronomy 18:22)
- “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:15–16)
Joseph Smith’s fraudulent “translation” marks him as a false prophet according to biblical standards.
Doctrines From the Book of Abraham vs. The Bible
- Pre-existence of Souls
- Book of Abraham 3:22–23 teaches that human spirits existed with God before birth.
- Bible’s teaching: We are created at conception, not pre-existent beings.
- “The LORD … forms the spirit of man within him.” (Zechariah 12:1)
- “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” (Jeremiah 1:5) – God’s foreknowledge, not human pre-existence.
- Plurality of Gods
- Book of Abraham 4–5 describes “the Gods” organizing the heavens and the earth.
- Bible’s teaching: There is only one true God.
- “I am the LORD, and there is no other, besides me there is no God.” (Isaiah 45:5)
- “Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.” (Isaiah 43:10)
- Kolob and God Dwelling Near a Star
- Book of Abraham 3:3–4 introduces Kolob, a star said to be near God’s throne.
- Bible’s teaching: God is not bound to a star or planet — He is Spirit, eternal, and infinite.
- “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)
- “Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 23:24)
The Contrast: God’s True Word
Where Joseph Smith fabricated doctrines from a false translation, God has given us His inspired Word, preserved and reliable:
- “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
- “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.” (Psalm 119:160)
- “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)
Why This Matters
The Book of Abraham not only exposes Joseph Smith as a false prophet but also reveals how Mormon doctrine departs from biblical Christianity. In contrast, the Bible is anchored in truth, preserved by God, and confirmed throughout history.
