Joseph Smith and Martin Harris holding the lost 116 pages manuscript from the Book of Mormon translation
Joseph Smith and Martin Harris with the lost 116 pages—the vanished manuscript that became one of the greatest mysteries in Latter-day Saint history.

The Lost 116 Pages: The Book of Mormon’s Greatest Mystery

The Lost 116 Pages: The Book of Mormon’s Greatest Mystery

The story of the lost 116 pages stands as one of the most enduring and perplexing mysteries in the history of the Latter-day Saint faith. For generations, this episode has captivated both believers and skeptics, stirring up questions about the earliest days of the Restoration, the character of Joseph Smith, and the very nature of revelation itself.

The lost 116 pages refer to a vanished section of the original Book of Mormon translation, a handwritten manuscript that disappeared early in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1828, while Joseph Smith was translating the Book of Mormon from ancient golden plates, his scribe Martin Harris borrowed the first portion of the manuscript to show his skeptical family. The document, containing what became known as the “Book of Lehi,” was subsequently lost and has never been recovered. This mysterious disappearance left a lasting mark on the faith’s history, raising questions, inspiring faith, and leading to profound lessons about trust, obedience, and divine intervention.

Open wooden chest with missing manuscript pages and a quill, representing the lost 116 pages from the Book of Mormon translation
A chest of missing manuscript pages—a symbol of the mystery and unanswered questions surrounding the lost 116 pages of the Book of Mormon.

What really happened to that precious manuscript that so many labored to produce? Why would a prophet, entrusted with a sacred record, risk everything by allowing its only copy to leave his hands? The search for answers leads us deep into a story filled with heartbreak, humility, and the quiet workings of divine providence. Here, we will examine not only what we know, but also what we can learn, about the lost 116 pages and their place in Latter-day Saint history.

What Happened to the Lost 116 Pages?

To truly understand the significance of the lost pages, you must step back in time to the earliest days of the Book of Mormon translation project. The year was 1828, and Joseph Smith, a young prophet with little formal education, was working day and night to fulfill the heavenly commandment to translate the ancient golden plates. His scribe, Martin Harris, was a respected farmer and benefactor who had sacrificed much to support Joseph. Martin was not just helping with the translation; he was also enduring intense personal pressure from his family and neighbors, who openly mocked his belief in Joseph Smith’s calling and mission. Martin’s wife, Lucy, was especially skeptical. Determined to convince her and silence the critics, Martin pleaded with Joseph to let him take the manuscript home so he could show it to his wife and a few trusted friends.

The decision did not come easily. Joseph prayed for guidance and was initially told no. Martin persisted, pleading again and again, and Joseph, eager to satisfy his friend and perhaps feeling the heavy burden of responsibility for the work, asked the Lord once more. This time, permission was given with strict limitations. Martin was only to show the manuscript to a select group and must keep it secure at all times. With deep apprehension, Joseph handed over the only copy of the translation thus far, a document that represented months of effort and spiritual labor.

The consequences were devastating. The manuscript vanished, lost somewhere between Martin’s home and the wider world. Whether it was stolen, destroyed out of spite, or misplaced in a moment of carelessness, no one knows for certain. The pages simply disappeared and have never resurfaced in any form. Joseph, grief-stricken and overwhelmed by guilt, feared he had failed not only his calling, but also God. He withdrew from the translation work and spent weeks in sorrow and repentance. The Lord’s response came with both chastisement and mercy. In what is now Doctrine and Covenants section 3, Joseph was rebuked for fearing man more than God, but he was also reassured that the Lord’s purposes could not be frustrated and that forgiveness was possible for those who repent sincerely.

Joseph Smith alone in prayerful sorrow after losing the 116 pages, with an open Bible and manuscript on the table, symbolizing repentance and forgiveness
Joseph Smith in sorrow after losing the 116 pages—seeking forgiveness and receiving the Lord’s chastisement and mercy as described in Doctrine and Covenants section 3.

The story could have ended there, a tale of failure and lost opportunity. Instead, it became a testament to God’s foreknowledge and His ability to turn setbacks into stepping stones. Centuries before, the Lord had inspired Nephi to create a second record, known as the small plates, that would cover much of the same period as the lost manuscript but would focus more on spiritual matters. This inspired backup plan allowed Joseph to resume the work, this time translating from the small plates of Nephi, and thus preserving the integrity and purpose of the Book of Mormon.

Why Were the Pages Lost? A Test of Faith, Weakness, and Providence

The loss of the 116 pages has often been seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, peer pressure, and misplaced trust. It is also a living parable of agency and accountability. In the world’s eyes, it might appear to be simply an embarrassing blunder, perhaps even evidence of something darker. Yet, for Latter-day Saints who believe in the hand of God, it reveals something much more profound. According to the Book of Mormon itself, in the book called the Words of Mormon, the Lord foresaw that evil and designing men would attempt to misuse any retranslation of the original manuscript. By instructing Joseph Smith not to retranslate the lost text, God closed the door on a potential scheme to discredit the Restoration. The small plates of Nephi, which focus on prophecy, testimony, and the ministry of Christ, were thus brought to light by necessity, not by chance.

The incident is also a vivid reminder that God works through imperfect people. Joseph Smith’s willingness to listen to his friend’s pleading, even after receiving warnings, highlights a very human side of the prophetic calling. It shows that prophets are not immune to making mistakes, nor are they denied the opportunity to learn from their errors. The Lord’s instructions and the manner in which He prepared a solution long before the problem arose show that He truly knows the end from the beginning. The lost 116 pages ultimately became a lesson in humility, faith, and the necessity of trusting God above all other influences.

Many modern readers might wonder why Joseph Smith did not simply retranslate the material. The Lord made it clear that if he did, adversaries could alter or forge the lost manuscript and then claim that the new translation did not match, which would sow confusion and cast doubt on the whole work. This revelation was both practical and deeply spiritual. It protected the Restoration from a clever and damaging plot. It also reinforced the principle that when God gives a commandment, He provides a way to accomplish His purposes, even when human choices complicate the path.

The Lost 116 Pages in Modern Times: What Remains, What Is Lost, and Why It Matters

The mystery of the lost 116 pages continues to inspire curiosity, debate, and even creative speculation among believers and outsiders alike. Over the years, historians, writers, and a wide array of YouTube creators have explored every angle, seeking to reconstruct what may have been contained in the lost manuscript. Some suggest that the missing text included alternative versions of the stories of Lehi, Nephi, and their family’s journey to the promised land. Others believe it may have recorded the wars, politics, and secular history of the early Nephite nation, which is why the small plates, with their spiritual focus, became such a vital replacement.

What we do know is that Joseph Smith, out of obedience to God’s specific commandment, never attempted to recreate the lost text. He moved forward with translating the small plates, trusting that the Lord’s wisdom would suffice. Critics sometimes argue that this decision is suspicious or hints at a cover-up, but the remarkable foresight in having a spiritual backup record actually strengthens the claim of divine involvement. It would have been almost impossible for a young man on the American frontier, with limited resources and constant persecution, to engineer such a solution on his own.

For those who want to know more, a quick search for “lost 116 pages” on Google today will reveal a fascinating mix of sources. Official church websites, faith-promoting blogs, scholarly articles, and a multitude of YouTube videos all attempt to shed light on what was lost and what remains. This is actually encouraging for new bloggers and writers, because the presence of so many video results on page one of Google indicates there is still room for a fresh, detailed written post that can answer the questions readers are truly asking. If you are seeking understanding, the best approach is to focus on the facts we do know. The Lord prepared for the loss in advance, the translation work continued under divine guidance, and the Book of Mormon as we have it today is still a powerful testament of Jesus Christ and God’s dealings with His children.

For modern Latter-day Saints, the lost 116 pages represent more than just a historical curiosity. They are a symbol of second chances, of God’s mercy and patience with His servants, and of the certainty that He can bring good out of our worst mistakes. The lesson is timeless: no setback is so great that it cannot be overcome with faith, humility, and a willingness to learn. Every generation faces its own trials and temptations, but the story of the lost 116 pages is a reminder that God’s work is never truly thwarted, only redirected according to His greater wisdom.

If you are curious about the content of the lost pages, you might ask what we can recover. While the actual words are gone, the small plates of Nephi, which take up the first part of the Book of Mormon, likely cover much of the same period. What is lost in secular detail may be gained in spiritual insight. The Lord chose to preserve what mattered most: the testimony of Christ, the witness of prophecy, and the faith of a people who were willing to trust in Him, even when the path ahead seemed impossible.

Today, the story continues to invite exploration, reflection, and faith. The lost 116 pages may never be found, but the lessons they teach remain available to all who seek truth with an honest heart. As you read, ponder, and pray, let the story of the lost manuscript inspire you to trust in God’s wisdom, to learn from your own mistakes, and to remember that His hand is over all things, even those that seem lost to history.


Frequently Asked Questions

What were the lost 116 pages?

The lost 116 pages were the first part of the Book of Mormon translation, entrusted to Martin Harris and subsequently lost. They are believed to have contained the Book of Lehi, covering the earliest history of the Nephite people.

Why did Joseph Smith not just retranslate the lost pages?

God specifically commanded Joseph not to retranslate the lost manuscript. The Lord warned that enemies could use the original to create confusion, casting doubt on the authenticity of Joseph’s work. Instead, Joseph was directed to translate from the small plates of Nephi, which the Lord had prepared as a spiritual safeguard.

Do we know what was in the lost 116 pages?

No complete record of the lost text exists. The small plates of Nephi probably cover much of the same history, though with a greater focus on prophecy and spiritual matters. The specific words, style, and additional stories contained in the lost manuscript remain a mystery.

What can we learn from the loss of the 116 pages?

The story teaches us about the importance of obedience, the reality of human weakness, and the remarkable way in which God can turn setbacks into opportunities for growth. It is a powerful reminder that God is always prepared, that He loves His children despite their mistakes, and that no failure is final if we turn to Him in faith.


If you want to know more about the lost 116 pages, keep searching, keep asking questions, and keep an open heart. The story of the lost manuscript is not only about what is gone, but about what endures: faith, repentance, and the quiet miracles that shape our lives even in the face of loss.

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I love that I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

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