How did the book of mormon get translated

If there were no plates to be translated, or if plates were not used in the translation, there was no instrument used for translation. Professor figures out book of mormon translation timeline. Most readers of the book of mormon naturally assume that joseph smith translated its books beginning in 1 nephi 1. Oct 15, 2019 the book of mormon teaches about god and jesus christ. Gardner earned a masters degree in anthropology and mesoamerican ethnohistory from the state university of new york at albany. It may be surprising, therefore, to learn that the small plates of nephi 1 nephi through words of mormon almost certainly came last in the translation process, after the completion of the large plates of nephi mosiah through moroni and the title. Book of mormon plates and records the encyclopedia of mormonism. Book of mormon translator converted the mormon urban. How did joseph smith translate the book of mormon sorcery. Urim and thummim places the book of mormon translation on trial, presenting the latest research in one of the most comprehensive treatments of the translation process to date providing encouragement for latterday saints who fear they have been betrayed by the translation history taught by the church for over 190 years. Welch gave the annual book of mormon lecture entitled hours never to be forgotten for the laura f. Translating the book of mormon religious studies center.

How does the mosiahfirst translation sequence strengthen faith. Lets say that joseph smith wrote the book of mormon. Did joseph smith translate the book of mormon with a rock in. Apr 22, 2016 skeptics have put forth several theories of book of mormon authorship that do not require believing in golden plates delivered by angels and translated by a miracle. Concerning this record, the prophet joseph smith, who translated it by the gift and power of god, said, i told the brethren that the book of mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to god by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book. Apr 11, 2020 although joseph smith was the translator of the book of mormon, the spelling in the first edition was oliver cowderys, and the punctuation was john h. Skeptics have put forth several theories of book of mormon authorship that do not require believing in golden plates delivered by angels and translated by a miracle. Although joseph smith was the translator of the book of mormon, the spelling in the first edition was oliver cowderys, and the punctuation was john h. Book of mormon translation the church of jesus christ of latter.

The records which were on thin hammered out gold pages like a book were the gold plates that joseph translated to become the book of mormon. When i see the word translate, it means to me that a scribe read a manuscript written in one language e. It is a great miracle, and the proof of its truth can be found in its contents. How long did it take joseph smith to translate the book of. In 2001, the lds church reported that all or part of the book of mormon was available in the native language of 99 percent of latterday saints and 87 percent of the worlds total population. Jun 29, 2016 he listed a halfdozen languages he tried, all of which did not accommodate the strange sentence structure found in the book of mormon. The book of mormon teaches about god and jesus christ. The community of christ has not denounced the book of mormon. So joseph was in his early to mid twenties when the book of mormon was translated and not a teenager.

Much can be known about the coming forth of the english text of the book of mormon through a careful study of. The lds version of the book of mormon has been translated into 83 languages and selections have been translated into an additional 25 languages. Later, joseph smith translated the book of mormon into english. A video lecture detailing the facts of how joseph smith translated the golden plates into the book of mormon. It had undergone only minor changes related to punctuation and formatting to correct copying errors.

It was written in an ancient language on gold plates by prophets in ancient america. The gold plates and the translation of the book of mormon. Moroni, the person who deposited the plates, from whence the book of mormon was translated, in a hill in manchester, ontario county, new york, being dead, and raised again therefrom, appeared unto me, and told me where they were. It was first published in 1830 in palmyra, new york, and was thereafter widely reprinted and translated. Book of mormon written in modernday english grace for grace. Joseph smith said he translated the book of mormon from gold plates he found in new york. So ill give you a link that answers that, though im sure you wont agree, at least it will give insight about this. Why were the gold plates needed at all if they werent used directly during the translation process. How did emma smith help bring forth the book of mormon. Ashurstmcgee explains that statements and recollections made by the prophet joseph smith and his close associatesincluding his wife emma smith, his friends martin harris and david whitmer, and othersmake it clear that the instruments utilized in the translation of the book of mormon included the nephite interpreters mosiah 8. The book of mormon has been translated in its entirety into 97 languages. They ignore, of course, the context itself in which god actually gives the interpretation v.

Joseph smith said that the book of mormon translation was performed by the gift and power of god the lost 116 pages of the book of mormon manuscript. He had with him two seer stones, as you could say, called the urim and thummim. Jul 31, 2015 a video lecture detailing the facts of how joseph smith translated the golden plates into the book of mormon. Welch, the miraculous translation of the book of mormon, in opening the heavens.

It was distributed free of charge around the world, especially in israel and new york city. I feel by studying, not just reading, the scriptures, book of mormon or bible, we could get a sense of accomplishment when we finally start to. Nov 30, 2017 emmas participation in these miraculous undertakings did not come without great sacrifice. Nothing is magical, and the urim and thummim, the seer stone, etc. Introductory pages of the book of mormon book of mormon central. The lord also declares that the salvation of our souls hinges upon our acceptance or rejection of the book of mormon. Ill add a note that ive seen at least a dozen incomplete translations selections from the book of mormon into more obscure languages. He said these plates contained the records of ancient inhabitants of america who migrated from israel in about 600 b. The photos also show a weathered leather pouch where the stone was stored that is believed to be made by one of joseph smiths wives. Book of mormontranslation errors from the kjv fairmormon. He said, i finally tried egyptian, and to my complete surprise, i found that the book of mormon translated flawlessly into egyptian, not modern, but ancient egyptian. Translating the book of mormon into other languages commenced relatively soon after the first publication in 1830. The book of mormon itself portrays the golden plates as a historical record, engraved by two precolumbian prophethistorians from around the year ad 400.

Joseph used the urim and thumin, the seer stones, that were fastened in the breastplate, that were to be found with the plates. The church of jesus christ of latterday saints the mormons, as they are called, have continued the printing of. Portions of the book have been translated into another 20 languages. In any case, he grew up on the bible, it was the only book like many pioneers that he had access to. The mormon church is for the first time publishing photos of the stone it believes founder joseph smith used to help translate the story that became the basis of the religion. How did joseph smith translate the plates from which the book. Welch, foundation for ancient research and mormon studies farms. Did joseph smith translate the book of mormon with a rock. I dont know why latin was never done, but now it is, regrettably. By the power of god, through the holy spirit, how else. Did you know that there isnt a hebrew translation of the.

She also took care of the domestic chores needed for the survival and comfort of those more actively involved in the. Can i get a witness to the book of mormon translated. The article is fairly brief and only superficially addresses the problem. She helped joseph smith retrieve the plates, participated in the translation as a scribe, and recorded her physical encounters with the covered plates.

For a compilation of accounts by joseph smiths contemporaries, see john w. Why did joseph smith translate the book of mormon into jacobean english, not in use in 1830. Only one draft of the text was created by joseph smith, with handwritten copies made for the printer. Joseph smith received with the breastplate and the plates of the book of mormon, the urim and thummim, which were hid up by moroni to come forth in the last days as a means by which the ancient record might be translated, which urim and thummim were given to the brother of jared. He said, i finally tried egyptian, and to my complete surprise, i found that the book of mormon translated flawlessly. According to wikipedia the community of christ views the book of mormon as an additional witness of jesus christ and publishes two versions of the book through its official publishing arm, herald house, all of which is inconsistent with a view that the community might have denounced the book in order to win favour with the world. Its followers hold that it is a divinely inspired work revealed to and translated by the founder of their religion, joseph smith. The urim and thummim was preserved in a stone box, along with the gold plates, for over 1,500 years for the purpose of enabling joseph to translate the writings on the. New video from the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. The first edition of the book of mormon was published in 1830 when joseph was 24. Emma smith was far more involved in the coming forth of the book of mormon than some people may realize.

Joseph smith at the age of 16 maybe 14,15 or 17 was led to the site of the plates by the angel moroni, joseph was instructed not to remove the items until he was given permission. According to joseph smiths own fatherinlaw, isaac hale, the young joseph translated the book of mormon with the same stone that he used to search for buried treasures. These illustrations show joseph, carefully examining the gold plates which are in front of him while seated at a table. Joseph remains with emma for two weeks after the death. The translation of the book of mormon into afrikaans.

Lehi wrote an account of his life and spiritual experiences that was included in the large plates of nephi. Display of the book of mormon translated into different languages. But to answer your question, yes, the book of mormon was translated from golden plates that were buried in the hill cumorah in upstate ny. The translation of the book of lehi is completed, resulting in 116 pages of translated text. An essay on the mechanical process in which the book of mormon was translated was published 30 december 20 and is now in the topical guide of the website. Unless otherwise indicated, the translation was financed and the resulting text published by the church of jesus christ of latterday saints lds church. This, they say, is a clear prophecy that the bible the stick of judah is to be joined with the book of mormon the stick of joseph to comprise the full revelation of god. Your point is probably going to be pointing how much of the book of mormon supports and echoes the bible. Yet, not a single coin, city, or battle field mentioned in the book of mormon has ever been identified in any archeological dig in america. Joseph smith translated the book of mormon with the holy and divine power of the holy ghost using the urim and thummim. Joseph and emmas first child, alvin, was born but died shortly thereafter. Many authors have written very impressive works and were younger than when joseph translated the book of mormon such as ernest hemingway. Mormon and moroni, the book says, had abridged earlier historical records from other sets of metal plates. These tables show all the versions of the book of mormon that have been translated.

Much can be known about the coming forth of the english text of the book of. Joseph smith translated the book of mormon through the inspiration of heavenly father. Welch of brigham young university, delivered a powerful address on wednesday, november 8 on the timing of the translation of the book of mormon. Use opponent as authority tactic this is a popular tactic that some antimormons use. In fact, joseph smith once remarked that the title page of the book of mormon is a literal translation, taken from the very last leaf, on the left hand side of the plates of mormon. How did joseph smith translate the plates from which the. One of the most amazing facts about the book of mormon is that it took joseph smith only about sixtyfive working days to translate a book that, in the current edition, is 531 pages long. Why didnt joseph smith translate the book of mormon right. Eyewitness descriptions of the gold plates from which the book of mormon was translated. Unless otherwise indicated, the translation was financed and the resulting. Analytical and contextual commentary on the book of mormon and the gift and power.

The most common belief of adherents is that promoted by joseph smith, who said he translated ancient golden plates. Later, joseph smith translated the book of mormon into. Almost all of the present book of mormon text was translated during a three month. Many readers of the book of mormon naturally assume that joseph smith translated its books in the order that we find them today, that is, beginning with the title page, and then translating 1 nephi 1. This, they say, is a clear prophecy that the bible the stick of judah is to be joined with the book of mormon the stick of joseph to. The book of mormon is a record of the forefathers of our western tribes of indians. Book of mormon, work accepted as holy scripture, in addition to the bible, in the church of jesus christ of latterday saints and other mormon churches. The book of mormon in hebrew was published by the latter day saints in 1981.

One of the most amazing facts about the book of mormon is that it took. Togather saints where did the book of mormon come from. Willes center for book of mormon studies at the gordon b. The 116 pages of the book of lehi were borrowed and then lost by martin harris. How the book of mormon was translated let us reason. Ensign 18 january 1988, 4647, stating that the book of mormon was translated in about sixtyfive working days, that nearly the entire book of mormon was translated between 7 april and 30 june 1829, with a few pages being translated in march 1829 with emma as scribe, and that the translation with oliver likely began at the. May 11, 2018 joseph smith said he translated the book of mormon from gold plates he found in new york.

Was it translated the way that many have assumed, or was there more to the miracle that brought forth another testament of jesus christ. As of april 2011, the book of mormon has been published in its entirety in 82 languages, with selections of the book available in an additional 25 languages. Most lds church members were taught that joseph smith used seer stones referred to as the urim and thummim nephite interpreters to translate the book of mormon bom 1 to various scribes. He visited the location each year for four years, until he was told that the time had come for these scriptures to. There are several theories as to the origin of the book of mormon. Maxwell, 1 and building on my chapter in the second edition of opening the heavens, 2 this article strives to be as precise as possible about the timing of the events and progress of the book of mormon translation.

This paper aims to stimulate specific thinking about the intense and complex events during which the book of mormon was translated in 1829. The church of jesus christ of latterday saints has published many pictures of joseph smith dictating the book of mormon. The coming forth of the book of mormon, foretold by ancient prophets, began with an angelic visitation in 1823 to 17yearold joseph smith. How did joseph smith translate the book of mormon answers. Unfortunately, mormons abridgment of the record of lehi was the material translated in the 116 manuscript pages that were lost, and consequently it is not available in the present book of mormon. Before that, from 12 april to 14 june 1828, joseph had translated the 116 pages that martin harris lost when he borrowed them to show to members of his family. Welch, professor of law at brigham young universitys j. For further discussion on the book of mormon and the translation process, see the introduction to documents, volume 1. Unlike most dictated drafts, the original manuscript was considered by joseph smith to be, in substance, a final product. New church video explains joseph smiths seer stones. The text of the book of mormon was translated in about 65 working days over a threemonth period. The book of mormon was first published in early 1830, prior to the official organization of the church of jesus christ in new york on april 6 of that year. Could joseph smith have written the book of mormon.

Lots of answers here with an incredible amount of evidence. It may be surprising to learn that the books from the small plates of nephi 1 nephi through words of mormon almost certainly came last in the translation process. I believe that some things get lost in translation, and the book of mormon has been translated once already, and to translate into modern language, it would lose meaning in some parts. Oliver described the time he spent as a scribe as days never to be forgottento sit under the sound of a voice dictated by the inspiration of heaven, awakened the utmost. Historical details about the time it took to translate the book are remarkably well preserved. Joseph smith would put the seer stone into a hat, and put his face in the hat, drawing it closely around his face to exclude the light. Reuben clark law school and president of the foundation for ancient research and mormon studies farms. Introductory pages of the book of mormon book of mormon. Lehi wrote an account of his life and spiritual experiences that was included in the large plates of nephi 1 ne.

They use mormonisms own authorities to discredit the. The book of mormon is the most correct of any book on earth, joseph smith stated, and the keystone of our religion. How the plates of the book of mormon were translated part 2. Seven years later, in 1830, this scriptural canon of the latterday saints was published for the world. When did joseph smith write the book of mormon answers. Many readers of the book of mormon naturally assume that joseph smith translated its books in the order that we find them today, that is. Its followers hold that it is a divinely inspired work revealed to and translated by the. It seems after reading these posts that the only possible answer is that the book of mormon happened just like joseph and others claim. Apr 19, 2008 but to answer your question, yes, the book of mormon was translated from golden plates that were buried in the hill cumorah in upstate ny. Aug 09, 2018 by the power of god, through the holy spirit, how else. Most adherents to the latter day saint movement view the book as a work of inspired scripture.

A few years later it was withdrew from public distribution and the remaining copies were kept by the lds archives. For example, when joseph translated the text that is now in 1 nephi. How long did it take joseph smith to translate the book of mormon. The use of objects in the translation were only to help focusing on the work. He listed a halfdozen languages he tried, all of which did not accommodate the strange sentence structure found in the book of mormon. Some witnesses described the plates as weighing from 30 to 60 pounds 14 to 27 kg, golden in color, and composed of thin metallic pages engraved with. According to latter day saint belief, the golden plates also called the gold plates or in some 19thcentury literature, the golden bible are the source from which joseph smith said he translated the book of mormon, a sacred text of the faith. The kjv was the most commonly used translation of the bible when the book. The book of mormon has been translated into 88 languages, but latin and aramaic are not among them, even though latin is the prominent language for christianity, and aramaic was the primary language of the old testament. Book of mormon plates and records the encyclopedia of.

A corollary to this myth, but inconsistent with it, is the idea that joseph smith did not have or did not use plates from which to translate the book of mormon. Almost all of the book of mormon as we now have it was translated between 7 april and 30 june 1829. First of all, she chose to marry joseph smith even though her father, isaac hale, bitterly opposed their courtship. I will now give you a description of the manner in which the book of mormon was translated. The weight of the book of mormon gold plates book of mormon translation timeframe.