Background and Context
Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the LDS Church), was the first person to translate and publish the Bible in its entirety in modern English. Smith translated the Bible from ancient Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. He used an advanced type of revelation given to prophets, which Smith often referred to as the “gift and power of God”. Using this gift, Smith claimed to be able to effectively communicate with God and receive divine instruction. Smith’s translation of the Bible was not the first translation in the English language, however it was the first complete translation into modern English that uses the King James Version as its base.
Smith’s translation of the Bible was highly controversial, as it often contradicted previously accepted interpretations of the scripture. Smith sought to revise the Bible, inserting verses and passages that he believed to better represent the teachings of Jesus and Scripture, while also providing a clearer understanding of the overall message. Additionally, Smith made changes to the language to make it more modern and accessible.
The process of translating the Bible was a considerable undertaking, requiring Smith to read passages out loud in order to receive divine instruction. Smith would then write down the words that God instructed him to use. Smith and his team of scribes worked diligently to translate large and complex texts, including a total of 1,500 pages of scripture.
Methodology of Translation
Joseph Smith used a method of revelation known as the “gift and power of God” in which he would receive direct communication from God and be told what to write. According to Smith, he was given the gift of being able to “translate… by the gift and power of God”. This method involved sitting in a secluded area, praying for revelation, and then writing down the words that Smith believed to be from God. Smith’s writings were then checked by a group of individuals, who would review the words to ensure accuracy.
In this process, Smith was not just a translator, as he often inserted his own words into the text as well. Smith also mentioned that, in some cases, he would have to “pray in his own language” in order to receive instruction. This process of translation was highly personal and Smith believed that, because he was receiving instruction directly from God, he had a closer connection to the scripture than those who were reading it in the King James Version.
Criticism and Reception
Joseph Smith’s translation of the Bible was met with considerable criticism and skepticism, particularly from traditional Christian denominations. While Smith did not deviate drastically from the King James Version, he did make significant changes to certain passages. These revisions, which at times even contradicted traditional interpretations, were seen as particularly suspect.
Additionally, Smith was subject to criticism for claiming to have a closer connection to Scripture than most people. Smith was accused of being overly ambitious, and some people claimed that his translation was inauthentic and self-serving. His methodology of using direct revelation as a form of translation was also highly unorthodox, and most Christian denominations did not believe that it was an acceptable practice.
Despite the criticism, Smith’s translation of the Bible was met with some degree of praise by certain groups. It was seen as an important milestone in English Bible translation and was widely read by those in the LDS Church.
Influence and Legacy
Despite its highly controversial nature, Joseph Smith’s translation of the Bible has had a far-reaching influence. Smith’s translation was the first translation in modern English to use the King James Version as its basis, and it is also the most translated book in the LDS Church.
The LDS Church has also adopted many of Smith’s revisions and changes as part of official scripture. Smith’s translations were also used as the foundation for the Joseph Smith Translation (JST) of the Bible, a new edition of the Bible that incorporated many of Smith’s revisions and changes. The JST remains in use today, and is often referred to as the “Inspired Version” due to Smith’s claims of receiving direct communication from God.
Today, Smith’s translation is seen as a unique and important contribution to Biblical studies, as it offers an original and highly personal interpretation of Scripture. Smith’s translation allows us to gain a better understanding of the Bible and provides a unique window into Smith’s beliefs and personal approach to Scripture.
Smith’s Place in the Bible Translation Process
Joseph Smith’s translation of the Bible was a significant addition to the English Bible translation process. Smith’s translation was the first modern English Bible translation to use the King James Version as its base, and it was significant in its deviation from the accepted interpretations of Scripture. Smith made significant revisions and changes which he believed to better represent the teachings of Jesus and Scripture, providing insight into his own personal interpretation of the Bible.
Today, Smith’s translation is still viewed with a level of skepticism. His methods of translation, which relied on direct revelation as opposed to more traditional methods such as text comparison, are seen as highly unorthodox and are often subject to criticism. However, Smith’s translation has been influential, forming the basis of the Joseph Smith Translation and influencing the LDS Church’s official scripture.
Impact on Subsequent Bible Translations
Joseph Smith’s translation of the Bible had a considerable effect on subsequent translations. Smith’s use of revelation as a form of translation was highly unconventional and he often made significant revisions and changes to the text. Many of Smith’s additions and revisions were subsequently adopted by the LDS Church and are now seen as official scripture.
Smith’s translation also served as the foundation for the Joseph Smith Translation, which incorporated many of Smith’s revisions, changes, and additions. The Joseph Smith Translation has had a great impact on Bible translation as new editions of the Bible now often include some of Smith’s revisions as part of their text.
Smith’s translation of the Bible has also influenced the way that modern translations are carried out. Smith’s use of experimentation, such as adding new verses and passages to the text, has encouraged the use of experimentation in modern translations. This experimentation has led to the development of new translations, such as the New American Bible, which draw from a variety of sources, including Smith’s translation.
Popularity and Reception of Smith’s Translation
Joseph Smith’s translation of the Bible remains highly popular amongst members of the LDS Church. Smith’s translation is seen as a valuable contribution to Biblical studies and is often quoted in sermons and other religious discourse. Many members of the LDS Church view Smith’s translation as a unique and personal interpretation of Scripture.
Despite its popularity, Smith’s translation has been subject to some degree of criticism. Smith was accused of making revisions to the text that were too personal, as well as using inappropriate interpretations and techniques. However, today Smith’s translation is still seen as an important milestone in English Bible translation and as a highly influential contribution to Biblical studies.
Conclusion
Joseph Smith’s translation of the Bible was a highly controversial undertaking but it has had a lasting impact on Bible translation. Smith’s translations have been adopted by the LDS Church as official scripture, and they have also served as the foundation for the Joseph Smith Translation and influenced other modern translations. Smith’s translation has proved popular with members of the LDS Church, and is still seen as a valuable contribution to Biblical studies.
