It appears that the work was to
be a revelatory experience, through which Joseph would come to an understanding
of things that he had not previously known. This is also demonstrated in
Doctrine and Covenants 76:15–18, which tells us that in the process of the
translation of John 5:29 the great vision of the degrees of glory was received
by the Prophet.
In a similar manner many of the
revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants were received, and these revelations
came forth out of a background gained from the Prophet’s translation of the
Bible; for example, Doctrine and Covenants 74, 76, 77, 86, 91, and parts of
many other sections. [D&C 74; D&C 76; D&C 77; D&C 86; D&C
91] (Robert J. Matthews, “Joseph
Smith’s Inspired Translation of the Bible,” Ensign [December 1972])
In answer to
the second question as to the help that would be obtained from the Inspired
Version of the Bible, the following items are of some significance: (1) The
Prophet Joseph Smith’s translation bears a much stronger testimony of the
divinity and the mission of Jesus Christ than does the King James Version and
places the ancient patriarchs of the Old Testament in a clear gospel setting.
(2) It reveals much interesting information otherwise unobtainable about Adam,
Eve, Enoch, Noah, Melchizedek, Abraham, Joseph, and Moses. (3) It clarifies
many passages from the writings of Isaiah and the Psalms. (4) It enlivens many
events in the mortal ministry of Jesus and explains many of his parables. (5)
It reveals a much closer relationship of Jesus and the prophets than is found
in any other Bible. (6) It unfolds the background and true meaning of many of
Paul’s statements, especially concerning his comments about women and marriage.
(7) It enlarges upon and clarifies many items dealing with the nature of God,
the nature of man, the nature of the devil, the priesthood, premortal
existence, the innocence of children, the resurrection, and the plan of
salvation—all in a Bible setting. (8) And last, but certainly not least, the
translation gives the reader a feeling for the work of the Prophet Joseph Smith
and stands as one of the strongest tangible evidences of his divine mission.
The Prophet himself referred to the translation as “a branch of his calling.” (History
of the Church, 1:238.) (Robert J. Matthews, “‘Whydon’t we use the Inspired Version of the Bible in the Church? Would it behelpful to me to read it?’,” Ensign [April 1977])
The new
translation and doctrinal development
Early in the
Prophet’s ministry the Lord instructed him to make a revision, or as he termed
it, a “translation” of the Bible. This was not to be a translation in the usual
sense, employing a knowledge of biblical languages, use of ancient manuscripts
and the usual procedure and paraphernalia of the scholar, but rather a
translation in which Joseph Smith would discern the true intent of the Bible
through revelation. It is now known as the Joseph Smith translation—or JST.
A major
purpose of a new translation seems to have been the spiritual understanding
that came to the Prophet as a result of his effort. The process brought him to
a new knowledge of doctrine and principle. This is possibly one of the most
important aspects of the Prophet’s work with the Bible, and seems to be
consistent with the purpose for the translation given by the Lord in D&C
45:60–62;
“And now,
behold, I say unto you, it shall not be given unto you to know any further
concerning this chapter, until the New Testament be translated, and in
it all these things shall be made known:
“Wherefore I
give unto you that ye may now translate it, that ye may be
prepared for things to come.
“For verily I
say unto you, that great things await you.” (Italics added.)
It is evident from the foregoing
passage that the Prophet’s translation of the Bible was not to be limited to a
correction of passages based on revelation and knowledge he had already
received, but was to be the means by which he would receive new revelation on
matters that had not yet been made known to him. Plain and precious things were
to be restored. This concept gives an importance and a dignity to the Prophet’s
work with the Bible that is frequently overlooked, and it forms an inseparable
link between the translation of the Bible and the restoration of gospel
doctrine in this dispensation. (Robert J. Matthews, “The Bible and Its Role in the Restoration,” Ensign [September 1980])
