A Unique Approach to Scripture
The Joseph Smith Translation (JST) represents a unique approach to Scripture. Beginning in 1830, shortly after founding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith undertook a systematic revision of the King James Version of the Bible. Unlike conventional translation work that returns to original Hebrew and Greek texts, the JST worked from existing English texts. Smith believed he was receiving inspiration to correct passages and restore lost truths that had been obscured or removed from the biblical record over centuries.
The Rationale Behind the JST
Joseph Smith's rationale for the JST came from his belief that the Bible, while containing God's word, had suffered losses and corruptions through transmission and translation. He wrote: "I believe the Bible as it read when it came from the pen of the original writers. Ignorant translators, careless transcribers, or designing and corrupt priests have committed many errors." The JST, in his view, corrected these errors under divine inspiration and restored clarity to passages that had become ambiguous.
Key Changes and Additions
The JST differs from the King James Version in thousands of places, ranging from single-word changes to substantial additions. For example, the JST adds significant passages to Genesis that appear nowhere in standard biblical texts, including extended dialogue between God and Adam, and clarifications about pre-mortal existence — concepts central to Latter-day Saint doctrine.
One of the most theologically significant JST changes involves passages about God's nature. The JST frequently renders "spirit" where the KJV might use other language, and adds references to Christ and His atonement throughout the Old Testament.
The Expanded Enoch Narrative
Other notable changes include additions to the Sermon on the Mount, clarifications in Matthew 24 about the last days, and restructuring of passages in John's Gospel. The JST also includes material about Enoch — an Old Testament figure who received extensive expansion in Smith's revision, depicting him as a great prophet who built Zion and was taken to heaven. This expanded Enoch narrative has become central to LDS theology and appears in the Pearl of Great Price.
Evaluating the JST
For students of Scripture, the JST raises important questions about translation, inspiration, and textual authority. Whether one accepts Joseph Smith's claim to divine inspiration or evaluates it as one man's theological commentary on Scripture, the JST provides valuable insight into how one modern interpreter understood biblical themes and sought to harmonize Scripture with his theological convictions.
