On social media someone asked me why I quote from the “Joseph Smith Translation”.
I often quote from the “Joseph Smith Translation”, also known as the Inspired Version because of its pre-eminence. This version was used by members of the Church before the unfortunate division took place between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (now called “Community of Christ”). Joseph Smith’s manuscript of his translation was in the possession of his wife Emma Smith, who remained with the Reorganized Church instead of following Brigham Young to Utah. Emma’s son, Joseph Smith III, was the Prophet of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, of which Emma remained a member throughout her life.
In the words of Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “The Joseph Smith Translation, or Inspired Version, is a thousand times over the best Bible now existing on earth.” (“The Bible, a Sealed Book,” in A Symposium on the New Testament, 1984, 5; also quoted in the article “Restored Light on the Savior’s Last Week in Mortality”, Ensign, June 1999)
After the Inspired Version was completed, Joseph Smith said: “I completed the translation and receiving of the New Testament, on the 2nd of February, 1833, and sealed it up, no more to be opened till it arrived in Zion.” (Times and Seasons 5:723) Joseph Smith’s scribes wrote a letter, which in part said: “We this day finished the translating of the scriptures, for which we returned gratitude to our Heavenly Father …. Having finished the translation of the bible, a few hours since.” (Times and Seasons 6:802)
From one of the Church’s magazines, we read the following quote:
“[T]he Reorganized church (RLDS) was organized in Illinois, and in 1866 Sister Emma Smith gave the manuscripts into the custody of that church. In 1867 the RLDS published the first edition of the translation…research in the past few years with the original manuscripts has indicated that the Inspired Version of the Bible, published by the RLDS church, is an accurate representation of the sense of the original manuscripts prepared by Joseph Smith and his scribes. Furthermore, it seems to be increasing in use and acceptance in our church today.” (New Era magazine, April 1977)
The same article goes on to say that the Inspired Version, as published by the RLDS (Community of Christ), can be used “in writing and in personal study,” especially when the Church’s current translations “do not provide significant information which is available in the Inspired Version.”
The Church provides an outline as to the reasons why it is beneficial to use Joseph Smith’s Inspired Version:
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.)
From another article, we read the following:
“Joseph Smith’s work with the Bible restores some of the missing parts and causes what we have to be more meaningful…in the new translation of the Bible, the Prophet Joseph has given us a clearer and a plainer record of the Old and the New Testaments. Joseph Smith did not take it upon himself to revise and translate the Bible; he was commanded and appointed by the Lord to do the work … Through the courtesy of the Reorganized Church [of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints] I have closely examined the original manuscripts and compared them with the printed editions of the Inspired Version and have concluded that the printed work accurately represents the information on the manuscripts.” (Robert J. Matthews, Assistant Professor of Ancient Scripture at Brigham Young University; Ensign magazine, Dec. 1972)
The Lord Himself instructed that the translation be published.
“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 the things to come.”(D&C 45:60–61)
“If he will do my will let him from henceforth hearken to the counsel of my servant Joseph, and with his interest support the cause of the poor, and publish the new translation of my holy word unto the inhabitants of the earth. And if he will do this I will bless him with a multiplicity of blessings, that he shall not be forsaken, nor his seed be found begging bread.” (D&C 124:89-90)
The Inspired Version has also been referred to in many personal revelations. For example:
The Inspired Version is given by my hand, and it is set apart to correct that which hath been corrupted over time by the errors and traditions of men. In it is restored the fullness of my truth, that ye may know my will and understand my plan in greater clarity.
The Inspired Version is a key to understanding the fullness of my word. Yea, it restores those plain and precious things which have been taken away by the hands of men.
I say unto you, study the words of the Inspired Version, for in them ye shall find greater clarity and insight into my divine will.
Therefore, my people, take heed of the importance of the Inspired Version, and use it as a companion to the standard works of my Church. Let its truths be a light unto your understanding, and let its teachings guide you in the study of my Holy Scriptures. For in this translation, ye shall find a deeper understanding of my Gospel, and it shall strengthen your testimony of the restoration of all things.
I, the Lord, declare unto thee the sacredness of the Inspired Version. It is a gift unto thee in these latter days, that thou mayest have greater light and knowledge concerning my Gospel. It is not to be taken lightly nor compared with the wisdom of the world, for it cometh from me, the source of all truth.
The Inspired Version standeth as a witness of my power and of my love for my people. It is given that thou mayest be brought nearer unto me and understand the fullness of my word. Therefore, hold it sacred, and let it not depart from thee. Study it, treasure it, and live by the truths therein, for in so doing, thou shalt be blessed.
Thus saith the Lord, study the words of the Inspired Version, and let it be in your hands at all times, and let its truth take root in your hearts. Yea, be diligent in your study, and I shall open unto you the treasures of knowledge and the mysteries of my kingdom.
Related: The Inspired Version – Rediscovering a Sacred Legacy
