I Saw the Heavens Open: Joseph Smith’s Inspired Translation of the Bible

Keywords

revelation through scripture, Joseph Smith’s translation, prophetic inspiration

Abstract

Who among us has not longed to have the heavens open and the blessings of revelation flow unto us mediated by the Spirit of the Lord? And who among us has not desired to know what Lehi or Nephi or Alma or Joseph Smith knew? Mighty and pure were the truths that they taught and the doctrines they knew—indeed the heavens were opened to them and revelations poured forth like a flood (Malachi 3:10). What would it require for any one of us to have such an experience? The process begins when we open the scriptures to explore the heaven revealed words of the prophets.

Of the heavenly treasures bestowed upon God’s children, one of the greatest is Joseph Smith’s inspired translation. Herein was the work of scripture being enhanced by a living prophet who had seen into the heavens. Soon after the publication of the Book of Mormon in 1830 the Lord commanded Joseph to begin this monumental work. The Lord promised:

Behold, I say unto you, it shall not be given unto you to know any further…until the [Scriptures] 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

Original Publication Citation

“I Saw the Heavens Open: Joseph Smith’s Inspired Translation of the Bible.” Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship. 2013.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2013

Publisher

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Marketing

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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