A Narrative Approach to the Joseph Smith Translation of the Synoptic Gospels

Keywords

Joseph Smith, Joseph Smith Translation, Synoptic Gospels

Abstract

One of the first projects Joseph Smith undertook after the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a translation of the Bible. While it is called a "translation," Joseph did not work from original Greek or Hebrew manuscripts, and what he did was more to clarify the text. Some of the changes greatly modify the original narrative through altering and adding to the narrator's descriptions of characters settings, and plot events. This paper hones in on Smith's changes in the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. These changes add information about the character of Jesus and his disciples, define certain phrases, harmonize the Gospels, and provide transitions in the narrative. These alterations often have theological as well as narratorial implications.

Original Publication Citation

“A Narrative Approach to the Joseph Smith Translation of the Synoptic Gospels,” BYU Studies Quarterly 54/2 (2015): 35-62.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2015

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/6461

Publisher

BYU Studies

Language

English

College

Religious Education

Department

Ancient Scripture

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Link to Full Text

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