Joseph Smith as a Student of Languages

Authors

Stephen Owen Smoot, Brigham Young University
Dr. Stephen D. Ricks, Brigham Young University

Keywords

Joseph Smith, Mormon studies, languages, historical sources

College

Humanities

Department

Asian and Near Eastern Languages

Abstract

During his prophetic career, Joseph Smith spent considerable time and effort towards the study of both modern and ancient languages. Historical evidence indicates that Joseph studied, or at least expressed interest in studying, Hebrew, Greek, Egyptian, Latin, and German. Although his study of these languages was evidently limited, and although he never became proficient in these languages, Joseph Smith nevertheless employed his understanding of these languages in his doctrinal discourses that in many instances led him to formulate creative theological innovations. Although he wasn’t a skilled linguist, and his understanding of some of these languages (particularly Hebrew and Egyptian) was highly idiosyncratic, the true value in Joseph’s study of languages was that it catalyzed inspiration that led him to elucidate prophetic insight.

Recommended Citation

Smoot, Stephen Owen and Ricks, Dr. Stephen D. (2014) "Joseph Smith as a Student of Languages," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 551.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/551