David Charles and Dr. David Seely, Humanities, Classics and Comparative Literature

The aim of this project was to produce, in German, a substantial piece of writing on the Joseph Smith Translation for the benefit of LDS and non-LDS interested in the JST. To date, there is virtually no literature available on the JST in German, nor have the Prophet’s revised passages ever been translated and published in German. The general outline of my study is as follows:

I.A Brief Story of the Bible

A. From Ancient Manuscripts to Modem Translations

B. The King James Version

C. The Uniform and Luther Translations

II.Historical Development of the JST

A. Corruptible Nature of (Biblical) Texts

B. Joseph’s Calling

C. History of Joseph’s Revision of the Bible

D. Publication(s) of and about the JST

III. Doctrinal Contributions of the JST

A. Types of Changes Made by the Prophet

B. Examples of Significant Changes

IV.Comparison of Revised Passages with Equivalent Passages from the Uniform and Luther

V.Translations

A. On the Validity and Usefulness of Comparing the JST with other Bible Versions

B. Translation of Selected Revised Passages [into German] and Comparison

C. Summary and Conclusions

I have made significant progress toward completing the project; however, the amount of work necessary for completion has exceeded my time available. Parts I and II were fairly easily done due to the amount of published literature on the topics covered. Part III has proved more challenging; it has required much original thinking and research on my part. A particularly difficult issue has been the translation (listed as III.B above) of passages of the JST into German-accuracy of translation is essential, and deciding on a referential framework for the recurrent words and concepts to be translated is critical. I have thus been making extensive use of Biblical commentaries and word studies.

Altogether, I am quite pleased with the results of my study thus far. I feel it will be a valuable addition to LDS Scholarship and of benefit to the intended audience. A select bibliography is listed below.

References

• K.L. Barney, The Joseph Smith Translation and ancient Texts of the Bible, in Dialogue, a Journal of Mormon Thought, Salt Lake City, Utah 19/3 (1986)85-102,
• Bookcraft, Plain and Precious Truths Restored: The Doctrinal and Historical Significance of the Joseph Smith Translation: Papers Presented at the BYU Symposium “As Translated Correctly” Joseph Smith’s Translation of the Bible, Salt Lake City, Utah: Bookcraft (1995).
• R.J. Matthews, A Plainer Translation: Joseph Smith’s Translation of the Bible: A History and Commentary, Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University Press (1985).
• M.S. Nyman and R.L. Millet, eds., The Joseph Smith Translation: The Restoration of Plain and Precious Things, Provo, Utah: Religious Study Center, Brigham Young University (1985).
• Veritas Group, The New Testament with the Joseph Smith Translation: Includes All Textual Changes Made by the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Four Gospels in Chronological Harmony and Parallel Columns, Orem, Utah: Veritas Group(1994).