Translation Work Taking Book of Mormon to More People in More Tongues

Imagine believing in the gospel but not being able to read or study about it. Imagine having a testimony of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon but not speaking any language the book is printed in. Imagine your joy, after years of faith, in having a copy of the Book of Mormon presented to you in your native language.

As time goes by, more members are receiving the Book of Mormon as more translations are being produced in the earth’s many languages. In D&C 90:11 the Lord said, “For it shall come to pass in that day, that every man shall hear the fulness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language, through those who are ordained unto this power, by the administration of the Comforter, shed forth upon them for the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Almost 175 years after Joseph Smith first published the book in English, 104 different language editions are now in print, including 74 full editions of the Book of Mormon and 30 editions of Selections from the Book of Mormon.

The prophet Moroni said that the Book of Mormon “shall shine forth out of darkness, and come unto the knowledge of the people” (Morm. 8:16). Since its initial printing in 1830, it is estimated that more than 120 million copies of the Book of Mormon have been distributed, with millions more to be printed in the future.

One of the most recent translations of the Book of Mormon is in Slovenian. Additional languages are currently being produced, along with some Selections being expanded to full translations of the Book of Mormon. After 1998 the Church stopped translating Selections from the Book of Mormon; each new approved translation will now be a full edition.

The Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles considers recommendations from Area Presidencies for new translations of the Book of Mormon. Before the Book of Mormon is translated, Gospel Fundamentals and other basic doctrinal items such as the Articles of Faith are translated (if they haven’t been already) in order to establish standard terminology. Translation work for the Book of Mormon is carried out by worthy, qualified members who are assigned specifically to the task.

From the beginning of the translation process to the end, great care is taken to ensure that the translation is accurate. The manuscript goes through many reviews before it is approved and printed. Once the books are available on distribution center shelves, a letter from the First Presidency is sent to wards and branches in the language area announcing the new book.

To obtain a copy of the Book of Mormon in any of the languages listed here, visit www.ldscatalog.com or your local distribution center.