Selections from the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible

Following are selected portions of the Joseph Smith Translation of the King James Version of the Bible (JST). The Lord inspired the Prophet Joseph Smith to restore truths to the King James Bible text that had become lost or changed since the original words were written. These restored truths clarified doctrine and improved scriptural understanding.

Because the Lord revealed to Joseph certain truths that the original authors had once recorded, the Joseph Smith Translation is unlike any other Bible translation in the world. In this sense, the word translation is used in a broader and different way than usual, for Joseph’s translation was more revelation than literal translation from one language into another.

Joseph Smith’s translation of the King James Bible has connections with or is mentioned in several sections of the Doctrine and Covenants (see sections 37, 45, 73, 76, 77, 86, 91, and 132). Also, the book of Moses and Joseph Smith—Matthew are excerpts from the Joseph Smith Translation.

For more information about the Joseph Smith Translation, see “Joseph Smith Translation (JST)” in the Bible Dictionary.

The following illustration shows a sample selection from the Joseph Smith Translation:

JST, Matthew 4:1, 5–6, 8–9. Compare Matthew 4:1, 5–6, 8–9; similar changes were made in Luke 4:2, 5–11

Jesus is led by the Spirit, not by Satan.

1 Then Jesus was led up of the Spirit, into the wilderness, to be with God.

5 Then Jesus was taken up into the holy city, and the Spirit setteth him on the pinnacle of the temple.

6 Then the devil came unto him and said, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down, for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee, and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

8 And again, Jesus was in the Spirit, and it taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them.

9 And the devil came unto him again, and said, All these things will I give unto thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

This reference in bold type is the passage in Joseph Smith’s translation of the King James Bible. Because his translation restored words to the Bible text, the verse numbers may differ from the edition you are using.

This cross-reference indicates the passage in your Bible you should compare to Joseph Smith’s translation.

This statement explains what doctrine Joseph Smith clarified with his translation.

This is the text as Joseph Smith translated it. (Italics have been added to show differences from the King James Version wording.)