Where is Joe Smith’s Bible Translation?

Matthew 24:35; “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”

According to Mormonism, a job requirement for the president of the Church is fulfilling the duties of a translator.

D&C 107:91 – 92; “And again, the duty of the President of the office of the High Priesthood…to be a seer, a revelator, a translator, and a prophet…” (Also see Mormon Doctrine, p. 591)

We’ve seen many documents and books Mr. Smith translated in his short life, but one of his projects didn’t receive the same fanfare and accolades his other works have enjoyed. Considering the magnitude of this project with its potential effects and ramifications, one has to wonder what the holdup is all about, and why the Church hasn’t lauded the praise of the prophetic skills, and translating abilities of their beloved prophet.

 

The JST

From June 1830 – June 2, 1833 Joseph Smith, along with former Christian minister Sidney Rigdon, worked on fixing mistakes they believed were in the KJV. They basically spent their time rewriting, and re-translating the KJV Bible, and named it The JST (Joseph Smith Translation).

The Church canonized only two parts of their work – Matthew, aka Joseph Smith – Matthew; and Genesis, known as the Book of Moses in the Pearl of Great Price. Upon completion, Smith had prepared it for publication, but didn’t live long enough to see it come to fruition.

Fast forward 30+ years…

In 1867 the Church of Christ (RLDS), published the entire works you can read in full at Centerplace.org, or you can also access it on the LDS Gospelink program as well. (Gospelink comes with a fee.)

Here are the questions we have today about this –

With as much vitriol the Church seems to hold in their hearts towards God’s word, why haven’t they jumped aboard the JST, and showcased what God has done through this new prophet?

Why hasn’t the Church fully accepted Smith’s re-translation of the King James Bible as their official Bible?

Until just recently, I’ve not met a Mormon missionary who’s heard of the JST, much less utilize it in his/her ‘missions work’.

It seems odd they would have their own version of the Bible and not use it…