Joseph Smith's Role in the Translation of the Book of Mormon

An overview of how Joseph Smith claimed to bring forth the Book of Mormon from ancient records.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 7, 2026

Branched from The Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon: Who They Were and What They Claimed to See

Quick take

Joseph Smith dictated the Book of Mormon, which he said was a translation of ancient golden plates.
He used divine instruments, primarily a seer stone, to receive the text in English.
Scribes, most notably Oliver Cowdery, recorded the dictated words.
The process was spiritual, not a traditional linguistic translation study.

Joseph Smith's role in the translation of the Book of Mormon was that of an instrument and a revelator. He claimed to receive, through divine means, the English text of an ancient record inscribed on golden plates, which he then dictated to various scribes.

The Source Material: Golden Plates

According to Smith's account, he was led by an angel named Moroni to a hill near his home in Palmyra, New York, in 1827. There, he unearthed a set of golden plates inscribed with what he described as "reformed Egyptian" characters. These plates contained the historical and religious record of ancient peoples who lived on the American continent, including an account of Jesus Christ's visit to them. Smith maintained that these plates were the physical source of the Book of Mormon text.

The Translation Process: Divine Instruments and Dictation

Smith did not translate the plates in the conventional academic sense of learning an ancient language. Instead, he described a process of divine assistance. He primarily used a seer stone, which he would place in a hat to block out ambient light. Then, he would reportedly see English words appear, which he would then dictate aloud to a waiting scribe. Witnesses to the process confirm that Smith often did not have the plates themselves in view during much of the dictation, nor did he consult any books or notes.

Earlier in the process, he also used two stones bound together, which he called the Urim and Thummim, described as ancient interpreters prepared by God. Over time, his personal seer stone became his primary instrument for the translation.

The Role of Scribes

Several individuals acted as scribes, writing down the words Smith dictated. The most prominent and consistent of these was Oliver Cowdery, who served as Smith's principal scribe for the majority of the translation, particularly the roughly 65 working days in 1829 that produced the bulk of the current Book of Mormon. Other scribes included Emma Hale Smith (Joseph's wife) and Martin Harris. The scribes' role was crucial in accurately transcribing Smith's spoken words, which then formed the manuscript for publication.

Joseph Smith's role in this process is central to the faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Believers see him as a prophet chosen by God to restore ancient truths and bring forth additional scripture that testifies of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon itself is considered a companion scripture to the Bible, offering another testament of Christ and providing insights into God's dealings with humanity. Its existence and the unique method of its translation are foundational to the identity and teachings of the church he founded.

Did Joseph Smith physically translate the plates himself?

According to his account and eyewitnesses, he did not translate by studying the ancient language. Instead, he dictated the English text as it was revealed to him through divine instruments like a seer stone, often with the plates covered or not directly in view.

What were the Urim and Thummim and the seer stone?

The Urim and Thummim were described as two stones set in a bow, prepared anciently by God to aid in translation. A seer stone was a stone Joseph Smith had previously used for various purposes. Both were used as instruments to receive divine revelation and facilitate the translation process.

How long did the translation take?

The most intensive period of translation, resulting in the bulk of the Book of Mormon as it exists today, occurred over approximately 65 working days between April and June 1829. Parts had also been translated earlier, but were subsequently lost.

What happened to the golden plates after the translation was complete?

Joseph Smith stated that after the translation was finished, the plates were returned to the angel Moroni, who had originally delivered them to him. They were not available for public examination after the translation was completed.

Sources

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "Book of Mormon Translation," Gospel Topics Essay.
Bushman, Richard Lyman. *Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling*. Alfred A. Knopf, 2005.
Skousen, Royal. *The Original Manuscript of the Book of Mormon: Typographical Facsimile of the Extant Text*. BYU Studies, 2001.