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The Book of Mormon Translation: Scribes, Witnesses, and Methods

An overview of how Joseph Smith dictated the Book of Mormon, the individuals who recorded it, and the process involved.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 3, 2026
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Quick take
  • Joseph Smith dictated the Book of Mormon by looking into seer stones, not by directly translating the gold plates.
  • Various individuals, most notably Oliver Cowdery, served as scribes, writing down Smith's dictated words.
  • Eleven official witnesses testified to seeing the gold plates, and some heard a divine voice.
  • The majority of the translation was completed quickly, over approximately 60 working days.

The Book of Mormon translation refers to the process by which Joseph Smith dictated the text of the Book of Mormon to various scribes, primarily between 1828 and 1829. Smith claimed to be translating ancient records engraved on gold plates through divine assistance, producing a religious text central to the faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Translation Method

Joseph Smith did not typically translate by studying the gold plates directly or using traditional linguistic methods. Instead, he most often used seer stones—either a brown stone he had found years earlier or the Urim and Thummim, which he described as two stones set in a silver bow. He would place a stone in a hat, bury his face in the hat to block out ambient light, and then dictate words that reportedly appeared on the stone. The gold plates themselves were often covered or not in the room during dictation.

The Scribes

Several individuals served as scribes, recording Smith's dictation. His wife, Emma Smith, was an early scribe, describing the process as Smith dictating for hours without notes or reference. Martin Harris, a local farmer, also served briefly. The most significant scribe was Oliver Cowdery, a schoolteacher who wrote the vast majority of the Book of Mormon text. Cowdery described Smith dictating "word for word" as if reading from a book. Other minor scribes included Christian Whitmer and John Whitmer.

The Witnesses

Joseph Smith stated that the gold plates were shown to eleven specific individuals, known as the Three Witnesses and the Eight Witnesses. These individuals signed written testimonies, published in every edition of the Book of Mormon, affirming they had seen the plates. The Three Witnesses (Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris) also testified to hearing the voice of God declaring the plates were translated by divine power.

The translation of the Book of Mormon is central to the faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It underpins the book's claim as a divine record and Joseph Smith's role as a prophet. Understanding the methods, scribes, and witnesses provides insight into the foundational narrative of the church and continues to be a subject of study and discussion for both adherents and scholars interested in the origins of new religious movements.

Did Joseph Smith physically look at the gold plates while translating?
Most accounts indicate he did not. He primarily used seer stones placed in a hat, dictating the words that appeared to him, while the plates were often covered or not in the immediate vicinity.
How quickly was the translation done?
The bulk of the translation, particularly with Oliver Cowdery as scribe, occurred rapidly, estimated to be around 60-65 working days between April and June 1829, producing hundreds of manuscript pages.
What happened to the gold plates after the translation?
Joseph Smith stated that after the translation was complete and the witnesses had seen them, the angel Moroni retrieved the plates. They are not available for physical examination today.
Were there any errors in the original manuscript?
Yes, like any handwritten document, the original manuscript contained minor scribal errors, repetitions, and occasional grammatical corrections made during the printing process, but the core text remained consistent.
Explore further
Who Were the Three and Eight Witnesses to the Book of Mormon?The Role of Seer Stones and Urim and Thummim in Joseph Smith's RevelationsEmma Smith's Contributions to the Early Days of the Latter-day Saint MovementThe Printing and Publication of the First Edition of the Book of MormonOliver Cowdery: Joseph Smith's Primary Scribe and Early Church Leader

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