How Joseph Smith Translated the Book of Mormon: Methods, Claims, and Scholarly Discussion

An overview of the process Joseph Smith described for translating the Book of Mormon, the instruments he used, and the ongoing conversation surrounding it.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 3, 2026

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Quick take

Joseph Smith dictated the Book of Mormon in English, stating he translated it from ancient gold plates using divine assistance.
His primary method involved looking into seer stones, often placed in a hat, which he said displayed the English words.
Scribes recorded his dictation, which was rapid and largely unedited, over about 65 working days.
The translation is central to the faith of Latter-day Saints, though the exact mechanics are still discussed by scholars and members.

The translation of the Book of Mormon refers to the process by which Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, dictated the text of the Book of Mormon in English, claiming it was a translation from ancient gold plates written in a language called "reformed Egyptian." This process, which took place primarily between 1828 and 1829, is distinct from a conventional linguistic translation, as Smith stated he received the words through divine means rather than through scholarly study.

The Instruments and Process

Joseph Smith described using specific instruments to facilitate the translation. Initially, he used the "Urim and Thummim," described as two stones set in silver bows, which he said were ancient artifacts found with the gold plates. Later, and for the vast majority of the Book of Mormon text, he used a single "seer stone" (sometimes called the "gazelem stone"), which he had previously used for other revelatory purposes. Smith would place one of these instruments into a hat, bury his face in the hat to block out ambient light, and then dictate the words that appeared to him.

The gold plates themselves were often not directly visible during the dictation process. Witnesses, including his scribes and family members, observed him dictating for hours, often without notes or books, and sometimes without the plates even being present in the room. The process was described as fluid and rapid, with Smith dictating long passages without pause or correction, and the scribes writing down the words as he spoke them.

Scribing and Speed

Several individuals served as scribes during the translation, most notably Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, and Emma Hale Smith, Joseph's wife. Oliver Cowdery, a schoolteacher, served as the primary scribe for the bulk of the Book of Mormon, beginning in April 1829. His account, and others, describe Joseph Smith dictating approximately 3,500 words per day. The entire translation of what became the published Book of Mormon (excluding the lost 116 pages) was completed in around 65 working days, a remarkable pace for a text of its length and complexity.

For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other Latter Day Saint movements, the translation of the Book of Mormon is a foundational event, demonstrating Joseph Smith's role as a prophet chosen by God. The Book of Mormon itself is considered a sacred scripture, a companion to the Bible, and a testament to Jesus Christ. While the general narrative of divine translation is accepted, the specific mechanics—particularly the use of a seer stone in a hat—have been the subject of increasing discussion and study, both within and outside the Church, as more historical details and eyewitness accounts have become widely accessible. This deeper understanding helps members and interested observers grasp the human and divine elements involved in the production of their sacred text.

Did Joseph Smith ever look directly at the gold plates during translation?

According to eyewitness accounts, Joseph Smith generally did not look at the gold plates during the dictation process. Instead, he primarily used seer stones, often placed in a hat, from which he said the English words appeared. The plates were sometimes covered or even in another room.

What happened to the original gold plates?

Joseph Smith stated that after the translation was complete, the angel Moroni, who initially delivered the plates to him, retrieved them. Therefore, the gold plates are no longer accessible to anyone.

Were there any "lost pages" during the translation?

Yes, the first 116 pages of the manuscript, translated by Joseph Smith with Martin Harris as scribe, were lost after Martin Harris was permitted to take them to show his family. Joseph Smith was later commanded not to retranslate that portion but to translate a different, abridged record covering the same period.

Is the Book of Mormon considered a literal translation?

Joseph Smith claimed it was a translation from "reformed Egyptian" plates, but the process was not a conventional linguistic one. He stated he received the words directly through divine means, making it a revelatory translation rather than a scholarly one based on his own linguistic knowledge.

Are there different accounts of the translation process?

Yes, there are several accounts from Joseph Smith himself, his scribes, and close associates, which sometimes vary in emphasis and detail, reflecting the different perspectives and timing of their statements. However, the core elements—divine assistance and the use of seer stones—are consistent across the most reliable testimonies.

Sources

Givens, Terryl L. *By the Grace of God: The Story of the Book of Mormon*. Oxford University Press, 2002.
Bushman, Richard Lyman. *Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling*. Alfred A. Knopf, 2005.
"Book of Mormon Translation," Gospel Topics Essays, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.