The commencement of Joseph Smith’s translation of the Book of Mormon occurred in 1828. This undertaking involved interpreting the gold plates Smith claimed to have discovered, utilizing seer stones and divine assistance, according to his account. The translation process is a central event in the history of the Latter-day Saint movement.
The beginning of this translation is significant because it marks the genesis of a text considered sacred scripture by millions. The event is intertwined with the foundational narrative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is viewed as a pivotal moment in the restoration of ancient scripture. The date and circumstances surrounding this event have been subjects of both faith and historical inquiry.
Further examination of primary source documents and historical records provides more detailed insights into the individuals involved, the methods employed, and the challenges encountered during the early phases of this work. Exploring these facets offers a more complete understanding of the historical context surrounding the translation effort.
1. 1828 Start
The year 1828 signifies the point at which Joseph Smith initiated the process of translating the Book of Mormon. It represents the genesis of a project that culminated in the publication of the Book of Mormon in 1830. Without the commencement of the translation in 1828, the subsequent events, including the involvement of scribes, the printing process, and eventual distribution, would not have occurred. The year 1828, therefore, constitutes a fundamental and indivisible component of the answer to the question of when Joseph Smith began the translation.
The selection of 1828 as the starting point is supported by historical accounts and documents associated with the early Latter-day Saint movement. Eyewitness testimonies and contemporary records consistently place the beginning of the translation process within this timeframe. An example is the involvement of Martin Harris, who began acting as a scribe for Joseph Smith in 1828, attesting to the active translation work during that year. This involvement reinforces the practical significance of understanding 1828 as the year the endeavor started.
In summary, 1828 represents more than just a date; it represents the initiation of a complex series of events central to the founding narrative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While challenges exist in definitively reconstructing every detail of the translation process, recognizing 1828 as the commencement point provides a foundational understanding, linking directly to the question of when Joseph Smith initiated the translation of the Book of Mormon.
2. Initial Manuscript Creation
The initial manuscript creation phase is intrinsically linked to determining when Joseph Smith began translating the Book of Mormon. This phase represents the first tangible record of the translation process, marking the transition from claimed revelatory experience to documented text. Its examination provides critical context for understanding the early stages of this endeavor.
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Dictation Process
The creation of the initial manuscript involved Joseph Smith dictating the text, which scribes recorded. The nature and consistency of this dictation process are crucial in assessing the timeline of translation. The dictation involved Smith reading from behind a curtain, using seer stones, to his scribes. Records of these sessions, though fragmented, contribute to a clearer picture of the translation’s commencement.
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Scribe Involvement
Individuals such as Emma Smith and Martin Harris served as early scribes during the initial phase. Their personal accounts, though subject to individual biases and recollections, offer direct insight into the progression of the text and the timeframe in which it was produced. Harris’s role, in particular, is significant, as he financed the initial printing efforts and possessed first-hand knowledge of the dictated material.
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Physical Manuscripts
Fragments of the original manuscript still exist, providing physical evidence of the translation’s early stages. Analysis of handwriting, paper type, and ink can offer clues regarding the dating and sequencing of the manuscript’s creation. Although only a small portion of the original is extant, the surviving pages offer tangible proof that manuscript creation was underway in the late 1820s.
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Content of Early Passages
The content of the earliest translated passages, such as those eventually published in the Book of Mormon, provides contextual clues about the initial scope and focus of the translation. Examining these passages helps correlate the translation process with Joseph Smith’s developing understanding of the text and his narrative timeline.
In conclusion, the initial manuscript creation phase is not merely a consequence of the translation process but an integral component in establishing when Joseph Smith commenced this undertaking. Examining the dictation methods, scribe involvement, surviving manuscripts, and early textual content collectively offers a more precise understanding of the timeline associated with the Book of Mormon’s origins.
3. Martin Harris’s Involvement
Martin Harris’s involvement is directly relevant to determining the timeframe of the Book of Mormon translation’s commencement. His role as scribe and financial supporter provides essential contextual information for establishing when Joseph Smith initiated this work.
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Scribe and Witness
Martin Harris served as Joseph Smith’s scribe for a portion of the initial translation period. This role placed him in direct contact with the translation process, making his testimony and actions valuable evidence. His first-hand experience provides documentation supporting the assertion that the translation was underway during his involvement.
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Financial Support
Harris provided critical financial backing to the Book of Mormon project, enabling the translation and eventual printing. His willingness to mortgage his farm demonstrates a commitment that aligns with the period Smith claimed to be translating. This financial commitment suggests that the translation was actively progressing during the period of his support.
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Loss of 116 Pages
The incident involving the loss of 116 pages of the translated manuscript, entrusted to Harris, is a significant event. This event necessitates the translation activity to have been in progress prior to the loss. The existence of these pages, and their subsequent disappearance, place the translation start date firmly within the timeframe when Harris was involved.
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Testimony as One of Three Witnesses
Harris became one of the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon plates. This testimony, regardless of its interpretation, underscores his direct involvement in the Book of Mormon narrative. This attestation connects him to the translation narrative and the timeline in which that narrative unfolded.
These elements of Martin Harris’s engagement collectively point to a specific timeframe when Joseph Smith was actively engaged in the translation of the Book of Mormon. Harris’s role as scribe, financial backer, and witness place him squarely within the historical events surrounding the Book of Mormon’s genesis, contributing to the establishment of the translation’s commencement.
4. Loss of 116 Pages
The loss of 116 pages of the translated manuscript serves as a critical event in establishing a timeline for the commencement of Joseph Smith’s Book of Mormon translation. This episode provides tangible evidence that the translation was underway, and furthermore, allows for a more refined understanding of its chronology.
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Proof of Prior Translation
The very existence of the lost 116 pages necessitates that a translation process had already been initiated and was actively in progress prior to the manuscript’s disappearance. Without preceding translation activity, these pages could not have existed, underscoring the temporal reality of the translation’s commencement.
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Manuscript Content and Context
Accounts suggest the lost pages contained an abridgment of the Book of Lehi. The fact that a substantial portion of the ancient record had been translated prior to the loss indicates a significant period of work that would have spanned at least several months, influencing the earliest possible start date for the translation process.
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Impact on Subsequent Translation
The loss of the 116 pages led to a period of reflection and, according to Smith’s account, divine chastisement. This event resulted in a revised approach to the translation, including a prohibition from re-translating the lost material directly. This change in methodology further demarcates the timeline into distinct phases: before and after the loss.
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Corroborating Testimony
The narrative surrounding the lost pages is supported by the accounts of those involved, including Martin Harris, who played a crucial role in transcribing and safeguarding the manuscript. These testimonies, while subject to varying interpretations, consistently reference a period of active translation preceding the loss, solidifying its significance in establishing the translation timeline.
The loss of the 116 pages, therefore, is not merely an ancillary detail but a pivotal episode that directly informs our understanding of when Joseph Smith began translating the Book of Mormon. It provides temporal markers, influences translation methodology, and is supported by corroborating accounts, all contributing to a more nuanced appreciation of the translation’s timeline.
5. Emma Smith’s Scribe Role
Emma Smith’s participation as a scribe directly connects to determining when Joseph Smith initiated the Book of Mormon translation. Her involvement marks one of the earliest phases of the process, providing a temporal anchor for dating the commencement of the work. Without her contribution as a scribe, the earliest tangible progress of the translation would lack documented support.
Emma Smith served as a scribe for Joseph Smith during the initial translation efforts. Her contribution, although not extensive compared to later scribes, establishes a benchmark for the early translation timeline. Real-life accounts and historical records corroborate her role during this period, situating the commencement of the translation within the timeframe of her scribal activity. This understanding is practically significant because it anchors the beginning of the translation to a specific period in Joseph Smith’s life and activities.
Her role, while limited in scope, provides evidence of active engagement with the translation process during a specific window of time. Considering Emma Smith’s involvement allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the early translation efforts. Historical analyses of source documents corroborate the timeframe of her assistance. Examining primary source records further refines the understanding of the connection between Emma Smith’s scribal role and the timeline associated with the translation.
6. Translation Process Change
Alterations in the translation methodology employed by Joseph Smith directly influence the understanding of when the Book of Mormon translation commenced and how it progressed. The transition from using seer stones to dictating behind a curtain, to other reported methods, demarcates different phases within the translation timeline. These changes represent distinct periods in the translation narrative, contributing to a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the overall process.
One significant example is the shift that occurred following the loss of the 116 manuscript pages. After this event, accounts state that Smith was instructed not to re-translate the same material, but to begin anew with a different section of the plates. This change in instruction necessitated a temporal pause and a subsequent recommencement of the translation process, potentially altering the pace and method employed. This shift illustrates how the adaptation of the translation methodology is not merely a procedural change but a critical factor impacting the temporal context of the project.
In conclusion, shifts in the translation approach offer insight into its progression. These changes, whether prompted by external events or internal decisions, significantly impacted the pace and chronology of the translation, ultimately influencing the determination of when the translation effectively began and the various stages it encompassed. Examining these variations provides a more comprehensive, albeit complex, timeline of the Book of Mormon translation process.
7. Oliver Cowdery’s Arrival
Oliver Cowdery’s arrival in Harmony, Pennsylvania, in April 1829, is a pivotal event intrinsically linked to establishing a more precise timeframe for the Book of Mormon translation. His presence and subsequent role as the primary scribe significantly impacted the pace and progression of the translation, providing a demarcation point in the overall timeline.
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Resumption of Translation Efforts
Cowdery’s arrival prompted the recommencement of active translation after a period of relative inactivity following the loss of the 116 pages and subsequent discouragement. This resumption marks a renewed phase of intense work, transitioning from earlier, sporadic efforts to a more sustained and productive period. The date of his arrival effectively anchors the beginning of this new phase.
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Shift in Scribe Dynamics
With Cowdery as the primary scribe, the translation process became more consistent and efficient. Unlike previous scribes who may have had competing responsibilities, Cowdery dedicated a significant amount of time solely to transcribing the dictated text. This increased focus facilitated a more continuous workflow, accelerating the translation’s completion.
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Documented Progress and Records
Cowdery’s involvement led to the creation of more detailed records and documentation of the translation process. His meticulous approach provided a more reliable record of daily progress, allowing for a clearer understanding of the volume of work completed within specific timeframes. This enhanced record-keeping is valuable for reconstructing the chronological development of the Book of Mormon.
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Testimony and Witness Accounts
Cowdery’s later testimony as one of the Three Witnesses provides additional corroborating evidence supporting the timeline of the translation. His direct involvement and attestation of having seen the plates and the divine origins of the Book of Mormon lend further credibility to the claim that significant translation activity occurred during the period of his service as a scribe.
In conclusion, Oliver Cowdery’s arrival not only signified a change in personnel but also catalyzed a substantial shift in the intensity and efficiency of the Book of Mormon translation. His dedication, meticulous record-keeping, and later testimony serve as key indicators for understanding the period when the bulk of the translation was completed, effectively establishing a more precise timeframe for the undertaking.
8. Resumption of Translation
The resumption of translation efforts concerning the Book of Mormon is inextricably linked to establishing the period when Joseph Smith engaged in the translation process. The timeline is not a continuous line but rather punctuated by periods of activity and inactivity. Consequently, understanding the moment the process restarts provides crucial insight into the overall duration and pace of the endeavor. The loss of the initial 116 manuscript pages served as a major impediment, temporarily halting translation work. The resumption following this event is a critical point in the chronological narrative. Without understanding when this occurred, the complete timeframe associated with the translation remains incomplete.
The cause of this resumption is attributed to multiple factors, including the arrival of Oliver Cowdery, who served as a dedicated scribe. Cowdery’s presence freed Smith from the burden of both translating and transcribing, allowing for greater focus and increased productivity. This is a practical example of how external factors directly affected the timeline of the translation. Historical records suggest that the most substantial portion of the translation occurred following Cowdery’s arrival, indicating that this resumption marked a period of heightened activity and progress. Another important element of this resumption includes Joseph Smith receiving a new revelation about not retranslating the lost manuscript.
In summary, the resumption of translation represents a critical juncture in the process. It allows for a more nuanced understanding of when Joseph Smith initiated and continued the undertaking. The loss of the manuscript, a tangible historical event, serves as a distinct point in time and is directly linked to the subsequent resumption of translation, a pivotal episode directly informing ones understanding of the period. This element provides a demarcation in the continuum of time, effectively marking the beginning of the main phase of Book of Mormon translation.
9. Significant Progress in 1829
The marked advancement in the Book of Mormon translation during 1829 is integrally connected to pinpointing its commencement. While initial efforts began earlier, it was in 1829 that the bulk of the translation work occurred. The degree of progress achieved that year provides a temporal marker, indicating that the initial starting point must have preceded it. Without the sustained effort and output of 1829, the project would not have reached completion by its publication date in March 1830. For example, the arrival of Oliver Cowdery as scribe directly correlated with the accelerated pace of the translation at this time. This increased production makes 1829 a key factor in determining the answer to when the initial translation actually began.
Further examination reveals the practical significance of understanding this period. The documented progress made in 1829 allows historians to correlate the translation process with external events, such as Smith’s location and interactions with associates. This correlation adds a layer of verifiable context to the historical narrative. Moreover, it allows for cross-referencing with existing documentation and accounts, providing a measure of verification of the timeline. Without a clear understanding of the rate and volume of output in 1829, any attempt to reconstruct the translation timeline would remain incomplete and lack crucial supporting evidence.
In conclusion, the substantial advancement made in 1829 is not merely a footnote in the history of the Book of Mormon translation, it forms a fundamental component in establishing the overall timeline. It represents a period of intensive labor that followed initial groundwork, and informs the scope and conditions under which Joseph Smith began his task. Comprehending the translations pace in 1829 allows for a greater understanding the earlier stages of this project. By focusing on this period of significant output, a more complete appreciation is achieved about the historical start time and total duration.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following section addresses common inquiries and misconceptions surrounding the timeline of the Book of Mormon translation process, specifically focusing on the period when Joseph Smith commenced this endeavor.
Question 1: What is the generally accepted year for when Joseph Smith began translating the Book of Mormon?
Historical records and accounts associated with the early Latter-day Saint movement indicate that Joseph Smith began translating the Book of Mormon in 1828.
Question 2: Was there any translation work done before 1828?
While Smith claimed to have received the gold plates in 1827, the documented translation efforts, involving scribes and manuscript creation, are primarily associated with 1828 and subsequent years.
Question 3: Who were the initial scribes who assisted Joseph Smith in the translation process?
Emma Smith, Joseph Smith’s wife, and Martin Harris were among the earliest individuals to serve as scribes during the initial translation phase.
Question 4: How did the loss of the 116 manuscript pages affect the translation timeline?
The loss of these pages resulted in a temporary halt to the translation process and, according to Smith’s account, a revised approach to the project, impacting the overall timeline and subsequent translation efforts.
Question 5: Did Oliver Cowdery’s arrival influence the speed and progress of the translation?
Oliver Cowdery’s arrival in 1829 and his subsequent role as the primary scribe significantly accelerated the translation process, allowing for more consistent and efficient progress.
Question 6: Is there definitive proof to precisely pinpoint the exact date when the translation commenced?
While pinpointing an exact date is difficult due to the nature of historical records and accounts, the year 1828 is widely accepted as the commencement period, based on available evidence and testimonies.
Understanding the timeline surrounding the initiation of the Book of Mormon translation requires careful consideration of available historical documents, accounts from individuals involved, and the various phases of the translation process itself.
The following section will provide a concluding summary, emphasizing the key findings presented throughout the article.
Tips for Researching the Book of Mormon Translation Timeline
Investigating the origins of the Book of Mormon requires a methodical approach. These tips offer strategies for navigating the historical data.
Tip 1: Consult Primary Sources. Engage with accounts from individuals directly involved, such as Joseph Smith, Emma Smith, Martin Harris, and Oliver Cowdery. These firsthand perspectives, while potentially subjective, provide direct insights into the translation process.
Tip 2: Examine Contemporary Documents. Explore historical records from the period, including letters, legal documents, and newspaper articles. These sources offer contextual information about the environment in which the translation took place.
Tip 3: Compare Multiple Accounts. Cross-reference different narratives to identify areas of agreement and disagreement. Recognizing discrepancies and attempting to reconcile them can lead to a more complete understanding.
Tip 4: Consider Source Reliability. Evaluate the biases, motivations, and potential inaccuracies within each source. A critical assessment of source reliability is essential for forming balanced conclusions.
Tip 5: Focus on Key Events. Pay particular attention to specific incidents, such as the loss of the 116 manuscript pages and the arrival of Oliver Cowdery. These events serve as important temporal markers in the translation timeline.
Tip 6: Analyze Manuscript Fragments. Scrutinize any extant portions of the original Book of Mormon manuscript. Examining handwriting, paper, and ink can reveal details about the translation process and chronology.
Tip 7: Understand Translation Methods. Research the methods employed during the translation, including the use of seer stones and the roles of scribes. A clear understanding of these techniques is critical for understanding the historical context.
These methods should offer more robust results in the examination of the Book of Mormon translation, when the translation commenced, and how it evolved.
By employing these investigative techniques, you can better understand the complexities of the Book of Mormon translation narrative.
Conclusion
The exploration of when Joseph Smith started translating the Book of Mormon consistently points to 1828 as the year when documented translation activity began. While preparatory events occurred previously, the initiation of manuscript creation, scribe involvement, and concrete evidence of progress firmly situate the commencement of translation within that timeframe. Key events, such as the loss of 116 pages and the subsequent arrival of Oliver Cowdery, further refine the timeline surrounding this pivotal event.
Determining the precise date remains a challenge, historical analysis necessitates a critical assessment of primary source materials and historical context. Further academic investigation and careful analysis should be the process going forward. The Book of Mormon’s origin story stands as a compelling topic, worthy of additional research.
