Let's turn to the scriptures. Peter exlpains, "...that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:20 - 21)

The last prophet who wrote in the Book of Mormon promises those who read it, "And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. (Book of Mormon | Moroni 10:4 - 5)

The real question is, were the translators in each of the approximate 16 translations of the Bible from the original Greek and Hebrew down to the Kings James Version inspired by the Holy Ghost and for that matter is the reader inspired to understand the meaning intended by the prophets who were inspired to write the Books of the Bible? Typically a translation entails the hearing or reading of one language and then the expression in another language. The only way that bias or personal interpretations would not enter into the translations would be if each translator was inspired by the Holy Ghost. As you may observe in my answers, we refer to the Bible extensively and find relatively few things that may be considered mistranslations.

The Book of Mormon was translated from an ancient record written in a reformed Egyptian hieroglyphic language, which was not understood by young Joseph Smith. The ancient records were seen by eleven special witnesses before it was returned to Moroni, the heavenly messenger who had custody of them. Three of the witnesses saw and heard a declaration of the truth of the record, from Moroni himself. The translation only came when Joseph was in tune to the spirit, the same as the ancient prophets who wrote. Joseph's scribe, Oliver Cowdery, testified that the translation of the Book of Mormon came only by the gift and power of God.

Anyone who wants to know the truth of the Book of Mormon or any passage of scripture and understand God's will concerning it needs to be prayerful and seek the inspiration of the Holy Spirit themselves. This is emphasized by Paul as he wrote, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:9 - 14)

John noted that not everyone would recognize or receive this kind of divine guidance as he quoted Christ, saying: "If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (John 14:15 - 17) The Lord goes on to explain the wonderful advantage to those who will receive of the Spirit, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)

I hope this can help answer your question. Thanks again for your email.

Sincerely,

Donny Osmond


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