LDS Beliefs About the Bible: An 8th Article of Faith

Which Bible Do Latter-day Saints Use?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints uses the Bible—specifically the King James Version—as one of its four standard works, or scriptures. The 8th Article of Faith, written by Joseph Smith in 1842, states: "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly." This statement has sometimes been misunderstood by those outside the faith as indicating LDS distrust of the Bible. In fact, it reflects a nuanced understanding of how ancient texts are transmitted and translated across languages and centuries.

The principle underlying the 8th Article of Faith is sound textual scholarship. Ancient manuscripts were copied by hand for centuries before the invention of the printing press. Copying errors, scribal additions, and intentional alterations occurred. When the Bible was translated from Greek and Hebrew into Latin (the Vulgate), into English (the King James Version, Geneva Bible, and others), and into every other language, translation decisions had to be made. Some passages were translated more literally; others more freely. Variant manuscripts sometimes offered different readings. The 8th Article of Faith acknowledges this reality.

The phrase "as far as it is translated correctly" does not mean Latter-day Saints are skeptics of scripture. Rather, it means they acknowledge that imperfection can occur in transmission and translation, and they trust that God will make His will known through His living prophets. The statement is not meant to undermine biblical authority but to explain why additional revelation was necessary in Joseph Smith's time and why ongoing revelation through prophets is necessary to the church.

The 8th Article of Faith Explained

The Book of Mormon frequently references and quotes the Old Testament, particularly the writings of Isaiah. In fact, the Book of Mormon includes large passages from Isaiah, sometimes identical to the King James Version and sometimes with variations. 1 Nephi 13:28-32 explains that the reasons for some differences are that "the plain and precious things which have been taken away from the book, which is the book of the Lamb of God" will be restored through the Book of Mormon and other revealed truth. The Book of Mormon thus supplements the Bible, providing another witness to Christ and restoring or clarifying truths.

The Joseph Smith Translation

Joseph Smith produced what is called the Joseph Smith Translation (JST) of the Bible between 1830 and 1844. This was not a translation from original manuscripts but rather a inspired revision that Joseph Smith believed restored plain truths that had been lost or obscured. The JST made changes to numerous passages, sometimes adding entire paragraphs. Excerpts from the JST are published as footnotes in the official LDS Bible, and important passages from the JST are included in the Pearl of Great Price (specifically, the books of Moses and Abraham, which Smith claimed to translate).

One example of the JST's difference from the traditional Bible is the account of Adam and Eve in Genesis. In the Joseph Smith Translation, Adam and Eve have a conversation after being cast out of Eden where they learn about the Atonement of Christ and their own future glory. This expansion changes the theological weight of the fall narrative. Similar examples appear throughout, where the JST's version emphasizes Christ, repentance, and the plan of salvation in ways some would argue the King James Version leaves implicit.

All Four Standard Works

The church's official scripture use integrates all four standard works. During Sunday services, readings come from all four: Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. The Come Follow Me curriculum cycles through the scriptures systematically, helping members study all four simultaneously. This approach means members gain a comprehensive scriptural education that balances the historical narratives and wisdom of the Bible with the additional revelation members believe came through the restoration.

Latter-day Saints are taught that the Bible is indeed the word of God and can be trusted. The many accounts of Christ's ministry in the New Testament, His teachings about love, forgiveness, and redemption, the history of Israel in the Old Testament, and the eternal principles found throughout are all affirmed. However, members are also taught that the Bible is not the only scripture. Additional revelation was necessary to clarify and restore truths, particularly about the eternal nature of God, the pre-mortal existence of spirits, temple ordinances, and the fullness of Christ's teachings.

A practical example of how Latter-day Saints use the Bible appears in temple ceremonies, where Old Testament narratives and principles are enacted and taught symbolically. The story of Adam and Eve, the building of the Tower of Babel, and the journey of the patriarchs are all woven into temple teaching, always pointing toward Christ and the plan of salvation. This shows that LDS use of the Bible is not superficial but deeply integrated into the most sacred practices.