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by W. John Walsh

Joseph Smith made many changes to the Bible.   Doesn't this violate the principles laid down by Revelation 22:18-19?

Revelation 22:18-9 which states:

"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book."

The apostle John warned people against altering his prophetic utterances, thereby changing their original meaning.  Joseph Smith's changes, as found in the Joseph Smith Translation (JST), contain clarifications and corrections designed to bring the Biblical text back to their original meaning.  The Prophet Joseph Smith explained:

"I believe the Bible as it read when it came from the pen of the original writers. Ignorant translators, careless transcribers, or designing and corrupt priests have committed many errors" (TPJS, p. 327).

"From sundry revelations which had been received, it was apparent that many points touching the salvation of men, had been taken from the Bible, or lost before it was compiled" (TPJS, pp. 9-10).

Therefore, since Joseph Smith was restoring John's original intent and meaning, the verses to not apply to the Joseph Smith Translation.

(See Joseph Smith Translation (JST); Response to Criticism home page; Accusatory Questions home page)