Hello. I have a question. I’m trying to help my friend by reading the scriptures with her. We noticed that in the Joseph Smith translation, a scripture says not to judge unjustly, lest ye be judged. However, in the original version, it says simply not to judge. The question we have is, in 3 Nephi Christ told the Nephites simply that they should not judge. If the Bible needed to be corrected, why wasn’t the same correction made in the Book of Mormon? Shouldn’t the Book of Mormon also say not to judge unjustly? I didn’t know how to explain this to my friend. I thought it would be good to ask here.
One Response to “Judge not, or Judge not Unjustly?”
Pedro Bravo
2014-05-04 18:50:22
Joseph Smith was the first president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He received a message from God to restore Christ’s ancient church in modern times.
Hi brother. The Joseph Smith Translation hasn't been canonized in our church. It's incomplete because Joseph Smith died before it was finished. It shouldn't be given equal weight as the canonized scriptures.
Joseph Smith often used the word "translation" differently than we use it today. For example, sometimes he referred to revelations as "translations" (e.g. the Book of Moses). In my view, the Joseph Smith "translation" is more of an incomplete albeit divinely inspired biblical commentary, not necessarily an actual translation of any ancient manuscript.
Joseph Smith often used the word "translation" differently than we use it today. For example, sometimes he referred to revelations as "translations" (e.g. the Book of Moses). In my view, the Joseph Smith "translation" is more of an incomplete albeit divinely inspired biblical commentary, not necessarily an actual translation of any ancient manuscript.
I hope this answer helps.