You are here

KnoWhy #454 - What Do the Kinderhook Plates Reveal About Joseph Smith’s Gift of Translation? (Mosiah 8:12-13)

TitleKnoWhy #454 - What Do the Kinderhook Plates Reveal About Joseph Smith’s Gift of Translation? (Mosiah 8:12-13)
Publication TypeKnoWhy
Year of Publication2018
Corporate AuthorsBook of Mormon Central Staff
PublisherBook of Mormon Central
Place PublishedSpringville, UT
KeywordsArchaeology; Early Church History; Forgery; Hoax; Kinderhook Plates; Smith, Joseph, Jr.; Translation
Abstract

In May 1843, a set of bell-shaped brass plates were brought to Joseph Smith to see if he would translate them. These plates were later revealed to be forgeries meant to expose Joseph as a fraud. Historical evidence, however, suggests that Joseph wasn't fooled. He briefly examined them and compared them other ancient writings in his possession, and may have offered an ordinary translation of a "portion" of them. But there is no evidence Joseph ever sought or received revelation about these plates, and he never produced a full translation. Joseph's "gift and power" to translate did not work on these bogus plates, and he lost interest in them quickly.

URLhttps://knowhy.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/what-do-the-kinderhook-plates-reveal-about-joseph-smiths-gift-of-translation
Citation Key4406

Scripture Reference

Mosiah 8:12-13