Seer Stone

Did Joseph Smith use a seer stone to translate the Book of Mormon?

Yes

Joseph Smith used a seer stone during part of the Book of Mormon translation. Eyewitnesses described two instruments: the Nephite interpreters—the stones later associated with the Urim and Thummim—and a small brown seer stone Joseph had previously found. Martin Harris reported that Joseph initially used the interpreters and later used his seer stone ‘for convenience.’

The translation was accomplished by the power of God, not by the stone itself. The Lord revealed the English text through a revelatory process, speaking ‘according to their language, unto their understanding’ (D&C 1:24). Joseph’s use of the stone was redirected from earlier treasure-seeking activities toward the sacred work of revelation and translation.

D&C 1:24

Behold, I am God and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding.

FAIR - Question: Did Joseph Smith use his own seer stone to translate the Book of Mormon?

Question: Did Joseph Smith use his own seer stone to translate the Book of Mormon?

Gospel Topics - Book of Mormon Translation

What do we know about Joseph Smith’s use of the interpreters and seer stone in translating the Book of Mormon?

Church History Topics - Treasure Seeking

Though it was not uncommon in Joseph Smith’s time and place to encounter people who claimed to use stones to search for lost or hidden objects, using a seer stone to translate an ancient record was unheard of. God gave Joseph Smith power to translate the Book of Mormon, redirecting Joseph’s use of the seer stone toward work of a spiritual nature.

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