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According to Latter Day Saint belief, the golden plates (also called the gold plates or in some 19th-century literature, the golden bible) [1] are the source from which Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, a sacred text of the faith. [2]
A replica of the Book of Mormon plates. With rumors swirling about the plates, Joseph sought to set the record straight by publishing official statements in the first edition of the Book of Mormon.
Learn how Joseph Smith received the gift and power to translate the ancient record of the Book of Mormon from hieroglyphics. Read quotes from Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and Emma Smith, and see who witnessed the gold plates.
Joseph Smith was careful to obey the command from the Lord that he not show the plates to others. As he translated the Book of Mormon, Joseph learned that special witnesses would be called to bear testimony of the ancient record written on metal plates.
Joseph Smith—History 1:60–61. The trouble was so bad that Joseph and Emma decided to go back to Pennsylvania, where Joseph hoped he could begin translating the plates in peace. A man named Martin Harris lived near Joseph. He was kind to Joseph and Emma and gave them money to help them move.
Engraved metal plates are significant in the Latter Day Saint movement because in 1827, the founder, Joseph Smith, claimed to have obtained a set of engraved golden plates he had found four years earlier after being directed there by an angel. [1]
Gold plates. Summary. A record engraved on gold plates, which JS translated and published as the Book of Mormon. The text explained that the plates were an abridgment of other ancient records and were written by an American prophet named Mormon and his son Moroni.
