General Handbook update invites Latter-day Saints to look beyond the King James Bible

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints updated its General Handbook in December, inviting members to use multiple Bible translations instead of relying exclusively on the King James version.

The update clarifies that various translations may be used in personal study as well as in meetings and lessons to increase understanding. The adjustment came weeks before Come, Follow Me shifted to Bible study for the next two years.

The revised guideline states, Generally, members should use a preferred or Church-published edition of the Bible in Church classes and meetings. This helps maintain clarity in discussions and a consistent understanding of doctrine. Other Bible translations may also be used. Some individuals may benefit from translations that are doctrinally clear and also easier to understand.

The Church currently provides a list of preferred English Bible editions organized by reading level and has indicated it is working to add similar guidance for other languages.

The handbook update is already influencing how some students approach scripture study. Jonas Seguine, a BYU student who served a mission in Greece, said his exposure to Greek texts and modern translations changed how he reads the Bible.

I have been able to break out of my preconceived notions Ive grown up hearing this scripture phrased this way my whole life, so it can be a little strange at times to look at a verse and be like wait, this is kind of saying something a little bit different than what I thought and understood, Seguine said.

Joshua Matson, a professor in BYUs ancient scripture department, said he has long encouraged students to compare translations and was excited about the update.

I just celebrated. I think its amazing. It helps for the global church, but ultimately, it helps for understanding. Why wouldnt we celebrate being able to read the Bible at a level thats more understandable for most of us? Matson said.

Matson said the timing of the update is significant because Come, Follow Me begins two consecutive years of Bible study, first with the Old Testament, followed by the New Testament.

This was planned and intentional so that when we started the Bible, the policy change came. That is something I love about prophets, seers and revelators, it's that were following individuals who are trying to make an impact ahead of time. And it couldnt have been a better time, Matson said.

He added that ancient texts cannot be translated without interpretation. Ancient words often carry a range of meanings, and Matson said members should not feel hesitant about who translated the Bible, noting some translators had access to historical context and manuscripts unavailable in earlier versions.

These translations are done by individuals who have a strong belief that the Bible is the Word of God. Theyre not trying to undermine any of that," Matson said. "And in a lot of cases, these newer translations are older manuscripts that werent accessible so these other translations are actually getting us a clearer picture of what the New and Old Testament is supposed to say.

International members also have value in reading across languages and editions. Vincent Morgan, a Norwegian linguistics major who has studied the Bible in multiple languages, said using different editions helps clarify doctrine.

It clarifies points of doctrine that otherwise might be confusing. Being able to see different translations, you see that different authors emphasize different things I can find what makes the most sense and what meshes best with my understanding of the gospel, Morgan said.

As Church members prepare for extended Bible study, Matson said he hopes the clarification encourages broader engagement with the text.

These translations help us understand the Bible, and these other translations bring us close to Jesus Christ. We can and should use those so that we can understand what is going on, Matson said.

Read the updated handbook page here.