To express the meaning of an idea given in one language in equal terms in another language (Mosiah 8: 8-13; A of F 1: 8). In the scriptures it is often referred to as a gift from God (Alma 9: 21; D&C 8; 9: 7-9). It sometimes can mean to improve or correct an existing translation in a language or to restore a lost text (D&C 45: 60-61). Joseph Smith was commanded to undertake an inspired translation of the King James Bible (D&C 42: 56; 76: 15).

Joseph Smith had the power to translate through the mercy of God, by the power of God, D&C 1: 29. You have a gift to translate, D&C 5: 4. I grant unto you a gift, if you desire of me, to translate, D&C 6: 25. God gave Joseph Smith power from on high to translate the Book of Mormon, D&C 20: 8. By the means of the Urim and Thummim I translated some of the characters, JS-H 1: 62 (Mosiah 8: 13; 28: 13).