LDS members are always on the same scriptural page, both literally and figuratively. Why? The answer is twofold and simple. The King James Version (KJV) is the only Bible translation used and most members use an LDS edition of the scriptures (1981 or 2013). All editions use the same pagination. So, besides referring to a scripture by book, chapter and verse, you can refer to a page number as well.
All digital versions of the 2013 edition were published in March, 2013. This includes audio, HTML, PDF, EPUB and mobile versions. They can all be downloaded from the Church's site. Print versions became available later in the Church's Online Store, as well as other retail outlets.
How LDS Editions are Organized
LDS scripture editions include the four books the Latter-day Saints accept as scripture. The other scriptures are organized like the Bible into books, chapters (or sections) and verses. So, they can be accessed just like references to the Bible are accessed. It makes sense to correlate them and even publish them in the same binding.
The Church first published an LDS edition of the scriptures in 1981. The 2013 edition took eight years to complete and is the first alteration of the original edition.
What Extra Features are There?
Although the scriptural content is largely unchanged, the LDS editions include footnotes, headnotes, study helps, maps, pictures and other features unique to the faith that supplement the King James text.
The 2013 edition built on the features first available in the 1981 edition.
See the list below:
- Topical Guide
- Bible Dictionary
- Bible Chronology
- Harmony of the Gospels
- Joseph Smith Translation
- Bible Maps
- Bible Photographs
- Index to Triple Combination
- Church History Maps
- Church History Photographs
- Guide to the Scriptures
- Explanation Concerning Abbreviations
Most changes in the new 2013 edition update spelling, grammar or historical details. Maps and pictures have been updated or added. And, some of the section and chapter headnotes have changed, because historical research has yielded additional details.
All of these reference and study helps can assist you in understanding how the LDS interpret the scriptures. They can also guide you to other valuable resources the LDS use.
Footnotes Packed With Valuable Information
Footnotes make the LDS editions of the scriptures different from editions published by other faiths. They are in column format at the bottom of each page and can be quite extensive.
For example, if you look up the 10 Commandments in an LDS edition of the Bible, the footnotes will refer you to other 10 Commandments references in The Book of Mormon or other LDS scripture. Consider Ezekial 20:8.
Remember the asabbath day, to keep it bholy.
Footnote "a" next to the word "sabbath" reads:
HEB stopping, cessation, rest (from labor). See Ex. 31:17. TG Sabbath.
HEB gives the Hebrew definition of the word, "sabbath." Exodus, chapter 31, verse 17 also teaches this commandment. And, "TG" stands for Topical Guide. This is a subject guide that will help you find references that refer to the "Sabbath" in other books of scripture, like D&C 59:9 which reads:
And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day;
Abbreviations Help Clarify Meaning
Besides being referred to other supportive scripture, the footnotes contain other features unique to the LDS editions. When you see an abbreviation in the footnotes like those in the list below, they indicate something special and the extra details follow.
- JST
- HEB
- GRK
- IE
- OR
For example, "JST" can direct you to the Joseph Smith Translation where you can find any alterations Joseph Smith added to the original text. Short additions appear in the footnotes. More extensive alterations appear in a special section.
The abbreviations "HEB" and "GRK" indicate alternate text translations from Hebrew and Greek. If you encounter some difficult wording or idioms in scripture, look for "IE" in the footnotes. It will provide an explanation. If you chance upon an outdated expression, the abbreviation "OR" can help you sort it out by providing synonyms you are more familiar with.
Regardless of the format you choose, the LDS editions augment your understanding of the scriptures with features unavailable anywhere else.