The work of translation began in the latter half of 1830 and was completed on July 2, 1833, although the manuscripts indicate additional editing by Joseph after that date. Many sections in the Doctrine and Covenants give the Lord's instructions regarding the translation (see D&C 34:5; 42:5c, 15a; 45:11a; 73:2a; 76:3c; 87:5a; and 90:12).
Although the work is referred to as a "translation," it should be understood that the process of receiving the text was primarily revelatory, as opposed to the modern definition of scholarly conversion of a writing from one language to another. The Doctrine and Covenants indicates the inspired and revelatory nature of the work: "the Scriptures shall be given even as they are in mine own bosom, to the salvation of mine own elect" (D&C 34:5b).
In view of Joseph Smith's revelatory experience, it was natural that he should seek more light relative to the biblical text, especially as he came to realize the inadequacy of the available versions. Revelations concerning the creation and early history of mankind and the prophecy of Enoch were received between June and December, 1830. The specific commandments authorizing the "New Translation" are found in the Doctrine and Covenants:
and a commandment I give unto thee [Sidney Rigdon], that thou shalt write for him [Joseph Smith]; and the Scriptures shall be given even as they are in mine own bosom, to the salvation of mine own elect.--Section 34:5, December 1830.
Thou shalt ask, and my Scriptures shall be given as I have appointed, and they shall be preserved in safety; and it is expedient that thou shouldst hold thy peace concerning them, and not teach them until thou hast received them in full.--Section 42:15a, February 1831.
And now, behold, I say unto you, it shall not be given unto you to know any further concerning this chapter [Matthew 24], until the New Testament be translated, and in it all these things shall be made known; wherefore, I give unto you that you may now translate it, that ye may be prepared for the things to come; for verily I say unto you, that great things await you.--Section 45:11a, b, March 1831.
Smith claimed that he received a revelation on January 10, 1832 commanding him “to continue the work of translation until it be finished” (D&C 73:4b). A year and a half later, Joseph Smith said his translation was completed. On July 2, 1833, History of the Church 1:368 reported,
“We this day finished the translating of the Scriptures, for which we return gratitude to our Heavenly Father.”
“The Joseph Smith Translation, or Inspired Version, is a thousand times over the best Bible now existing on earth. It contains all that the King James Version does, plus pages of additions and corrections and an occasional deletion. It was made by the spirit of revelation, and the changes and additions are the equivalent of the revealed word in the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants. For historical and other reasons, there has been among some members of the Church in times past some prejudice and misunderstanding of the place of the Joseph Smith Translation. I hope this has now all vanished away. Our new Church Bible footnotes many of the major changes made in the Inspired Version and has a seventeen-page section which sets forth excerpts that are too lengthy for inclusion in the footnotes. Reference to this section and to the footnotes themselves will give anyone who has spiritual insight a deep appreciation of this revelatory work of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It is one of the great evidences of his prophetic call”
(Sermons and Writings of Bruce R. McConkie, p. 289). http://www.mrm.org/smith-inspired-version
LDS in general are not going to argue the point.
The Bible is still the word of God, that has not changed and is the word of God unto salvation. Like it or not.