D&C 47

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 47

Received on March 8, 1831, in Kirtland, Ohio. This revelation called John Whitmer, one of the Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, to serve as the official historian and recorder of the Church. He was to keep a regular history and assist the Prophet Joseph Smith in transcribing important documents.

Scripture

John Whitmer Called as Church Historian

Study note

John Whitmer is appointed to keep a regular history of the Church and to write and record important matters as directed by the Spirit.

1 Behold, it is expedient in me that my servant John should write and keep a regular history, and assist you, my servant Joseph, in transcribing all things which shall be given you, until he is called to further duties.

2 Again, verily I say unto you that he can also lift up his voice in meetings, whenever it shall be expedient.

3 And again, I say unto you that it shall be appointed unto him to keep the church record and history continually; for Oliver Cowdery I have appointed to another office.

4 Wherefore, it shall be given him, inasmuch as he is faithful, by the Comforter, to write these things. Even so. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 47

The importance of record-keeping in God's kingdomPersonal calling to preserve Church historyWriting by the inspiration of the Holy SpiritAccountability and stewardship over sacred records

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 47 1-3 Luke 1:1-4

Luke carefully compiled an orderly account of Christ's ministry for future generations, just as John Whitmer was called to keep an accurate record of the Church.

D&C 47 1-2 Jeremiah 30:2

The Lord's command to keep records echoes Jeremiah's divine charge to write all the words God had spoken in a book.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 47

The calling of a church historian reminds us that God values the preservation of His work across generations. Record-keeping—whether through journals, histories, or personal records—ensures that the lessons of the past are not lost. In our own lives, keeping journals and recording spiritual experiences creates a legacy of faith for future generations. The instruction that John Whitmer should write by the Spirit also reminds us that even seemingly mundane tasks like record-keeping can be sacred when done with spiritual intent.

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