D&C 91

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 91

Received March 9, 1833, in Kirtland, Ohio. While working on the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible, Joseph inquired of the Lord about whether the Apocrypha (books found in some biblical traditions but not in the Protestant canon) should be translated. The Lord explained that the Apocrypha contains a mix of truth and human interpolation and was not necessary to translate, though it could be edifying when read by the Spirit.

Scripture

The Apocrypha: Truth Mixed with Error

Study note

The Lord confirms that the Apocrypha contains many true things and also many things that are not true, having been altered by human hands. Translation is unnecessary.

1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you concerning the Apocrypha—There are many things contained therein that are true, and it is mostly translated correctly;

2 There are many things contained therein that are not true, which are interpolations by the hands of men.

3 Verily, I say unto you, that it is not needful that the Apocrypha should be translated.

Guidance for Reading the Apocrypha

Study note

Those who read the Apocrypha with the Spirit will profit from it. Those without the Spirit will not benefit. The Spirit testifies of truth wherever it is found.

4 Therefore, whoso readeth it, let him understand, for the Spirit manifesteth truth;

5 And whoso is enlightened by the Spirit shall obtain benefit therefrom;

6 And whoso receiveth not by the Spirit, cannot be benefited. Therefore it is not needful that it should be translated. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 91

Discerning truth in imperfect textsThe Holy Spirit as the ultimate guide to truthNot all scripture is equally reliableTruth can be found in unexpected sourcesThe Spirit profits the reader more than the text

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 91 4-6 1 John 4:1

The instruction to discern truth by the Spirit echoes John's counsel to try the spirits and not believe every spirit, testing all things against the truth of God.

D&C 91 1-3 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The recognition that scripture can be profitable while acknowledging human corruption of texts provides nuance to Paul's teaching that all scripture is given by inspiration of God.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 91

This brief revelation provides a masterful framework for engaging with any text, tradition, or source of information. Rather than banning a text outright or accepting it uncritically, the Lord teaches a middle way: read by the Spirit, take what is true, and leave what is not. This principle applies far beyond the Apocrypha—to the books we read, the media we consume, and the ideas we encounter. The Spirit is the ultimate discernment tool, capable of sifting truth from error in any context. We need not fear engaging with the world's wisdom as long as we bring the Spirit as our companion.

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