Doctrine and Covenants Commentary - Section 73

by Don R. Hender

Scriptural Text [& Editorial]
Commentary & Explanation
Footnotes ~ References ~ JST
             SECTION 73

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, at Hiram, Ohio, January 10, 1832. HC 1:241-242. Since the early part of the preceding December, the Prophet and Sidney had been engaged in preaching, and by this means much was accomplished in diminishing the unfavorable feelings that had arisen against the Chruch (see heading to Section 71).

     
    1-2, Elders are to continue to preach;
    3-6, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon are to continue to translate the Bible until it is finished.
 1 FOR verily, thus saith the Lord, it is expedient in me that athey should continue preaching the gospel, and in exhortation to the churches in the regions round about, until conference;

 2 And then, behold, it shall be made known unto them, by the avoice of the conference, their several missions.

 3 Now, verily I say unto you my servants, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon, saith the Lord, it is aexpedient to btranslate again;

 4 And, inasmuch as it is practicable, to preach in the regions round about until conference; and after that it is expedient to continue the work of atranslation until it be finisheda.

 4a it is expedient to continue the work of translation until it be finished Now there are likely various reason that such a translation of the Bible be made. Yet by no means ought it to be considered that Joseph Smith's Translation was ever 100% inclusive. Much was not fully translated but it was 'completed'. The difference was that Joseph's translation was not to be a full rewriting of the Bible, but more of an interpretive translation restoring much that had been lost which was important to restore. Another very likely purpose and particularly in view of Sidney Rigdon being scribe, is that in setting forth doctrine and understanding according to the truth of the matter. Certainly all the various sects of the Christian religion had at its source the same Bible, but they so interpreted them according to the dictates of their own minds. If anyone in the early restored Chruch may tend to do this, it would have been Sidney Rigdon. But what could he say in view of divine revealed translations as given through Joseph Smith the Prophet? I presume that many a considered doctrine in Sidney's mind was properly formed from what it might have been due to the simple fact that Sidney wrote down as Joseph dictated by revelation from God the 'proper' words of understanding the Bible.
 5 And let this be a pattern unto the elders until further knowledge, even as it is written.

 6 Now I give no more unto you at this time. aGird up your loins and be sober. Even so. Amen.