Summary Information

Date allocated to Revelation

April 1829

First Date Revelation Recorded

c. March 1831, Revelation Book 1

First Date Revelation Published

Mid 1833, Book of Commandments (as Section 5)

First Date Revelation Canonized
1835, Doctrine & Covenants
 
Period Between Revelation and First Record
c. 2 years

Previous Versions

Commentary

As with other revelations, it is the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants that sees the main redaction. There is an insertion of material at the end of section 5 and new material in what is now sections 6 and 7. This new material is connected with the introduction of the concept of the two priesthoods (Aaronic and Melchizedek) which first appears in the D&C in 1835.

Here in verse 7 we have an insertion of reference to “keys to ministry” which links to the accounts of Peter, James and John bestowing the Melchizedek priesthood on Joseph and Oliver in 1829 (but for which there is no documentary evidence prior to this and similar insertions in the 1835 D&C).

Bold Text indicates material excised in next edition
Italicised Text indicates material added in this edition

Revelation Book 1 (1831)

BoC (1833)

D&C (1835)

D&C (2013)

7th. Commandment AD 1829

A Revelation to Joseph & Oliver [Cowdery] concerning John the Beloved Deciple who leaned on his Saveiours breast given in Harmony Susquehannah County Pennsylvania

A Revelation given to Joseph and Oliver [Cowdery], in Harmony, Pennsylvania, April, 1829, when they desired to know whether John, the beloved disciple, tarried on earth. Translated from parchment, written and hid up by himself.

A Revelation given to Joseph Smith, jr. and Oliver Cowdery, in Harmony, Pennsylvania, April, 1829, when they desired to know whether John, the beloved disciple, tarried on earth.— Translated from parchment, written and hid up by himself.

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829, when they inquired through the Urim and Thummim as to whether John, the beloved disciple, tarried in the flesh or had died. The revelation is a translated version of the record made on parchment by John and hidden up by himself.

1

And the Lord said unto me. John my Beloved what desiredst thou

AND the Lord said unto me, John my beloved, what desirest thou?

And the Lord said unto me, John, my beloved, what desirest thou? For if ye shall ask, what you will, it shall be granted unto you

And the Lord said unto me: John, my beloved, what desirest thou? For if you shall ask what you will, it shall be granted unto you.

2

& I said Lord give unto me power that I may bring souls unto thee

and I said Lord, give unto me power that I may bring souls unto thee.—

And I said unto him, Lord, give unto me power over death, that I may live and bring souls unto thee.

2 And I said unto him: Lord, give unto me power over death, that I may live and bring souls unto thee.

3

& the Lord said unto me Verily Verily I say unto thee because thou desiredst this thou shalt tarry until I come in my glory

And the Lord said unto me: Verily, verily I say unto thee, because thou desiredst this, thou shalt tarry till I come in my glory:

And the Lord said unto me, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, because thou desiredst this thou shalt tarry until I come in my glory, and shall prophesy before nations, kindreds, tongues and people.

And the Lord said unto me: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, because thou desirest this thou shalt tarry until I come in my glory, and shalt prophesy before nations, kindreds, tongues and people.

4

& for this cause the Lord said unto Peter if I will that he tarry till I come what is that to thee

For he desiredst of me that he might bring souls unto me but thou desiredst that thou mightest come unto me in my kingdom

And for this cause, the Lord said unto Peter:— If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? for he desiredst of me that he might bring souls unto me: but thou desiredst that thou might speedily come unto me in my kingdom:

And for this cause the Lord said unto Peter, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? For he desiredst of me that he might bring souls unto me; but thou desiredst that thou might speedily come unto me in my kingdom.

And for this cause the Lord said unto Peter: If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? For he desired of me that he might bring souls unto me, but thou desiredst that thou mightest speedily come unto me in my kingdom.

5

I say unto thee Peter this was a good desire but my beloved hath undertaken a greater work

I say unto thee, Peter, this was a good desire, but my beloved has undertaken a greater work.

I say unto thee, Peter, this was a good desire, but my beloved has desired that he might do more, or a greater work, yet among men than what he has before done;

I say unto thee, Peter, this was a good desire; but my beloved has desired that he might do more, or a greater work yet among men than what he has before done.

6

yea, he has undertaken a greater work; therefore, I will make him as flaming fire and a ministering angel: he shall minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation who dwell on the earth;

Yea, he has undertaken a greater work; therefore I will make him as flaming fire and a ministering angel; he shall minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation who dwell on the earth.

7

and I will make thee to minister for him and for thy brother James: and unto you three I will give this power and the keys of this ministry until I come.

And I will make thee to minister for him and for thy brother James; and unto you three I will give this power and the keys of this ministry until I come.

8

Verily I say unto you ye shall both have according to your desires for ye both Joy in that which ye desired

Verily I say unto you, ye shall both have according to your desires, for ye both joy in that which ye have desired.

Verily I say unto you, ye shall both have according to your desires, for ye both joy in that which ye have desired.

Verily I say unto you, ye shall both have according to your desires, for ye both joy in that which ye have desired.