Summary Information

Date allocated to Revelation

June 1829

First Date Revelation Recorded

1833, Book of Commandments

First Date Revelation Published

1833, Book of Commandments

First Date Revelation Canonized
1835, Doctrine & Covenants
 
Period Between Revelation and First Record
Four years

Previous Versions

  • Revelation Book 1 – The pages upon which this revelation was recorded (by John Whitmer) have been excised from Revelation Book 1. The hand written index to the revelations lists it as “First Commandment to David” and being on page 17.
  • Book of Commandments (Mid 1833) – as Section 12
  • Doctrine and Covenants 1835 – as Section 39

Commentary

The original handwritten version has been removed from Revelation Book 1, but it is clear from the index of that book that this was the Revelation on page 17.

There is minimal redaction between the 1833 version and the modern version.

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

BoC (1833)

D&C (1835)

D&C (2013)

A Revelation given to David, in Fayette, New-York, June, 1829.

Revelation given to David Whitmer, June, 1829.

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to David Whitmer, at Fayette, New York, June 1829. The Whitmer family had become greatly interested in the translating of the Book of Mormon. The Prophet established his residence at the home of Peter Whitmer Sr., where he dwelt until the work of translation was carried to completion and the copyright on the forthcoming book was secured. Three of the Whitmer sons, each having received a testimony as to the genuineness of the work, became deeply concerned over the matter of their individual duty. This revelation and the two following (sections 15 and 16) were given in answer to an inquiry through the Urim and Thummim. David Whitmer later became one of the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon.

1

A GREAT and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men:

A great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men:

A great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men.

2

behold I am God, and give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow: therefore, give heed unto my word.

behold I am God, and give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow: therefore, give heed unto my word.

Behold, I am God; give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore give heed unto my word.

3

Behold the field is white already to harvest, therefore, whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God:

Behold the field is white already to harvest, therefore, whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God:

Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth to reap let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God.

4

Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God:

yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God:

Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God.

5

therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.

therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.

Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.

6

Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion.— Keep my commandments in all things,

Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion. Keep my commandments in all things,

Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion. Keep my commandments in all things.

7

and if you keep my commandments, and endure to the end, you shall have eternal life; which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.

and if you keep my commandments and endure to the end, you shall have eternal life; which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.

And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.

8

And it shall come to pass, that if you shall ask the Father in my name, in faith believing, you shall receive the Holy Ghost, which giveth utterance, that you may stand as a witness of the things of which you shall both hear and see; and also, that you may declare repentance unto this generation.

And it shall come to pass, that if you shall ask the Father in my name, in faith believing, you shall receive the Holy Ghost, which giveth utterance, that you may stand as a witness of the things of which you shall both hear and see; and also, that you may declare repentance unto this generation.

And it shall come to pass, that if you shall ask the Father in my name, in faith believing, you shall receive the Holy Ghost, which giveth utterance, that you may stand as a witness of the things of which you shall both hear and see, and also that you may declare repentance unto this generation.

9

Behold I am Jesus Christ the Son of the living God, which created the heavens and the earth; a light which cannot be hid in darkness:

Behold I am Jesus Christ the Son of the living God, who created the heavens and the earth; a light which cannot be hid in darkness:

Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who created the heavens and the earth, a light which cannot be hid in darkness;

10

wherefore, I must bring forth the fulness of my gospel from the Gentiles unto the house of Israel.

wherefore, I must bring forth the fulness of my gospel from the Gentiles unto the house of Israel.

Wherefore, I must bring forth the fulness of my gospel from the Gentiles unto the house of Israel.

11

And behold thou art David, and thou art called to assist: Which thing if ye do, and are faithful, ye shall be blessed both spiritually and temporally, and great shall be your reward: Amen.

And behold thou art David, and thou art called to assist: which thing if ye do, and are faithful, ye shall be blessed both spiritually and temporally, and great shall be your reward. Amen.

And behold, thou art David, and thou art called to assist; which thing if ye do, and are faithful, ye shall be blessed both spiritually and temporally, and great shall be your reward. Amen.