Religion:Doctrine and Covenants

Short description: Part of the scriptural canons of Latter Day Saint denominations

Doctrine and Covenants
Information
Religion	Latter Day Saint movement
Language	English language
Period	1835–1978 LDS/2016 CoC
Chapters	138 LDS/165 CoC
Verses	Many thousands

The Doctrine and Covenants (sometimes abbreviated and cited as D&C or D. and C.) is a part of the open scriptural canon of several denominations of the Latter Day Saint movement. Originally published in 1835 as Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of the Latter Day Saints: Carefully Selected from the Revelations of God, editions of the book continue to be printed mainly by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and the Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints [RLDS Church]).

The book originally contained two parts: a sequence of lectures setting forth basic church doctrine, followed by a compilation of revelations, or "covenants" of the church: thus the name "Doctrine and Covenants". The "doctrine" portion of the book, however, has been removed by both the LDS Church and Community of Christ. The remaining portion of the book contains revelations on numerous topics, most of which were dictated by the movement's founder Joseph Smith, supplemented by materials periodically added by each denomination.

Controversy has existed between the two largest denominations of the Latter Day Saint movement over some sections added to the 1876 LDS edition, attributed to founder Smith. Whereas the LDS Church believes these sections to have been revelations to Smith, the RLDS Church traditionally disputed their authenticity.

History

The Doctrine and Covenants was first published in 1835 as a later version of the Book of Commandments, which had been partially printed in 1833. This earlier book contained 65 early revelations to church leaders, notably Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Before many copies of the book could be printed, the printing press and most of the printed copies were destroyed by a mob in Missouri.

Title page of the 1903 reprint of the Book of Commandments.

On September 24, 1834, a committee was appointed by the general assembly of the church to organize a new volume containing the most significant revelations. This committee of Presiding Elders, consisting of Smith, Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams, began to review and revise numerous revelations for inclusion in the new work. The committee eventually organized the book into two parts: a "Doctrine" part and a "Covenants" part.

Title page of the original 1835 edition.

The "Doctrine" part of the book consisted of a theological course now called the "Lectures on Faith". The lectures were a series of doctrinal courses used in the School of the Prophets which had recently been completed in Kirtland, Ohio. According to the committee, these lectures were included in the compilation "in consequence of their embracing the important doctrine of salvation." The "Covenants" part of the book, labeled "Covenants and Commandments of the Lord, to his servants of the church of the Latter Day Saints", contained a total of 103 revelations. These 103 revelations were said to "contain items or principles for the regulation of the church, as taken from the revelations which have been given since its organization, as well as from former ones." Each of the 103 revelations was assigned a "section number"; however, section 66 was mistakenly used twice. Thus, the sections of the original work were numbered only to 102.

On February 17, 1835, after the committee had selected the book's contents, the committee wrote that the resulting work represents "our belief, and when we say this, humbly trust, the faith and principles of this society as a body."

The book was first introduced to the church body in a general conference on August 17, 1835. Smith and Williams, two of the Presiding Elders on the committee, were absent, but Cowdery and Rigdon were present. The church membership at the time had not yet seen the Doctrine and Covenants manuscript as it had been compiled and revised solely by the committee; however, various church members who were familiar with the work "bore record" of the book's truth. At the end of the conference, the church "by a unanimous vote" agreed to accept the compilation as "the doctrine and covenants of their faith" and to make arrangements for its printing.

In 1835, the book was printed and published under the title Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of the Latter Day Saints: Carefully Selected from the Revelations of God.

A copy of the Doctrine and Covenants from NASA photographer M. Edward Thomas traveled to the moon and back in 1972 with astronaut John Young aboard Apollo 16.

LDS Church editions

In the LDS Church, The Doctrine and Covenants of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stands alongside the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Pearl of Great Price as scripture. Together the LDS Church's scriptures are referred to as the "standard works". The LDS Church's version of the Doctrine and Covenants is described by the church as "containing revelations given to Joseph Smith, the Prophet, with some additions by his successors in the Presidency of the Church."

Sections Included in LDS edition

The 138 sections and two official declarations in LDS Church's Doctrine and Covenants break down as follows:

• Sections 1–134, 137: From the presidency of Joseph Smith (1828–44)
• Sections 135–136: During the administration of the Quorum of the Twelve (1844–47)
• Official Declaration 1: From the presidency of Wilford Woodruff (1889–98)
• Section 138: From the presidency of Joseph F. Smith (1901–18)
• Official Declaration 2: From the presidency of Spencer W. Kimball (1973–85)

The following sections consist of letters, reports, statements, and other similar documents: 102, 123, 127–131, 134, 135, and Official Declarations 1 and 2.

1844 Edition

In 1844, the church added eight sections not included in the 1835 edition. In the current edition, these added sections are numbered 103, 105, 112, 119, 124, 127, 128, and 135.

1876 Edition

In 1876, a new LDS Church edition renumbered most of the sections in a roughly chronological order instead of the earlier topical order, and included 26 sections not included in previous editions, now numbered as sections 2, 13, 77, 85, 87, 108–111, 113–118, 120–123, 125, 126, 129–132, and 136. Previous editions had been divided into verses with the early versifications generally following the paragraph structure of the original text. It was with the 1876 edition that the currently used versification was first employed.

In 1876, section 101 from the 1835 edition (and subsequent printings) was removed. Section 101 was a "Statement on Marriage" as adopted by an 1835 conference of the church, and contained the following text:

Inasmuch as this Church of Christ has been reproached with the crime of fornication and polygamy, we declare that we believe that one man should have one wife, and one woman but one husband, except in the case of death, when either is at liberty to marry again.

This section was removed because it had been superseded by section 132 of the modern LDS edition, recorded in 1843, which contains a revelation received by Joseph Smith on eternal marriage and plural marriage, the origin of the principles of which the LDS Church traces to as early as 1831.

During the 1880s, five foreign editions contained two revelations to John Taylor that were received in 1882 and 1883; these revelations "set in order" the priesthood, gave more clarification about the roles of priesthood offices—especially the seventy—and required "men who ... preside over my priesthood" to live plural marriage in order to qualify to hold their church positions. Due to the LDS Church's change in attitude to polygamy in 1890, these sections were not included in future English editions of the Doctrine and Covenants.

1921 Edition

In 1921, the LDS Church removed the "Lectures on Faith" portion of the book, with an explanation that the lectures "were never presented to nor accepted by the Church as being otherwise than theological lectures or lessons". The lectures contain theology concerning the Godhead and emphasize the importance of faith and works.

Latter-day Revelation

In 1930, a small volume edited by apostle James E. Talmage titled Latter-day Revelation: Selections from the Book of Doctrine and Covenants was published, which was a highly edited selective version of the Doctrine and Covenants printed in paragraph format rather than verses. Talmage wrote that the book's purpose was "to make the strictly doctrinal parts of the Doctrine and Covenants of easy access and reduce its bulk" by including only "the sections comprising scriptures of general and enduring value". Ninety-five of the sections of the Doctrine and Covenants were completely omitted—most notably section 132 on plural and celestial marriage—along with parts of 21 others. Twenty complete sections were retained along with parts of 21 others. Fundamentalist Mormons were offended, particularly at the exclusion of section 132, and accused the church of "changing the scriptures." As a result, church president Heber J. Grant ordered the withdrawal of the book from sale with the remaining copies shredded in order to "avoid further conflict with the fundamentalists".

Sections included in Latter-day Revelation

Section	Complete or Omissions?	Description
Section 1	Complete	The Voice of the Lord to all People
Section 2	Complete	Predicted Advent of Elijah the Prophet
Section 4	Complete	Qualifications for the Ministry
Section 7	Complete	Desire of John the Apostle Granted
Section 13	Complete	Restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood
Section 18	Omissions	Calling of the Twelve Directed
Section 19	Omissions	Christ Victorious and Omnipotent
Section 20	Omissions	Fundamental Principles and Ordinances
Section 22	Complete	A New and Everlasting Covenant
Section 27	Complete	Sacramental Emblems and the Future Communion
Section 29	Complete	Tribulation and Judgment
Section 38	Complete	Diligence Enjoined
Section 42	Omissions	Law and Order in the Church
Section 43	Omissions	In Preparation for the Lord's Coming
Section 45	Omissions	As the Lord Spake So He Speaks
Section 46	Complete	Gifts of the Spirit
Section 50	Omissions	Discernment of Spirits
Section 56	Omissions	Woes and Blessings
Section 58	Omissions	Commandment and Obedience
Section 59	Complete	Commendation and Further Promise
Section 63	Omissions	Calamities to Befall the Wicked
Section 64	Omissions	Forgiveness and Sacrifice Required
Section 65	Complete	Kingdom of God and Kingdom of Heaven
Section 68	Omissions	To Elders and Parents Especially
Section 76	Complete	Perdition and Graded Kingdoms of Glory
Section 84	Omissions	On Priesthood
Section 87	Complete	Prophecy on War
Section 88	Omissions	The Olive Leaf
Section 89	Complete	The Word of Wisdom
Section 98	Omissions	Divine and Secular Law
Section 101	Omissions	Encouragement and Assurance
Section 107	Complete	Orders and Offices of the Priesthood
Section 110	Complete	A Glorious Theophany Followed By Visitations of Ancient Prophets
Section 119	Complete	The Law of the Tithe
Section 121	Omissions	Many Called but Few Chosen
Section 124	Omissions	Commandment to Build a House of the Lord
Section 130	Omissions	An Irrevocable Law. The Holy Trinity
Section 131	Omissions	Matter and Spirit
Section 133	Complete	Imminence of the Lord's Coming
Section 134	Complete	Church and State

1981 Edition

Sections 137 and 138 were added to the LDS Church's 1981 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants, which is the edition currently in use by the church. These were accounts of two visions, one from Joseph Smith in 1837 and the other from his nephew, Joseph F. Smith, in 1918. The revelations were earlier accepted as scripture when added to the Pearl of Great Price in April 1976. No new revelatory sections have been added since 1981.

The LDS Church's 1981 edition contains two "Official Declarations" at the book's conclusion. The 1890 Official Declaration 1 ended the church-authorized practice of plural marriage, and the 1978 Official Declaration 2 announces the opening of priesthood ordination to all worthy male members without regard to race or color. The two Official Declarations are not revelations, but they serve as the formal announcements that a revelation was received. In neither case is the revelation included in the Doctrine and Covenants. The text of Official Declaration 1 has been included in every LDS Church printing of the Doctrine and Covenants since 1908.

Until 1981, editions of the book used code names for certain people and places in those sections that dealt with the United Order. The 1981 LDS edition replaced these with the real names, relegating the code names to footnotes. The Community of Christ edition still uses the code names.

Community of Christ editions

Officials of the Community of Christ (formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints [RLDS Church]) first published an edition of the Doctrine and Covenants in 1864, based on the previous 1844 edition. A general conference of the church in 1878 approved a resolution that declared that the revelations of the Prophet-President Joseph Smith III had equal standing to those previously included in the work. Since that time, the church has continued to add sections to its edition of the Doctrine and Covenants, containing the revelations of succeeding Prophet-Presidents. The most recent addition was formally authorized on April 14, 2010, after being presented to the church for informal consideration on January 17, 2010. The numbers of the sections and versification differ from the edition published by the LDS Church and both modern editions differ from the original 1835 edition numeration.

Sections added to the Community of Christ edition

The 167 sections of the Community of Christ's Doctrine and Covenants break down as follows:

• Sections 1–113 (includes 108A): From the presidency of Joseph Smith (1828–44)
• Sections 114–131: From the presidency of Joseph Smith III (1860–1914)
• Sections 132–138: From the presidency of Frederick M. Smith (1914–46)
• Sections 139–144: From the presidency of Israel A. Smith (1946–58)
• Sections 145–152 (includes 149A): From the presidency of W. Wallace Smith (1958–78)
• Sections 153–160: From the presidency of Wallace B. Smith (1978–96)
• Sections 161–162: From the presidency of W. Grant McMurray (1996–2004)
• Sections 163–165: From the presidency of Stephen M. Veazey (2005–)

The following sections are not revelations, but letters, reports, statements, and other similar documents: 99, 108A, 109–113, and 123.

Based on the above, the number of revelations (accounting for sections that are not revelations) presented by each Community of Christ president, are as follows:

• Joseph Smith: 107
• Joseph Smith III: 17
• Frederick M. Smith: 7
• Israel A. Smith: 6
• W. Wallace Smith: 9
• Wallace B. Smith: 8
• W. Grant McMurray: 2
• Stephen M. Veazey: 3

Portions removed from the Community of Christ edition

The Community of Christ removed the "Lectures on Faith" in 1897. The 1970 World Conference concluded that several sections that had been added between the 1835 and 1844 editions—mainly dealing with the subjects of temple worship and baptism for the dead—had been published without proper approval of a church conference. As a result, the World Conference removed sections 107, 109, 110, 113, and 123 to a historical appendix, which also includes documents that were never published as sections. Of these, only section 107 was a revelation. The World Conference of 1990 subsequently removed the entire appendix from the Doctrine and Covenants. Section 108A contained the minutes of a business meeting, which, because of its historical nature, was moved to the Introduction in the 1970s. After 1990, the Introduction was updated, and what was section 108A was removed entirely.

Doctrinal developments in the Community of Christ edition

The ongoing additions to the Community of Christ edition provide a record of the leadership changes and doctrinal developments within the denomination. When W. Grant McMurray became Prophet-President, he declared that instruction specific to leadership changes would no longer be included, so that the focus of the work could be more doctrinal in nature, and less administrative. The record of these leadership changes are still maintained in the form of published "letters of counsel." Prophet-President Stephen M. Veazey has conformed to this pattern. Although these letters are not formally published in the Doctrine and Covenants, they are still deemed to be inspired, and are dealt with in the same manner that revelations are (that is, they must be deliberated and approved by the voting members of a World Conference).

A modern revelation that resulted in some "disaffection" and "led to intense conflict in scattered areas of the RLDS Church" is contained in the Community of Christ version's section 156, presented by Prophet–President Wallace B. Smith and added in 1984, which called for the ordination of women to the priesthood and set out the primary purpose of temples to be "the pursuit of peace". A resulting schism over the legitimacy of these change led to the formation of the Restoration Branches movement, the Restoration Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

While some of the prose in the new revelations seems designed to guide the denomination on matters of church governance and doctrine, others are seen as inspirational. One such example can be cited from section 161, presented as counsel to the church by W. Grant McMurray in 1996: "Become a people of the Temple—those who see violence but proclaim peace, who feel conflict yet extend the hand of reconciliation, who encounter broken spirits and find pathways for healing."

Editions used by other denominations

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) uses the 1846 edition that was published in Nauvoo, Illinois; this version is virtually identical to the 1844 edition. Most recently a facsimile reprint was produced for the church at Voree, Wisconsin by Richard Drew in 1993.

The Church of Christ (Temple Lot) contends that the thousands of changes made to the original revelations as published in the Book of Commandments (including the change of the church's name) are not doctrinal and result from Joseph Smith's fall from his original calling. As a result, the Church of Christ (Temple Lot) prefers to use reprints of the Book of Commandments text.

The Church of Jesus Christ (Cutlerite) accepts the 1844 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants, including the Lectures on Faith, which it insists are as much inspired as the revelations themselves.

The Restoration Branches generally use the older RLDS Church Doctrine and Covenants, typically sections 1–144.

The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints uses the older RLDS Church version of the Doctrine and Covenants up to section 144, and also 19 new revelations from their previous president, Frederick Niels Larsen.

"Remnant" movement, a spiritual movement in schism with the LDS Church, published an online "Restoration" edition of the Doctrine and Covenants in 2017. It includes any sections authored by Joseph Smith. It also: includes a new version of D&C 54, as revised by Denver Snuffer; excludes the Kirtland Temple visitation by Elijah and other angelic beings in D&C 110; excludes portions based on fragmentary teachings by Smith in D&C 129; includes Smith's Lectures on Faith; and includes a new appendix titled, "A Prophet’s Prerogative," by Jeff Savage.

Chart comparison of editions

The following chart compares the current editions of the Doctrine and Covenants used by the LDS Church (LDS ed.) and Community of Christ (CofC ed.) with the 1833 Book of Commandments (BofC), the 1835 edition published in Kirtland, and the 1844 edition published in Nauvoo. Unless otherwise specified, the document is styled a "revelation" of the person delivering it.

LDS ed.	CofC ed.	BofC (1833)	Kirtland ed. (1835)	Nauvoo ed. (1844)	Date	Delivered by	Description
1	001 1	001 1	001 1	001 1	1831-11-01 1 Nov 1831	Joseph Smith	Lord's "Preface"
2	–	–	–	–	1823-09-21 21 Sep 1823	Joseph Smith (angelic visitation)	Moroni's visit to Joseph Smith
3	002 2	002 2	030 30	030 30	1828-07-00 Jul 1828	Joseph Smith	lost 116 pages
4	004 4	003 3	031 31	030 31	1829-02-00 Feb 1829	Joseph Smith	To Joseph Smith, Sr.
5	005 5	004 4	032 32	032 32	1829-03-00 Mar 1829	Joseph Smith	To Martin Harris; golden plates
6	006 6	005 5	008 8	008 8	1829-04-00 Apr 1829	Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery	To Oliver Cowdery
7	007 7	006 6	033 33	033 33	1829-04-00 Apr 1829	Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery	To Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery; the Account of John
8	008 8	007 7	034 34	034 34	1829-04-00 Apr 1829	Joseph Smith	To Oliver Cowdery; Book of Mormon translation
9	009 9	008 8	035 35	035 35	1829-04-00 Apr 1829	Joseph Smith	To Oliver Cowdery; Book of Mormon translation
10	003 3	009 9	036 36	036 36	1829-04-00 Apr 1829 (suspected; possibly earlier)	Joseph Smith	lost 116 pages
11	010 10	010 10	037 37	037 37	1829-05-00 May 1829	Joseph Smith	To Hyrum Smith
12	011 11	011 11	038 38	038 38	1829-05-00 May 1829	Joseph Smith	To Joseph Knight, Sr.
13	–	–	–	–	1829-05-15 15 May 1829	Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery (angelic visitation)	Conferral of Aaronic priesthood by John the Baptist
14	012 12	012 12	039 39	039 39	1829-06-00 Jun 1829	Joseph Smith	To David Whitmer
15	013 13	013 13	040 40	040 40	1829-06-00 Jun 1829	Joseph Smith	To John Whitmer
16	014 14	014 14	041 41	041 41	1829-06-00 Jun 1829	Joseph Smith	To Peter Whitmer, Jr.
17	015 15	–	042 42	042 42	1829-06-00 Jun 1829	Joseph Smith	To Three Witnesses
18	016 16	015 15	043 43	043 43	1829-06-00 Jun 1829	Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer	selection of Twelve Apostles
19	018 18	016 16	044 44	044 44	1829-06-00 Summer 1829	Joseph Smith	To Martin Harris
20	017 17	024 24	002 2	002 2	1829-06-00 Summer 1829 (received); 6 Apr 1830 (recorded and finalized)	Joseph Smith	Church organization and government
21	019 19	022 22	046 46	046 46	1830-04-06 6 Apr 1830	Joseph Smith	Joseph Smith's calling
22	020 20	023 23	047 47	047 47	1830-04-16 16 Apr 1830	Joseph Smith	baptism
23	021 21	017 17–21	045 45	045 45	1830-04-00 Apr 1830	Joseph Smith	To Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Samuel H. Smith, Joseph Smith, Sr., Joseph Knight, Sr.
24	023 23	025 25	009 9	009 9	1830-07-00 Jul 1830	Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery	Callings of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery
25	024 24	026 26	048 48	048 48	1830-07-00 Jul 1830	Joseph Smith	To Emma Smith; compilation of a church hymnal
26	025 25	027 27	049 49	049 49	1830-07-00 Jul 1830	Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and John Whitmer	Common consent
27	026 26	028 28	050 50	050 50	1830-08-00 Aug 1830	Joseph Smith	Sacrament and priesthood ordinations
28	027 27	030 30	051 51	051 51	1830-09-00 Sep 1830	Joseph Smith	To Oliver Cowdery; Joseph Smith to receive revelations until another appointed
29	028 28	029 29	010 10	010 10	1830-09-00 Sep 1830	Joseph Smith	To six elders; Second Coming; origin of Satan; redemption of children
30	029 29	031 31–33	052 52	052 52	1830-09-00 Sep 1830	Joseph Smith	To David Whitmer, Peter Whitmer, Jr., John Whitmer
31	030 30	034 34	053 53	053 53	1830-09-00 Sep 1830	Joseph Smith	To Thomas B. Marsh
32	031 31	–	054 54	054 54	1830-10-00 Oct 1830	Joseph Smith	To Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Peterson
33	032 32	035 35	055 55	055 55	1830-10-00 Oct 1830	Joseph Smith	To Ezra Thayre and Northrop Sweet
34	033 33	036 36	056 56	056 56	1830-11-04 4 Nov 1830	Joseph Smith	To Orson Pratt
35	034 34	037 37	011 11	011 11	1830-12-07 7 Dec 1830	Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon	Callings Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon; signs and miracles; the elect
36	035 35	038 38	057 57	057 57	1830-12-09 9 Dec 1830	Joseph Smith	To Edward Partridge
37	037 37	039 39	058 58	058 58	1830-12-00 Dec 1830	Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon	Saints to gather in Ohio
38	038 38	040 40	012 12	012 12	1831-01-02 2 Jan 1831	Joseph Smith	equality; wars
39	039 39	041 41	059 59	059 59	1831-01-05 5 Jan 1831	Joseph Smith	To James Covel
40	040 40	042 42	060 60	060 60	1831-01-06 6 Jan 1831	Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon	Concerning James Covel
41	041 41	043 43	061 61	061 61	1831-02-04 4 Feb 1831	Joseph Smith	To the church; Edward Partridge called as bishop
42	042 42	044 44, 47	013 13	013 13	1831-02-09 9, 23 Feb 1831	Joseph Smith	"The Laws of the Church of Christ"; explanation of the United Order
43	043 43	045 45	014 14	014 14	1831-02-00 Feb 1831	Joseph Smith	Role of President of the Church; missionary work; forces of nature
44	044 44	046 46	062 62	062 62	1831-02-28 Feb 1831 (latter part)	Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon	Church conference called
45	045 45	048 48	015 15	015 15	1831-03-07 7 Mar 1831	Joseph Smith	Matthew chapter 24 explained; missionary work; Christ as advocate
46	046 46	049 49	016 16	016 16	1831-03-08 8 Mar 1831	Joseph Smith	Sacrament meeting, gifts of the Spirit
47	047 47	050 50	063 63	063 63	1831-03-08 8 Mar 1831	Joseph Smith	John Whitmer to keep history of church
48	048 48	051 51	064 64	064 64	1831-03-10 10 Mar 1831	Joseph Smith	Purchase of lands
49	049 49	052 52	065 65	065 65	1831-05-07 7 May 1831	Joseph Smith	To Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Parley P. Pratt, and Leman Copley; Shaker beliefs
50	050 50	053 53	017 17	017 17	1831-05-09 9 May 1831	Joseph Smith	Recognizing the Spirit
51	051 51	–	023 23	023 23	1831-05-20 20 May 1831	Joseph Smith	Property division
52	052 52	054 54	066a 66	066 66	1831-06-06 6 Jun 1831	Joseph Smith	Sending elders to Missouri
53	053 53	055 55	066b 66	067 67	1831-06-08 8 Jun 1831	Joseph Smith	To Algernon Sidney Gilbert
54	054 54	056 56	067 67	068 68	1831-06-10 10 Jun 1831	Joseph Smith	To Newel Knight
55	055 55	057 57	068 68	069 69	1831-06-14 14 Jun 1831	Joseph Smith	To W. W. Phelps
56	056 56	058 58	069 69	070 70	1831-06-15 15 Jun 1831	Joseph Smith	The rebellious; the rich and the poor
57	057 57	–	027 27	027 27	1831-07-20 20 Jul 1831	Joseph Smith	Location of Zion at Jackson County, Missouri
58	058 58	059 59	018 18	018 18	1831-08-01 1 Aug 1831	Joseph Smith	Tribulations; gather to Zion
59	059 59	060 60	019 19	019 19	1831-08-07 7 Aug 1831	Joseph Smith	The sabbath; reward for the righteous
60	060 60	061 61	070 70	071 71	1831-08-08 8 Aug 1831	Joseph Smith	Elders to travel to Cincinnati, Ohio; missionary work
61	061 61	062 62	071 71	072 72	1831-08-12 12 Aug 1831	Joseph Smith	"Destruction upon the waters"
62	062 62	063 63	072 72	073 73	1831-08-13 13 Aug 1831	Joseph Smith	Missionary work
63	063 63	064 64	020 20	020 20	1831-08-30 30 Aug 1831	Joseph Smith	Signs; mysteries; impending war and woe; gather to Zion; authority to use Lord's name
64	064 64	065 65	021 21	021 21	1831-09-11 11 Sep 1831	Joseph Smith	Forgiveness; financial debt; tithing; Zion to flourish
65	065 65	–	024 24	024 24	1831-10-30 30 Oct 1831	Joseph Smith (prayer)	Prayer of Joseph Smith; keys of the kingdom
66	066 66	–	074 74	075 75	1831-10-29 29 Oct 1831	Joseph Smith	To William E. McLellin
67	067 67	–	025 25	025 25	1831-11-00 early Nov 1831	Joseph Smith	Testimony of the Book of Commandments
68	068 68	–	022 22	022 22	1831-11-01 1 Nov 1831	Joseph Smith	To Orson Hyde, Luke S. Johnson, Lyman E. Johnson, and William E. McLellin; bishops; parents
69	069 69	–	028 28	028 28	1831-11-11 11 Nov 1831	Joseph Smith	Assignments for John Whitmer
70	070 70	–	026 26	026 26	1831-11-12 12 Nov 1831	Joseph Smith	Stewardship; equality
71	071 71	–	090 90	091 91	1831-12-01 1 Dec 1831	Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon	Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon called to preach
72	072 72	–	089 89	090 90	1831-12-04 4 Dec 1831	Joseph Smith	Bishops
73	073 73	–	029 29	029 29	1832-01-10 10 Jan 1832	Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon	Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible
74	074 74	–	073 73	074 74	1830-00-00 1830 (month unknown)	Joseph Smith	Explanation of 1 Corinthians 7:14; salvation of children
75	075 75	–	087 87	088 88	1832-01-25 25 Jan 1832	Joseph Smith	Missionary work; families of missionaries
76	076 76	–	091 91	092 92	1832-02-16 16 Feb 1832	Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon (vision)	Jesus Christ; resurrection; degrees of glory; origin of Satan; called "The Vision"
77	–	–	–	–	1832-03-00 Mar 1832	Joseph Smith	Explanation of certain verses in Revelation
78	077 77	–	075 75	076 76	1832-03-01 1 Mar 1832	Joseph Smith	United Order; equality
79	078 78	–	076 76	077 77	1832-03-12 12 Mar 1832	Joseph Smith	To Jared Carter
80	079 79	–	077 77	078 78	1832-03-07 7 Mar 1832	Joseph Smith	To Stephen Burnett and Eden Smith
81	080 80	–	079 79	080 80	1832-03-15 15 Mar 1832	Joseph Smith	To Jesse Gause; on 18 Mar 1833 its application was transferred to Frederick G. Williams
82	081 81	–	086 86	087 87	1832-04-26 26 Apr 1832	Joseph Smith	Obedience; United Order; equality
83	082 82	–	088 88	089 89	1832-04-30 30 Apr 1832	Joseph Smith	Husbands and fathers; widows and orphans
84	083 83	–	004 4	004 4	1832-09-22 22–23 Sep 1832	Joseph Smith	Priesthood
85	–	–	–	–	1832-11-27 27 Nov 1832	Joseph Smith (letter)	Letter from Joseph Smith to W. W. Phelps; United Order; One Mighty and Strong; equality
86	084 84	–	006 6	006 6	1832-12-06 6 Dec 1832	Joseph Smith	Parable of the Tares explained
87	–	–	–	–	1832-12-25 25 Dec 1832	Joseph Smith	Prophecy of war and calamity
88	085 85	–	007 7	007 7	1832-12-27/28; 1833-01-03 27–28 Dec 1832; 3 Jan 1833	Joseph Smith	The "olive leaf"; "Lord's message of peace"
89	086 86	–	080 80	081 81	1833-02-27 27 Feb 1833	Joseph Smith	A "Word of Wisdom"
90	087 87	–	084 84	085 85	1833-03-08 8 Mar 1833	Joseph Smith	Keys of the kingdom; First Presidency
91	088 88	–	092 92	093 93	1833-03-09 9 Mar 1833	Joseph Smith	The Apocrypha
92	089 89	–	093 93	094 94	1833-03-15 15 Mar 1833	Joseph Smith	To Frederick G. Williams
93	090 90	–	082 82	083 83	1833-05-06 6 May 1833	Joseph Smith	John's record of Christ; intelligence; innocence of children
94	091 91	–	083 83	084 84	1833-08-02 2 Aug 1833	Joseph Smith	To Hyrum Smith, Reynolds Cahoon, and Jared Carter; construction of various buildings commanded
95	092 92	–	095 95	096 96	1833-06-01 1 Jun 1833	Joseph Smith	Kirtland Temple to be built; purpose of temples
96	093 93	–	096 96	097 97	1833-06-04 4 Jun 1833	Joseph Smith	Division of property
97	094 94	–	081 81	082 82	1833-08-02 2 Aug 1833	Joseph Smith	Saints in Jackson County, Missouri; temple to be built in Jackson County
98	095 95	–	085 85	086 86	1833-08-06 6 Aug 1833	Joseph Smith	Promises and warnings; martyrs; when war is justified; forgiving enemies
99	096 96	–	078 78	079 79	1832-08-29 29 Aug 1832	Joseph Smith	To John Murdock
100	097 97	–	094 94	095 95	1833-10-12 12 Oct 1833	Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon	Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to preach gospel; Rigdon to be Smith's spokesman; welfare of Orson Hyde and John Gould
101	098 98	–	097 97	098 98	1833-12-16 16–17 Dec 1833	Joseph Smith	Redemption of Zion; parables; United States and the U.S. Constitution; Saints to seek redress
102	099 99	–	005 5	005 5	1834-02-17 17 Feb 1834	Oliver Cowdery and Orson Hyde (minutes of meeting)	Minutes for first high council meeting
103	100	–	–	101	1834-02-24 24 Feb 1834	Joseph Smith	Redemption of Zion; organization of Zion's Camp
104	101	–	098 98	099 99	1834-04-23 23 Apr 1834	Joseph Smith	United Order
105	102	–	–	102	1834-06-22 22 Jun 1834	Joseph Smith	Redemption of Zion; purpose of Kirtland Temple; peace
106	103	–	099 99	100	1834-11-25 25 Nov 1834	Joseph Smith	To Warren A. Cowdery; Second Coming
107	104	–	003 3	003 3	1835-04-00 Apr 1835 (completed); some portions received 11 Nov 1831	Joseph Smith	Priesthood; quorums
108	–	–	–	–	1835-12-26 26 Dec 1835	Joseph Smith	To Lyman Sherman
109	–	–	–	–	1836-03-27 27 Mar 1836	Joseph Smith (prayer)	Dedicatory prayer for Kirtland Temple
110	–	–	–	–	1836-04-03 3 Apr 1836	Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery (vision and angelic visitations)	Visitation of Jesus Christ to accept Kirtland Temple; conferral of priesthood keys; coming of Moses, Elias, and Elijah
111	–	–	–	–	1836-08-06 6 Aug 1836	Joseph Smith	temporal needs of the church
112	105	–	–	104	1837-07-23 23 Jul 1837	Joseph Smith	To Thomas B. Marsh; Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; First Presidency
113	–	–	–	–	1838-03-00 Mar 1838	Joseph Smith (answers to questions)	Answers to questions on the Book of Isaiah
114	–	–	–	–	1838-04-11 11 Apr 1838	Joseph Smith	Concerning David W. Patten
115	–	–	–	–	1838-04-26 26 Apr 1838	Joseph Smith	Name of the church; stakes; temple to be built at Far West, Missouri
116	–	–	–	–	1838-05-19 19 May 1838	Joseph Smith	Adam-ondi-Ahman
117	–	–	–	–	1838-07-08 8 Jul 1838	Joseph Smith	Concerning William Marks, Newel K. Whitney, and Oliver Granger; property; sacrifice
118	–	–	–	–	1838-07-08 8 Jul 1838	Joseph Smith	Vacancies in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles filled
119	106	–	–	107	1838-07-08 8 Jul 1838	Joseph Smith	Tithing
120	–	–	–	–	1838-07-08 8 Jul 1838	Joseph Smith	Council on the Disposition of the Tithes
121	–	–	–	–	1839-03-20 20 Mar 1839	Joseph Smith (prayer and prophecies)	Prayer and prophecies of Joseph Smith; why many are called but few chosen
122	–	–	–	–	1839-03-20 20 Mar 1839	Joseph Smith	Destiny of Joseph Smith
123	–	–	–	–	1839-03-20 20 Mar 1839	Joseph Smith (letter)	Letter to church; duty in relation to their persecutors
124	107	–	–	103	1841-01-19 19 Jan 1841	Joseph Smith	Nauvoo Temple and Nauvoo House to be built; baptism for the dead
125	–	–	–	–	1841-03-00 Mar 1841	Joseph Smith	Saints in Iowa
126	–	–	–	–	1841-07-09 9 Jul 1841	Joseph Smith	To Brigham Young
127	109	–	–	105	1842-09-01 1 Sep 1842	Joseph Smith (letter)	Letter to church; baptism for the dead
128	110	–	–	106	1842-09-06 6 Sep 1842	Joseph Smith (letter)	Letter to church; baptism for the dead
129	–	–	–	–	1843-02-09 9 Feb 1843	Joseph Smith (instructions)	Distinguishing the nature of angels and disembodied spirits
130	–	–	–	–	1843-04-02 2 Apr 1843	Joseph Smith (instruction)	Various items of instruction; corporeal nature of God and Jesus Christ; intelligence; seer stones
131	–	–	–	–	1843-05-16 16–17 May 1843	Joseph Smith (instruction)	Various items of instruction; celestial marriage; eternal life
132	–	–	–	–	1843-07-12 12 Jul 1843	Joseph Smith	Plural marriage; celestial marriage; sealing power; exaltation
133	108	–	100	108	1831-11-03 3 Nov 1831	Joseph Smith	Original "Appendix"; Second Coming; missionary work
134	112	–	102	110	1835-08-17 17 Aug 1835	Church (declaration)	secular governments and laws in general
135	113	–	–	111	1844-06-27 27 Jun 1844	John Taylor (eulogy)	Martyrdom of Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith
136	–	–	–	–	1847-01-14 14 Jan 1847	Brigham Young	Organization of Mormon pioneer westward journey
137	–	–	–	–	1836-01-21 21 Jan 1836	Joseph Smith (vision)	Salvation for the dead; salvation of little children
138	–	–	–	–	1918-10-03 3 Oct 1918	Joseph F. Smith (vision)	Jesus Christ preached to spirits in prison; salvation for the dead
OD 1	–	–	–	–	1890-09-24 24 Sep 1890	Wilford Woodruff (declaration)	Cessation of plural marriage
OD 2	–	–	–	–	1978-06-08 8 Jun 1978	Spencer W. Kimball, N. Eldon Tanner, Marion G. Romney (declaration)	1978 Revelation on Priesthood: cessation of priesthood restrictions based on race
–	022 22	–	–	–	1830-06-00 Jun 1830	Joseph Smith	God's words to Moses (article)
–	036 36	–	–	–	1830-12-00 Dec 1830	Joseph Smith	Prophecy of Enoch (article)
–	108A	–	103	–	1835-08-17 17 Aug 1835	Thomas Burdick, Warren Parrish, and Sylvester Smith (minutes of meeting)	General meeting of the quorums of the church to consider the labors of the committee charged with organizing publication of the revelations into a book
–	111	–	101	109	1835-08-17 17 Aug 1835	Church (declaration)	Declaration on marriage; one spouse only
–	114	–	–	–	1861-10-07 7 Oct 1861	Joseph Smith III (letter)	Tithing
–	115	–	–	–	1863-03-00 Mar 1863	Joseph Smith III	Calling of William Marks
–	116	–	–	–	1865-05-04 4 May 1865	Joseph Smith III	Priesthood ordination of other races
–	117	–	–	–	1873-04-10 10 Apr 1873	Joseph Smith III	Changes in leadership positions
–	118	–	–	–	1882-09-28 28 Sep 1882	Joseph Smith III	Foreign missions
–	119	–	–	–	1887-04-11 11 Apr 1887	Joseph Smith III	Instructions to the elders
–	120	–	–	–	1890-04-08 8 Apr 1890	Joseph Smith III	Branch and district presidents
–	121	–	–	–	1885-04-11 11 Apr 1885	Joseph Smith III	Changes in leadership positions
–	122	–	–	–	1894-04-15 15 Apr 1894	Joseph Smith III	Duties of quorums
–	123	–	–	–	1894-04-20 20 Apr 1894	Joint council of the First Presidency, Council of Twelve Apostles, and Presiding Bishopric (report)	Lamoni College; church publications; relations with the LDS Church; doctrinal tracts; interpretation of various scriptures; gospel boat; branch in Detroit
–	124	–	–	–	1894-04-00 Apr 1894	Joseph Smith III	Changes in leadership positions
–	125	–	–	–	1901-04-15 15 Apr 1901	Joseph Smith III	Patriarchs; foreign missions
–	126	–	–	–	1902-04-16 16 Apr 1902	Joseph Smith III (vision)	Quorums
–	127	–	–	–	1906-04-14 14 Apr 1906	Joseph Smith III	Sanitarium
–	128	–	–	–	1909-04-18 18 Apr 1909	Joseph Smith III	Organization and colonization
–	129	–	–	–	1909-04-18 18 Apr 1909	Joseph Smith III	Changes in leadership positions
–	130	–	–	–	1913-04-14 14 Apr 1913	Joseph Smith III	Changes in leadership positions
–	131	–	–	–	1914-04-14 14 Apr 1914	Joseph Smith III	Presiding Bishopric
–	132	–	–	–	1916-04-05 5 Apr 1916	Frederick M. Smith	Presiding Bishop
–	133	–	–	–	1920-04-07 7 Apr 1920	Frederick M. Smith	Missionary work
–	134	–	–	–	1922-10-02 2 Oct 1922	Frederick M. Smith	Changes in leadership positions
–	135	–	–	–	1925-04-18 18 Apr 1925	Frederick M. Smith	Changes in leadership positions
–	136	–	–	–	1932-04-14 14 Apr 1932	Frederick M. Smith	Changes in leadership positions; unity
–	137	–	–	–	1938-04-07 7 Apr 1938	Frederick M. Smith	Changes in leadership positions
–	138	–	–	–	1940-04-10 10 Apr 1940	Frederick M. Smith	Changes in leadership positions; work toward Zion
–	139	–	–	–	1946-04-09 9 Apr 1946	Israel A. Smith	Changes in leadership positions
–	140	–	–	–	1947-04-07 7 Apr 1947	Israel A. Smith	Changes in leadership positions; Zion
–	141	–	–	–	1948-10-02 2 Oct 1948	Israel A. Smith	Changes in leadership positions; counsel
–	142	–	–	–	1950-04-02 2 Apr 1950	Israel A. Smith	Commendation; urge to work
–	143	–	–	–	1954-04-07 7 Apr 1954	Israel A. Smith	Changes in leadership positions; counsel
–	144	–	–	–	1954-04-07 7 Apr 1954	Israel A. Smith (letter)	New President of the Church named
–	145	–	–	–	1958-10-08 8 Oct 1958	W. Wallace Smith	Changes in leadership positions
–	146	–	–	–	1960-04-02 2 Apr 1960	W. Wallace Smith	Changes in leadership positions; unity commended
–	147	–	–	–	1964-03-11 11 Mar 1964	W. Wallace Smith	Changes in leadership positions; stewardship
–	148	–	–	–	1966-04-18 18 Apr 1966	W. Wallace Smith	Changes in leadership positions; counsel
–	149	–	–	–	1968-04-01 1 Apr 1968	W. Wallace Smith	Changes in leadership positions; relationship between ministerial programs; prepare to build temple at Independence
–	149A	–	–	–	1968-04-05 5 Apr 1968	W. Wallace Smith	Clarification of 149
–	150	–	–	–	1972-04-14 14 Apr 1972	W. Wallace Smith	Changes in leadership positions; counsel on culture; Independence Temple preparation; ecology
–	151	–	–	–	1974-04-01 1 Apr 1974	W. Wallace Smith	Changes in leadership positions; reconciliation
–	152	–	–	–	1976-03-29 29 Mar 1976	W. Wallace Smith	New precedent on presidential succession; presidential successor named; changes in leadership positions; reconciliation
–	153	–	–	–	1978-04-06 6 Apr 1978	Wallace B. Smith	New President of the Church; changes in leadership positions; counsel on outreach
–	154	–	–	–	1980-04-08 8 Apr 1980	Wallace B. Smith	Changes in leadership positions; counsel on outreach
–	155	–	–	–	1982-03-29 29 Mar 1982	Wallace B. Smith	Changes in leadership positions; counsel on witness
–	156	–	–	–	1984-04-03 3 Apr 1984	Wallace B. Smith	Purpose of Independence Temple; priesthood opened to women; changes in leadership positions
–	157	–	–	–	1988-04-12 12 Apr 1988	Wallace B. Smith	Changes in leadership positions; unity; humility
–	158	–	–	–	1992-04-05 5 Apr 1992	Wallace B. Smith	Changes in leadership positions; the spiritual life
–	159	–	–	–	1994-04-10 10 Apr 1994	Wallace B. Smith	Changes in leadership positions; trusting the Spirit; Independence Temple accepted
–	160	–	–	–	1996-04-14 14 Apr 1996	Wallace B. Smith	New President of the Church named
–	161	–	–	–	2000-04-04 4 Apr 2000	W. Grant McMurray	Proclaim peace; reach out; patience; embrace differences; respect tradition
–	162	–	–	–	2004-03-29 29 Mar 2004	W. Grant McMurray	Be a prophetic people; diversity; tithing
–	163	–	–	–	2007-03-29 29 Mar 2007	Stephen M. Veazey	Strive for peace; missionary work; use and misuse of scripture; equality; generosity
–	164	–	–	–	2010-01-17 17 Jan 2010	Stephen M. Veazey	Effects of baptism, confirmation, and sacrament of the Lord's Supper; cultural awareness and sensitivity; flexibility in number of quorums of seventy; accelerate evangelism
–	165	–	–	–	2015-04-05 5 Apr 2016	Stephen M. Veazey	Expand community, promote peace, and end poverty; tithing; unity in diversity; act in accordance to beliefs

See also

• List of non-canonical revelations in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• Proclamations of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
• Urim and Thummim (Latter Day Saints)

References

• The Doctrine and Covenants of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Containing Revelations Given to Joseph Smith, the Prophet, with Some Additions by his Successors in the Presidency of the Church, Intellectual Reserve: Salt Lake City, UT, 1981.
• Book of Doctrine and Covenants: Carefully Selected from the Revelations of God and Given in the Order of their Dates, Herald Publishing House: Independence, MO, 2000.
• Joseph Smith, The Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: Carefully Selected from the Revelations of God, photo enlarged and reprinted from the 1846 Nauvoo edition by Richard Drew, Burlington (Voree), Wisconsin, 1993, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite).
• Peter Judd, Journey in Trust: A Study Resource for D&C 161, Herald House, 2004. ISBN:0-8309-1122-7
• Book of Commandments: Herald Heritage Reprint, Herald House, 1833 (reprint). ISBN:0-8309-0066-7
• F. Henry Edwards, The Edwards Commentary on the Doctrine & Covenants, Herald House, 1986. ISBN:0-8309-0187-6
• Woodford, Robert J. (1992), "Doctrine and Covenants Editions", in Ludlow, Daniel H, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, New York: Macmillan Publishing, pp. 425–427, ISBN 0-02-879602-0, OCLC 24502140, http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/EoM/id/5688 

Further reading

• Hedges, Andrew (2008), The Doctrine and Covenants: Revelations in Context, BYU, ISBN 978-1-60641-015-8, https://rsc.byu.edu/available-bookstores/doctrine-and-covenants-revelations-context 
• Esplin, Scott (2012), You Shall Have My Word: Exploring the Text of the Doctrine & Covenants, BYU, ISBN 978-0-8425-2819-1, https://rsc.byu.edu/recent-books/you-shall-have-my-word 
• Benjamin E. Park (May 14, 2020). "How An 1843 Revelation on Polygamy Poses A Serious Challenge to Modern Mormonism". Religion Dispatches. https://religiondispatches.org/how-an-1843-revelation-on-polygamy-poses-a-serious-challenge-to-modern-mormonism/. 

External links

• The Doctrine and Covenants at Wikisource (LDS Church version).
• Doctrine and Covenants – Complete official 2013 LDS Church edition
• Doctrine and Covenants Official LDS Church edition (pdf)
• RLDS Sections 1–144 – unofficial HTML version produced for the Restoration Branches
• RLDS Sections 145–159 – unofficial HTML version produced for the Restoration Branches
• Community of Christ Edition (Section 160; official HTML version)
• Community of Christ Edition (Section 161; official HTML version)
• Community of Christ Edition (Section 162; official HTML version)
• Community of Christ Edition (Section 163; official HTML version)
• Community of Christ Edition (Section 164; official HTML version)
• Community of Christ Edition (Section 165; official HTML version)
• Scanned images of the complete 1833 Book of Commandments, 1835 Doctrine and Covenants (with Lectures on Faith)], and 1844 Doctrine and Covenants
• SaintsWithoutHalos.org: Doctrine and Covenants – Mormon historical revisionist site with thoroughly annotated D&C showing changes from various editions.