D&C Section 91

D&C 91 (March 9, 1833)

A Moment in Kirtland: The Question Behind the Revelation

In early 1833, Kirtland, Ohio buzzed with translation work, preaching assignments, and the formation of a growing faith. Joseph Smith and his companions were steeped in scripture—Hebrew lessons, the Bible, and what came to be called the Joseph Smith Translation. Amid this flurry of study sat a thorny question familiar to many Christians: what about the Apocrypha? These ancient writings sat between the Old and New Testaments in some Bibles, revered by some, disputed by others. Were they inspired? Should they be translated anew? On March 9, 1833, Joseph sought guidance, and D&C 91 arrived as a concise, practical, and profoundly liberating answer.

What the Revelation Actually Says

D&C 91 is short, but loaded. The Lord affirms that the Apocrypha contains many “things that are true,” yet it also includes “many things…interpolations by the hands of men.” The counsel is strikingly levelheaded: the Saints do not need to translate the Apocrypha; those who read it “by the Spirit” can profit, while those without the Spirit cannot. The revelation neither canonizes nor condemns the Apocrypha; instead, it reframes the conversation around process—how we read, and with what spirit—rather than prematurely ruling a verdict on every line of text. In less than a dozen verses, it models a disciplined approach to learning that is neither credulous nor cynical.

Why the Apocrypha Matters to Latter-day Saints

For Latter-day Saints, D&C 91 functions as a template for engaging any body of literature that sits on the edges of the canon—or far outside it. The revelation demonstrates that truth is not monopolized by a single volume, that God’s light can glint off the margins of history, and that the restored Church can approach extra-biblical texts without anxiety. The Apocrypha, with its stories of courage, piety, and wisdom, becomes a proving ground for spiritual discernment. Rather than flattening all literature into “scripture” or “not scripture,” Section 91 invites a third path: read widely, weigh carefully, and let the Spirit teach you how to keep the gold while discarding the dross.

The Principle Behind the Counsel: Discernment by the Holy Ghost

At the heart of D&C 91 is a principle as modern as it is ancient: spiritual literacy depends on the Holy Ghost. The text insists that the most important tool for reading is not a scholar’s degree or a perfect edition, but a living companionship with the Spirit. That companionship sharpens judgment, reveals patterns, and protects against deception. In practice, it means that two readers can encounter the same chapter and walk away with very different results—one enriched, the other confused—based on whether they invited heavenly light to attend their study. Section 91 therefore sidesteps a partisan fight about the Apocrypha and directs attention to the inner technology of revelation.

How to Read in the Spirit of Section 91

Section 91 does not shut doors; it teaches hinges. Applied today, the revelation encourages a thoughtful rhythm of study. Begin with prayer that is specific, not perfunctory—ask for clarity, for the ability to recognize what is noble, and for a check in your heart when something rings false. Read with a pen, marking not only beautiful lines but also questions. Compare passages with the standard works; let the Book of Mormon, the Bible, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price provide a doctrinal plumb line. Finally, pause after reading to record impressions rather than merely information. Over time, this habit builds a personal archive of spiritual patterns—how the Spirit speaks to you, how truth feels, and where pitfalls tend to appear.

A Balanced View of Authority and Curiosity

D&C 91 models a rare balance. It respects authority—recognizing that not all texts deserve equal weight—while championing sanctified curiosity. The Lord’s refusal to mandate a translation is not indifference; it’s empowerment. He acknowledges that a faithful reader, guided by the Spirit, can sift and profit without a new official edition. This approach anticipates a lifetime of learning in a world overflowing with voices. Whether you’re evaluating a commentary, a podcast, a historical monograph, or a viral thread, Section 91 presses the same question: are you reading with the Holy Ghost, and are you measuring ideas against revealed truth?

The Apocrypha as a Classroom for Christian Virtue

When read with spiritual discernment, the Apocrypha becomes more than a curiosity; it becomes a classroom. Stories of steadfastness under pressure, exhortations to wisdom and temperance, and reflections on prayer and providence echo themes that run through the Restoration. The point is not to make the Apocrypha carry canonical authority it was never given in this dispensation; rather, it’s to let it sharpen our Christlike instincts. Courage, humility, loyalty to God—these are virtues that transcend editorial histories, and Section 91 authorizes us to recognize them wherever they bloom.

Lasting Relevance in a Noisy World

In an information age, D&C 91 feels almost prophetic in a second sense. Today’s “apocrypha” isn’t limited to intertestamental literature; it’s the vast corpus of religious opinion, interpretation, and speculation that saturates our feeds. Section 91 teaches that the antidote to confusion is not withdrawal, nor blind acceptance, but Spirit-led engagement. The promise is practical: with the Holy Ghost, you can read confidently and profitably; without Him, even the best texts blur. That principle turns study into discipleship and transforms the library into a place of revelation.

A Compact Revelation with an Expansive Invitation

March 9, 1833, gave the Saints a surprisingly modern toolkit: honor the canon, read beyond it wisely, and let the Spirit be your constant companion. D&C 91 is compact enough to memorize yet expansive enough to guide a lifetime of learning. It invites the disciple-scholar in each of us to be brave and careful, open and anchored. In a world of mixed voices, it keeps us centered on the One voice that matters most—and assures us that, with that voice, “all things” we read can indeed work together for our good.