Doctrine & Covenants Section 73 Overview
Overview
Date of Revelation: January 10, 1832
Location: Hiram, Ohio
Recipient(s): Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon
Section Summary: A brief directive clarifying that Joseph and Sidney, having fulfilled a temporary preaching assignment, are now to return to translating the Bible. This work is to resume after the upcoming conference and serves as a model for other elders balancing translation, teaching, and ministerial duties.
Timeframe & Setting
This revelation follows a period of public ministry responding to Ezra Booth’s letters and growing anti-Mormon sentiment (see D&C 71).
From early December through early January, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon had been preaching across surrounding regions, significantly diminishing opposition to the Church.
With conference approaching, the Lord redirects them back to translation efforts.
Key Circumstances
The translation of the Bible had been paused to allow for public rebuttals to Booth’s apostasy.
This section confirms that the interruption was temporary and emphasizes the urgency and divine priority of completing the inspired translation.
Preaching is still encouraged “inasmuch as it is practicable.”
Purpose of the Revelation
Reaffirm the divine priority of the Bible translation project.
Encourage continued missionary and ministerial efforts by other elders.
Establish a “pattern” or protocol for Church leaders—balancing revelation, translation, and public ministry as circumstances allow.
Significance
Highlights the interplay between preaching and translation in the Restoration.
Provides insight into the Lord’s adaptive guidance: what was “expedient” in December (public preaching) is now redirected.
Serves as a model for future Church administration, emphasizing the principles of obedience, flexibility, and stewardship.
Introduces covenantal language (e.g., “gird up your loins”) that reflects readiness and duty.
D&C 73:1–2 — Continue to Preach and Exhort Until Conference
Verses 1–2
1 For verily, thus saith the Lord, it is expedient in me that they 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 voice of the conference, their several missions.
Summary
Joseph and Sidney are commanded to continue their missionary efforts and offer exhortation to nearby congregations. This work is to continue until a Church-wide conference reveals their next assignments. The Lord emphasizes that it is expedient—divinely appropriate—for this temporary mission to precede their return to the translation.
Language & Cultural Insights
“Expedient in me” – Indicates something that aligns with divine timing or purpose. In scripture, "expedient" (Greek: sumphérō, συμφέρω) often refers to what is beneficial or profitable in the Lord’s economy (see John 16:7).
“Preaching the gospel” – The Greek root for “preach” is kēryssō (κηρύσσω), meaning to proclaim publicly like a herald. Compare Mark 16:15.
“Exhortation to the churches” – The word exhortation may be linked to the Greek paraklēsis (παράκλησις), meaning comfort, encouragement, or urging (see Acts 13:15).
“Until conference” – This likely refers to the scheduled general conference of the Church. Decisions at such conferences were often ratified by “common consent,” echoing patterns from Acts 15.
“Voice of the conference” – Reflects the Restoration’s emphasis on governing by revelation through community consent, a departure from hierarchical models.
Reflection Questions
What does it mean for something to be “expedient in [the Lord]” in your personal life?
How does exhortation differ from teaching or rebuke? How can we apply exhortation in today’s Church?
In what ways does the Church today still follow the pattern of receiving assignments through common consent and spiritual direction?
Cross-References & Conference Connections
Doctrine & Covenants 71:1–4 — Their previous instruction to preach
Mosiah 18:26 — Elders labor according to their ability
Acts 15 — Early Christian conference resolves disputes
“The Principles of My Gospel” – President Russell M. Nelson, Apr. 2021
Reference Notes
JST revisions and the inspired translation of the Bible will form the doctrinal foundation of many future revelations (e.g., Book of Moses, Abraham).
The phrase “voice of the conference” underscores the Lord’s pattern of combining revelation with sustaining votes—a foundational principle in Church governance.
D&C 73:3–6 — Resume Translation as a Pattern for the Elders
Additional Resources: