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
Verses Quoted 3–6
3 Now, verily I say unto you my servants, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon, saith the Lord, it is expedient to translate again;
4 And, inasmuch as it is practicable, to preach in the regions round about until conference; and after that it is expedient to continue the work of translation until it be finished.
5 And let this be a pattern unto the elders until further knowledge, even as it is written.
6 Now I give no more unto you at this time. Gird up your loins and be sober. Even so. Amen.
Summary
Joseph and Sidney are instructed to return to translating the Bible, while continuing to preach as circumstances allow. This model of balancing spiritual translation and public ministry is to serve as a pattern for other elders. The instruction ends with a call to spiritual readiness.
Language & Cultural Insights
“Translate again” – Refers to the JST project (Joseph Smith Translation), a revelatory reworking of the King James Bible. See D&C 45:60–61.
“Pattern” – Hebrew: תַּבְנִית (tavnit) — Often refers to a divine model or blueprint, used in the tabernacle instructions (see Exodus 25:9). This establishes that their process is meant to be emulated by others.
“Gird up your loins” – A Hebrew idiom (cf. Job 38:3) meaning to prepare for action, often associated with readiness for divine calling.
“Be sober” – Greek: nēphō (νήφω), meaning to be mentally and spiritually alert and disciplined (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:6).
Reflection Questions
What role does scripture study and “translation” play in your spiritual formation?
How might you apply the balance of laboring both “in the vineyard” and “in the word”?
What patterns do you see in the way God organizes work in the Church today?
Cross-References & Conference Connections
D&C 93:53 — Finish the translation of the New Testament
Exodus 25:9 — Build according to the “pattern”
1 Peter 1:13 — “Gird up the loins of your mind”
Reference Notes
Joseph’s inspired translation was far more than an editorial project—it shaped the theological framework of the Restoration.
The mention of a “pattern unto the elders” reveals that Church service is meant to be both revelatory and ministerial—anchored in scripture and action.
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