DC-KJV and JE-D&C 11

Annotation of D&C 11 – preliminary

D&C 11 is a good example because it shows that a high percentage of Joseph Smith’s language is also KJV language. Few of the KJV words/phrases are not also found in Edwards, including the so-called "blended" passages.

The blue D&C words/phrases in the annotation are nonbiblical and also not found in Edwards. In some cases noted below, the nonbiblical language is close to Edwards (e.g., plural instead of singular). There are several examples in the Book of Mormon and D&C of paraphrased or misquoted passages from the KJV that are identical to paraphrased or misquoted KJV passages in Edwards' works.

The red words/phrases are nonbiblical D&C wording that are also found in Edwards' works.

Purple are biblical or nonbiblical D&C words/phrases similar to Edwards.

Naturally, Edwards is not the only person who ever used this nonbiblical Book of Mormon terminology. English is a common language or we couldn't understand one another. But the ready availability of Edwards' works in Palmyra during Joseph's youth indicates that Edwards was a possible source for Joseph's vocabulary that he used when translating the plates and receiving revelations. Passages with the Lord’s personal pronouns obviously are not usually found in Edwards.

Bold = KJV 

Blue = nonbiblical BofM/D&C w/o JE (If unique to this instance, no footnote is given)

Red = nonbiblical BofM/D&C and JE 

Purple = biblical/nonbiblical BofM/D&C similar to JE

Section 11

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to his brother Hyrum Smith, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, May 1829. This revelation was received through the Urim and Thummim in answer to Joseph’s supplication and inquiry. Joseph Smith’s history suggests that this revelation was received after the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood.

1–6, Laborers in the vineyard will gain salvation;

7–14, Seek wisdom, cry repentance, trust in the Spirit;

15–22, Keep the commandments, and study the Lord’s word;

23–27, Deny not the spirit of revelation and of prophecy;

28–30, Those who receive Christ become the sons of God.

1 A great and marvelous[1] work is about to come forth[2] among the children of men.

2 Behold, I am God; give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful[3], sharper than a two-edged sword[4], to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow[5]; therefore give heed unto my word.

3 Behold, the field is white[6] already to harvest[7]; therefore, whoso desireth to reap let him thrust in his sickle[8] with his might, and reap while the day lasts[9], that he may treasure up[10] for his soul everlasting salvation[11] in the kingdom of God.

4 Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is[12] called[13] of God[14].

5 Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock[15] it shall be opened[16] unto you.

6 Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish[17] the cause of Zion[18].

7 Seek not for riches[19] but for wisdom; and, behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded[20] unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich[21].

8 Verily, verily, I say unto you, even as you desire of me so it shall be done unto you; and, if you desire, you shall be the means of[22] doing much good[23] in this generation.

9 Say nothing[24] but repentance[25] unto this generation. Keep my commandments, and assist to bring forth[26] my work, according to my commandments, and you shall be blessed.

10 Behold, thou hast a gift, or thou shalt have a gift if thou wilt desire of me in faith, with an honest heart[27], believing in the power of Jesus Christ, or in my power which speaketh unto thee;

11 For, behold, it is I that speak; behold, I am the light which shineth in darkness[28], and by my power I give these words unto thee.

12 And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust[29] in that Spirit which leadeth to do good[30]—yea, to do justly[31], to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit.

13 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart[32] unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten[33] your mind[34], which shall fill your soul[35] with joy[36];

14 And then shall ye know, or by this shall[37] you know, all things whatsoever[38] you desire of me, which are pertaining[39] unto things of righteousness[40], in faith believing[41] in me that you shall receive.

15 Behold, I command you that you need not suppose[42] that you are called to preach[43] until you are called.

16 Wait a little longer[44], until you shall have my word, my rock, my church, and my gospel, that you may know of a surety[45] my doctrine.

17 And then, behold, according to your desires, yea, even according to your faith[46] shall it be done unto you.

18 Keep my commandments; hold your peace[47]; appeal unto my Spirit;

19 Yea, cleave unto me with all your heart, that you may assist in bringing to light[48] those things of which[49] has been spoken—yea, the translation of my work; be patient[50] until you shall accomplish[51] it.

20 Behold, this is your work[52], to keep my commandments, yea, with all your might, mind and strength[53].

21 Seek not[54] to declare my word, but first seek[55] to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire[56], you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God[57] unto the convincing of men.

22 But now hold your peace; study[58] my word which hath gone forth[59] among the children of men[60], and also study my word which shall come forth among the children of men, or that which is now translating, yea, until you have obtained all[61] which I shall grant unto the children of men in this generation[62], and then shall all things be added thereto.

23 Behold thou art Hyrum, my son; seek the kingdom of God, and all things shall be added according to that which is just[63].

24 Build upon my rock, which is my gospel;

25 Deny not the spirit of revelation[64], nor the spirit of prophecy[65], for wo unto him[66] that denieth these things;

26 Therefore, treasure up[67] in your heart until the time[68] which is in my wisdom that you shall go forth.

27 Behold, I speak unto all who have good desires[69], and have thrust in their sickle to reap[70].

28 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the life and the light of the world[71].

29 I am the same who came unto mine own and mine own received me not[72];

30 But verily, verily, I say unto you, that as many as receive me, to them will I give power to become the sons of God[73], even to them that believe on my name. Amen.

(Doctrine and Covenants 11–11:30)

[1] BM (25) D (6) JE (3) “great and marvellous” NT (2) “Great and marvellous are thy works” (Revelation 15:3)

[2] DC (5)

[3] NT (1) M (1) DC (6) JE (9)

[4] DC (5) JE (2) DC and JE paraphrasing NT: « For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow

(Hebrews 4:12) JE (Brainerd) « "The Word of the Lord," this day, was "quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword" Hebrews 4:12 , and pierced to the hearts of many.

[5] DC (4) paraphrasing Hebrews. Edwards quotes Hebrews exactly in this phrase.

[6] DC (7) always with “already to harvest” NT: “look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

(John 4:35)

[7] NT (1) DC (7)

[8] NT (2) DC (8) JE (19)

[9] DC (4) JE (5)

[10] BM (1) DC (8) JE (25)

[11] OT (1) BM (2) DC (5) JE (15)

[12] OT (14) NT (13) BM (5) DC (18) PGP (1) JE (200)

[13] “the same is called” BM (1) DC (4) JE (3)

[14] NT (2) BM (2) DC (9) PGP (2) JE 20)

[15] DC (4)

[16] OT (5) NT (4) BM (5) DC (16) PTP (1) JE (27)

[17] DC (5)

[18] DC (4)

[19] DC (2)

[20] BM (4) DC (4) JE (35) JE: “For the time is coming when these mysteries will all be unfolded “ “When the fruit of it came to appear, and the mystery and ends of it to be unfolded “ “The mysteries that are in it, and the mysteries of God's Providence, will be all unfolded !"

[21] DC (2)

[22] OT (1) NT (2) BM (10) DC (5) JE (500)

[23] OT (1) BM (2) DC (2) JE (55) “of which he manifested in doing so much Good to others”

[24] “nothing but repentance” DC (2)

[25] DC (3) JE (3) JE “if he requires no reparation but repentance”

[26] BM (1) DC (2)

[27] DC (2) JE (5)

[28] NT (1) DC (7) “shine in darkness” BM (1) JE (2) JE “Though it may shine in darkness , and there may be but a little of it let into some dark place”

[29] OT (2) BM (3) DC (1) JE (10)

[30] OT (5) NT (4) BM (15) DC (2) JE (150) JE : « This love, also, leads those who possess it sincerely to desire and earnestly to endeavor to do good to their fellowmen”

[31] OT (1) BM (1) DC (1) JE (20) “what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God” (Micah 6:8)

[32] NT (2) BM (16) DC (12) JE (65) NT: « that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift (Romans 1:11)

[33] OT (1) BM (1) DC (4) JE (190)

[34] “enlighten” with “mind” DC (2) JE (43) JE: “pray to the great God that he will enlighten your minds and give you new hearts” “when the appointed time comes for that glorious outpouring of God's Spirit, when he will himself by his own immediate influence enlighten men's minds”

[35] DC (1) JE (4)

[36] OT (14) NT (11) BM (21) DC (5) JE (240)

[37] NT (1) DC (1) JE (5)

[38] NT (5) BM (7) DC (18) PGP (1) JE (30)

[39] OT (2) NT (6) BM (15) DC (26) PGP (6) JE (180)

[40] BM (1) DC (1)

[41] BM (5) DC (3)

[42] BM (6) DC (1) JE (7)

[43] BM (1) DC (4)

[44] BM (4) DC (1) JE (15)

[45] OT (1) NT (1) BM (11) DC (3) JE (1)

[46] NT (1) BM (1) DC (2)

[47] OT (4) DC (3) JE (3)

[48] DC (3) JE (1)

[49] BM (5) DC (3) PGP (1) JE (20)

[50] NT (2) BM (1) DC (7) JE (7)

[51] OT (12) NT (1) BM (7) DC (11) JE (200+)

[52] OT (3) NT (2) DC (1) JE (60)

[53] BM (3) DC (5)

[54] OT (3) NT (7) BM (6) DC (7) JE (15)

[55] DC (1) JE: “if God gives it without their first seeking of it, that will make God the first determining efficient, yea, the mere and sole author of it, without their doing anything towards it, without their so much as seeking or asking for it; which would be entirely to overthrow their whole scheme,”

[56] DC (5) JE (10) JE: “we may come unto him if we will, and he will enlighten us. If you desire to have your soul raised out from a hideous, yea, a hellish night of darkness, and to have a heavenly light shine into it, come to this Light of the World”

[57] NT (12) BM (47) DC (10) JE (120)

[58] OT (1) NT (2) BM (2) DC (7) JE (100+) “study word” only in DC and JE. JE: “It was implied in my ordination vows that I would study the Scriptures; that I would make the Word of God, and not the word of any man, my rule in teaching my people

[59] OT (13) NT (1) BM (24) DC (7) PGP (1) JE (30)

[60] OT (23) BM (131) DC (39) PGP (15) JE (130)

[61] BM (1) DC (1) JE (3) JE: “after Christ has obtained all the ends of his labors and death”

[62] OT (1) BM (1) DC (7) PGP (1) JE (4)

[63] NT (1) BM (4) DC (1) NT: “just and equal” BM: “just and true” JE: “just and holy” “just and right.”

[64] BM (9) DC (2) JE (1) JE: “anyone that had the word of wisdom, or knowledge, or a spirit of revelation , or doctrine, or exhortation, or gift of tongues, might do the part of pastors in the exercise of those gifts”

[65] NT (1) BM (18) DC (2) PGP (2) JE (55)

[66] OT (5) NT (1) BM (9) DC (1) JE (1)

[67] BM (1) DC (8) JE (20)

[68] OT (3) NT (3) BM (14) DC (4) PGP (1) JE (10)

[69] BM (1) DC (2) JE (6) JE: “may be styled common grace by which we are led to the faith of Christ, and so it includes all those good desires which are excited in us, and all those good dispositions which are produced in the minds of men before they believe, all this grace being common to men before they are admitted into the new covenant”

[70] NT (1) DC (4) JE (20) variations on “ Thrust in thy sickle, and reap” (Revelation 14:15)

[71] BM (1) DC (1) “Light of the world” NT (3) BM (1) DC (2) JE (80) JE: “He is called the light of the world , the light of life,” paraphrasing John 8:12.

[72] BM (1) DC (5) NT: “43 I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.” (John 5:43)

[73] NT (1) BM (3) DC (4) PGP (1) JE (13) NT: “12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12) “ JE : «  John 1:12, "But to as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God ." Without doubt, when once persons are become the sons of God they are no longer slaves: slaves, prisoners and captives are not consistent with such a relation to God.”