dccanon
Doctrine & Covenants
Section 91
Jehovah instructs Joseph Smith that the Apocrypha contains a mixture of true things and men's interpolations, and declines to commission a translation of it. The reason given is precise: the canon of truth is already sufficient for the work at hand, and the Apocrypha's mixed character makes a formal translation more burden than benefit. What governs its use is not scholarly apparatus but the Spirit — the same Spirit that discerns all truth. A reader enlightened by the Spirit will draw genuine benefit; one who reads without it cannot, regardless of textual scholarship. The rule is clean and transferable to any extra-canonical text.
1
Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you concerning the Apocrypha—There are many things contained therein that are true, and it is mostly translated correctly;
2
There are many things contained therein that are not true, which are interpolations by the hands of men.
3
Verily, I say unto you, that it is not needful that the Apocrypha should be translated.
4
Therefore, whoso readeth it, let him understand, for the Spirit manifesteth truth;
5
And whoso is enlightened by the Spirit shall obtain benefit therefrom;
6
And whoso receiveth not by the Spirit, cannot be benefited. Therefore it is not needful that it should be translated. Amen.
