The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released minor adjustments to the study helps in two of its volumes of canonized scripture, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Book of Mormon. The changes, now available in all digital formats, are the result of more than two decades of historical research from the Joseph Smith Papers Project.
The updates focus on enhancing the historical accuracy and context of the section introductions in the Doctrine and Covenants and clarifying two chapter summaries in the Book of Mormon. According to the Church, these revisions are intended to provide members with a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding the revelations.
“These adjustments bring the section introductions in line with what we have learned from more than twenty years of careful study of Joseph Smith’s documents,” said Elder Kyle S. McKay, a General Authority Seventy and the Church Historian and Recorder. “The minor changes to dates and places reflect the careful attention with which we believe this remarkable legacy of divine revelation ought to be treated.”
In total, 25 section introductions in the Doctrine and Covenants have been adjusted. Fifteen of these are factual corrections to dates and locations, while ten are intended to provide greater contextual clarity for the reader. In the Book of Mormon, two chapter summaries have been updated to better explain the Savior’s ministry to the ancient inhabitants and the importance of the Church being called in His name.
Church officials emphasized that the core scriptural text remains unchanged.
“We hope the contextual additions help readers better understand why and how the Lord communicated with the Church through His Prophet,” Elder McKay added.
The revised study aids are currently live on the Church’s official website, ChurchofJesusChrist.org, and within the Gospel Library mobile application. Future printings of the scriptures will include these updates, though the Church has stated that members are not expected to obtain new copies.
