Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, 9 March 1833 (see History of the Church, 1:331–32). The Prophet was at this time engaged in the translation of the Old Testament. Having come to that portion of the ancient writings called the Apocrypha, he inquired of the Lord and received this instruction.

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.