Joseph Smith’s Commentary on the Bible - Genesis Ch. 1-4

Genesis 1:1

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" (Genesis 1:1).

Date: 5 January 1841 (Tuesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton’s Private Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 60) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"The world and earth are not synonymous terms. The world is the human family. This earth was organized or formed out of other planets which were broken up and remodeled and made into the one on which we live. The elements are eternal. . . . The word ‘created’ should be ‘formed’ or ‘organized’."

Original:

"The world and earth are not synonymous terms. The world is the human family. This earth was organized or formed out of other planets which were broke up and remodeled and made into the one on which we live The elements are eternal. That which has a beginning will surely have an end. Take a ring, it is without beginning or end; cut it for a beginning place, and at the same time you ~~will~~ have an ending place.

"A key, every principle proceeding from God is eternal, and any principle which is not eternal is of the Devil. The sun has no beginning or end, the rays which proceed from himself have no bounds, consequently are eternal. So it is with God. It the soul of man had a beginning it will surely have an end. In the translation, ‘without form and void’ it should read ‘empty and edsolate.’ The word ‘created’ should be formed or organized."

Date: 5 January 1841 (Tuesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 61) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"God did not make the earth out of nothing, for it is contrary to a rational mind and reason that a something could be brought from a nothing. Also, it is contrary to the principle and means by which God does work. For instance, when God formed man, he made him of something—the dust of the earth—and he always took a something to affect a something else. . . . The earth was made out of something, for it is impossible for a something to be made out of nothing. Fire, air, and water are eternal existent principles, which are the composition of which the earth has been composed. Also, earth has been organized out of portions of other globes that have been disorganized, in testimony that this earth was not the first of God's work."

Original:

"God did not make the earth out of Nothing; for it is contrary to a Rashanall [rational] mind & Reason. that a something could be Brought from a Nothing; also it is contry to the principle & Means by witch God does work; for instance; when God formed man, he made him of something; the Dust of the Earth, & he always took a something to affect a something Else; of the takes man to scorge his fellow man, or watter to Destroy man, or fire to Distroy Man or angels for instance the angel that went forth & Distroyed a hundred thousand one knigt Joseph Smith said to D Ells, & to the Congregation that he for a lenth of time, thought on phreknoleagee [phrenology]; & that he had a Revalation. the Lord Rebuking him sharply in Crediting such a thing; & further said there was No Reality in such a science But was the works of the Devil; he also said the Lord had told him the Bro. Law would Do well, he would Go & preach the Gospel he also said as for his own knowledge the Earth was made out of sumthing for it was impossible for a sumthing to be made out of Nothing fire, air, & watter are Eternal Existant principles which are the Composition of which the Earth-has been Composed; also ~~this~~ Earth has been organized out of portions of other Globes that has been Disorganized; in testimony that this Earth was Not the first of God’s work;"

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Thomas Bullock Report (Words of Joseph Smith, 350-51) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"I shall go to the first Hebrew word in the Bible—the first sentence. ‘In the beginning,’ bero'shît. (The first word of the Hebrew Bible is bere’shît. The Prophet’s revised pronunciation of it harmonizes with the interpretation and origin of the word that he taught in this discourse.) [Be-]: ‘in,’ ‘by,’ ‘through,’ and everything else; ro'sh: the ‘head.’ When the inspired man wrote it, he did not put the first part to it. A man, a Jew without any authority, thought it too bad to begin to talk about the head of any man. ‘The head one of the Gods brought forth the Gods’ is the true meaning of the word. . . . Thus the head God brought forth the Gods in the head council. . . . The head God called together the Gods and sat in [the] Grand Council. . . .

"The learned men who are preaching salvation say that God created the heavens and the earth out of nothing, and the reason is that they are unlearned. I know more than all the world put together, and if the Holy Ghost in me comprehends more than all the world, I will associate with it. What does bara’ mean? It means to organize, same as you would organize a ship. God himself had materials to organize the world out of—chaos, which is element and in which dwells all the glory, that nothing can destroy. They never can have an ending; they coexist eternally."

Original:

"I shall go to the first Hebrew word in the Bible the 1st sen: In the beginning—Berosheat—In by thro. & every thing else. Roshed the head when the Inspd. mand wrote it he did not put the 1st pt. to it. a man a Jew witht. any authy. thot. it too bad to begin to talk about the head of any man. "The Head one of the Gods brought forth the Gods" is the true meang. of the word--if you do not believe it you do not believe the learned man of God--no man can tell you more than I do thus the H God brot forth the Gods in the Head council--I want to bring it to English. Oh ye lawyers ye doctors I want to let you know that the H G knows something as well as you do--the Head God called togr. the Gods & set in Grand Council &c when I say a lawyer I mean a lawyer of the Scrip. I have done so hither to let the lawyers flutter & let everybody laugh at them. some learned Dr. mit take a notn to say thus & so--& are not to be altd & I am going to shew you an error I have an old book in the Latin Greek Hebrew & German &I have been readg. the Germ: I find it to be the most correct that I have found & it corresponds the rearest to the revns. that I have given the last 16 yrs years it tells about Jachabod means Jacob—in the English James-- & you may talk about James thro all Eternity in the 21 v. of 4th Mat: where it gives the test. that it is to Jacob & how can we escape the dn. of hell witht. God reveal to us. Latin says that Jackobus means Jacob—Hebrew says means Jacob—Greek says Jacks Jacob German says Jacob thank God I have got this book & I thank him ore for the gift of the H G. I have all the 4 Test. come here ye learned men & read if you can. I shod. not have brot. up this word unt only to shew that I am right when we beg to learn this way we beg to learn the only true God & when we be[g]in to know how to come to him—he begins to unfold the heavens to us & tell us all abt. it bef our prayers get to his ears at the bo now I ask all the learned men who hear me wher. the ears at the bo now I ask all the learned men who hear me wher. the learned men who are preachg. Saln. say that God created the Heavens & the Earth out of nothing & the reason is that they are unlearned & I know more than all the world put togr. & If the H.G. in me com: more than all the world I will associate with it--What does Boro mean it means to organize same as you wod organize a Ship.-- God himself had materials to org the world out of chaos which is Element & in which dwells all the glory--that nothing can destroy they never can have an ending they coexist eternally."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton Report (Word of Joseph Smith, 358) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"[I will] make a comment on the first sentence of the history of creation. Bero'shît: [I] want to analyze the word. Be-: ‘in,’ ‘by,’ ‘through,’ and everything else; ro'sh: the ‘head’; -ît. Where does it come from? When the inspired man wrote, he did not put the be- there. But a Jew put it there. It read in the first, ‘The head one of the Gods brought forth the Gods.’ [That] is the true meaning. . . . The grand councilors sat in yonder heavens and contemplated the creation of the worlds that were created at that time. . . .

"Learned doctors tell us God created the heavens and earth out of nothing. They account it blasphemy to contradict the idea. They will call you a fool. You ask them why. They say, ‘Doesn't the Bible say he created the world?’ And they infer that it must be out of nothing. The word create came from the word bara’. [It] doesn't mean so; it means to organize, same as [a] man would use to build a ship. Hence we infer that God had materials to organize from—chaos, chaotic matter. Element had an existence from the time [God] had. The pure principles of element are principles that never can be destroyed; they may be organized and reorganized, but not destroyed."

Original:

"So many learned and wise men here--will go the the old Bible the-very Berosheit. make a comment on the first sentence of the history of creation. Berosheit want to annalize the word--Be--in by through & everything else—rosh [indecipherable]--the head. sheit--where do it come from--when they inspired man wrote he did not put the Be there--But a jew put it there. It read in the first--the head one of the Gods brought forth the Gods--is the true meaning--rosheet signifies to bring forth the Elohim. Learned men cannt learn anymore than what I have told you hence the head God brought forth the head God in the grand council. Will simplify it in the English language. The learned Doctors who have persecuted me I want to let you know that the H. G.—

"The grand councilors set in yonder heavens and contemplated the creation of the worlds that was created at that time. When I say Doctor & Lawyer I mean the D & L of the scriptures. Some learned doctor might say the scriptures say thus & so and we must believe the scriptures He referred to an old book (N. T.) in the Hebrew, Latin, German & Greek-- find it to be the most correct--find it to correspond with the revelations I have received. It talks about Yachaubon the son of Zebedee--means Jacob. The New Testament says James--now if Jacob had the keys you might talk about James and never get the keys. Matthew 4-21 verse it gives the word Jacob instead of James How can we escape the damnation of hell unless God be with us--Men bind us with chains--Read from the Hebrew Yingacoub--Jacob. Greek Ichobon--Jacob. German He has got the Oldest book in the world--but he has got the oldest book in his heart. Latin Yacobus--Jacob too--Should not have introduced this testimony were it not to back up the word rosh--the head father of the Gods. When we begin in this way we begin to find out God-- what kind a being we have got to worship. When we begin to know how to come to him he begins to come to us. When we are ready to come to him he is ready to receive us. Learned Doctors tell us God created the heavens & earth out of nothing. They account it blasphemy to contradict the idea--They will call you a fool--You ask them why they say don’t the Bible say he created the world & they infer that it must be out of nothing. The word create came from the word Barau--don’t mean so--it means to organize--same as man would use to build a ship--hence we infer that God created the heavens & earth out of nothing. They account it blasphemy to contradict the idea--They will call you a fool--You ask them why they say don’t the Bible say he created the world & they infer that it must be out of nothing. The word create came from the word Barau--don’t mean so--it means to organize--same as man would use to build a ship--hence we infer that God had materials to organize from--chaos--chaotic matter.--element had an existence from the time he had. The pure principles of element are principles that never can be destroyed--they may be organized and reorganized=but not destroyed."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Samuel W. Richards Record (Words of Joseph Smith, 361) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"Create, bara’ in Hebrew, means [to] organize from chaos, or element."

Original:

"Create (Burrau, in Hebrew,) which means organize from Element Chaos, or Element."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (The Prophet Joseph Smith’s King Follett Discourse, 36, 38, 42, 46)

Joseph Smith:

"The head one of the Gods brought forth the Gods. . . . The head one called the Gods together in [the] Grand Council to bring forth the world. . . . In the beginning, the head of the Gods called a council of the Gods and concocted a scheme to create this world. . . .

"[The] doctors say, [God] created the earth out of nothing. Bara’, ‘create’; it meant to organize. God had materials to organize the world. Element—nothing can destroy [it]. [It has] no beginning, no end."

Original:

"The head one called the Gods together in grand council--to bring forth the world.--Example of error as yocabem-Jacob--the son of Zebedee--& James. James the son of Zebedee 4 Mat. 21. Greek, Hebrew, German, & Latin.-- In the beginning the head of the gods called a council of the Gods--and concocted a scheme to create the world.-- Soon as we begin to understand the character of the Gods he begins to unfold the heavens to us. -- Doctors say.--created the earth out of nothing. Borau. --creates.-- it means to organized.-- God had materials to organize the world. Elements--nothing can destroy. no beginning no end."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 345) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"The head one of the Gods brought forth the Gods. I will transpose it in the English language. I want you to know and learn that the Holy Ghost knows something. The Grand Council sat at the head and contemplated the creation of the world. . . . The Gods came together and concocted the plan of making the world and the inhabitants. . . .

"The learned doctor says the Lord made the world out of nothing. You tell them that God made the world out of something, and they think you are a fool. But I am learned and know more than the whole world—the Holy Ghost does, anyhow, and I will associate myself with it. Bara': to organize the world out of chaotic matter. Element—they are principles that cannot be dissolved; they may be reorganized."

Original:

"the head one of the Gods, broat forth the Gods, I will transpose it in the English language. I want you to know & learn that the Holy Ghost knows somthing. The grand Council set at the head and contemplated the creation of the world, some will say, the scriptures say so & so, but I will show you a text out of an old book containing the four languages, the German is here what does this text say, yoakabeam, the son of Zebedee, the bible says James the son of Zebedee, but this says Jacob son of Zebedee 21 chapter 4th ver Matthew. The Dr says (I mean Dr of Law not of physic) If you say anything not according to the Bible we will cry treason, But if ye are not led by revelation, how can ye escape the damnation of Hell, here we have the testimony of four I have the oldest Book in the world & the Holy Ghost I thank God for the old Book but more for the Holy Ghost. The Gods came together & concocked the plan of making the world & the inhabitants, having an knowledge of God, we know how to Approach him & ask & he will answer An other thing the learned Dr says: the Lord made the world out of nothing, you tell them that God made the world out of somthing, & they think you are a fool. But I am learned & know more than the whole world, the Holy Ghost does anyhow, & I will associate myself with it. Beaureau, to organize the world out of chaotic matter, element. They are principles that cannot be disolved. They may be reorganized."

Date: 16 June 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Thomas Bullock diary (Words of Joseph Smith, 379) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"The first word shows a plurality of Gods. . . . Bero'shît, etc.: ‘In the beginning.’ Ro'shît: 'the head.’ . . . ‘Elohîm: ’Elôah, ‘God’ in singular; -îm renders ‘Gods.’ . . . The head God organized the heavens and the earth. I defy all the learning in the world to refute me. In the beginning, the heads of the Gods organized the heaven and the earth."

Original:

"the 1st. word shows a plurality of Gods---& I want the apostate & learned men to come here--& prove to the contrary an unlearned boy must give you a little Hebrew---Berosheit &c In the begin rosheit--the head--it shod. read the heads of--to organize the Gods--Eloiheam Eloi. God in sing. heam, reanders Gods I want a little learning as well as other fools

"Popes quot: Drink deep

"all the confusion is for want of drinking and draught the head God---organized the heavens & the Earth--I defy all the learning in the world to refute me—

"In the begin the heads of the Gods organized the heaven & the Earth."

Date: 16 June 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 383) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"In the beginning, the head Gods organized the earth and the heavens."

Original:

"in the Beginning the Head Gods organized the Earth & the heavens."

Genesis 1:2

"And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters" (Genesis 1:2).

Date: 5 January 1841 (Tuesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton’s Private Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 60) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"In the translation ‘without form and void’ it should read ‘empty and desolate.’"

Original:

same as above.

Genesis 1:11-12

"And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.

And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good" (Genesis 1:11-12).

Date: 20 March 1842 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 107) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"It is a decree of the Lord that every tree, fruit, or herb bearing seed should bring forth after its kind and cannot come forth after any other law or principle."

Original:
"it is a decree of the Lord that evry tree fruit or herb baring seed should bring forth after its kind & cannot come forth after any other law or principle."

Genesis 1:14-18

"And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:

And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.

And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.

And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,

And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good" (Genesis 1:14-18).

Date: 20 March 1842 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 107) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"God set the sun, the moon, and the stars in the heavens and gave them their laws, conditions, and bounds which they cannot pass except by his command. They all move in perfect harmony in their sphere and order and are as wonders, lights, and signs unto us."

Original:

"God set the sun, the moon, the stars in the heaves, & give them their laws conditions, & bounds which they cannot pass except by his command, they all move in perfect harmony in there sphere & order & are as wonders, lights & signs, unto us."

Genesis 1:26-28a

"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth" (Genesis 1:26-28).

Date: 1839

Location:

Source: Willard Richards Pocket Companion (Words of Joseph Smith, 8-9) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"The priesthood was first given to Adam; he obtained the first presidency and held the keys of it from generation to generation. He obtained it in the creation before the world was formed. He had dominion given him over every living creature. He is Michael, the Archangel spoken of in the scriptures. Then to Noah, who is Gabriel. . . . These men held keys, first on earth, and then in heaven.

"The priesthood is an everlasting principle and existed with God from eternity and will to eternity, without beginning of days or end of years. The keys have to be brought from heaven whenever the gospel is sent. When they are revealed from heaven, it is by Adam's authority. . . . The Father called all spirits before him at the creation of man and organized them. He (Adam) is the head; [he] was told to multiply. The keys were given to him and by him to others, and he will have to give an account of his stewardship, and they to him."

Original:

"The Priesthood was. first given to Adam: he obtained the first Presidency & held the Keys of it, from generation to Generation; he obtained it in the creation before the world was formed as in Gen. 1, 27:28,--he had dominion given him over every living Creature. He is Michael, the Archangel, spoken of in the Scriptures,--Then to Noah who is Gabriel, he stands next in authority to Adam in the Priesthood; he was called of God to this office & was the Father of all living in his day, & To him was given th Dominion. These men held keys, first on earth, & then in Heaven.—The Priesthood is an everlasting principle & Existed with God from Eternity & will to Eternity, without beginning of days or end of years. the Keys have to be brought from heaven whenever the Gospel is sent.—When they are revealed from Heaven it is by Adams Authority.

"Dan VII Speaks of the Ancient of days, he means the oldest man, our Father Dama, Michael; he will call his children together, & hold a council with them to prepare them for the coming of the Son of Man. He, (Adam) is the Father of the human family & presides over the Spririts of all man, & all that have had the Keys must stand before him in this great Council. This may take place before some of us leave this stage of action. The Son of Man stands before him & there is given him glory & dominion.-Adam delivers up his Stewardship to Chirst, that which was deliverd to him as hlding the Keys of the Universe, but retains his standing as head of the human family.

"The Spirit of Man is not a created being; it existed from Eternity & will exist to eternity. Anything created cannot be Eternal. & earth, water &c—all these had their existence in an elementary State from Eternity. Our Savior speaks of Children & Says their angles always stand before my father.

"The Father called all spirits before him at the creation of Man & organized them. He (Adam) is the head, was told to multiply. The Keys were given to him, and by him to others & he will have to give an account of his Stewardship, & they to him."

Date: 1839

Location:

Source: Willard Richards Pocket Companion (Words of Joseph Smith, 9) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"Christ is the great High Priest, Adam next."

Original:

"Christ is the Great High priest; Adam next."

Date: 5 October 1840 (Monday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Robert B. Thompson manuscript (Words of Joseph Smith, 38-39) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"The Melchizedek Priesthood . . . is the channel through which the Almighty commenced revealing his glory at the beginning of the creation of this earth, through which he has continued to reveal himself to the children of men to the present time, and through which he will make known his purposes to the end of time—commencing with Adam, who was the first man, who is spoken of in Daniel as being the ‘Ancient of Days’ [Dan. 7:9-14], or in other words the first and oldest of all, the great grand progenitor of whom it is said in another place, he is Michael [D&C 107:54], because he was the first and father of all, not only by progeny, but he was the first to hold the spiritual blessings, to whom was made known the plan of ordinances for the salvation of his posterity unto the end, to whom Christ was first revealed, and through whom Christ has been revealed from heaven and will continue to be revealed from henceforth. Adam holds the keys of the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times, that is, the dispensation of all the times [that] have been and will be revealed through him from the beginning to Christ and from Christ to the end of all the dispensations that have [been and] are to be revealed."

Original:
"the Melchisadeck Priesthood comprehends the Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood and is the Grand head, and holds the highest Authority which pertains to the Priesthood the keys of the Kingdom of God in all ages of the world to the latest posterity on the earth and is the channel through which all knowledge, doctrine, the plan of salvation and every important matter is revealed from heaven. Its institution was prior to ‘the foundation of this earth or the morning stars sang together or the Sons of God shouted for joy,’ and is the highest and holiest Priesthood and is after the order of the Son [of] god, and all other Priesthoods are only parts, ramifications, powers and blessings belonging to the same and are held controlled and directed by it. It is the channel through which the Almighty commenced revealing his glory at the beginning go the creation of this earth and through which he has continued to reveal himself to the children of men to the present time and through which he will make known his purposes to the end of time—Commencing with Adam who was the first man who is spoken of in Daniel as being the ‘Antient of days’ or in other words the first and oldest of all, the great grand progenitor of whom it is said in another place he is Michael because he was the first and father of all, not only by progeny, but he was the first to hold the spiritual blessings, ~~the plan~~ to whom was made known the plan of ordinances for the Salvation of his posterity unto the end, and to whom Christ was first revealed, and through whom Christ has been revealed from heaven and will continue to be revealed from henceforth. Adam holds the Keys of the dispensation of the fullness of times, i.e. the dispensation of all the times have been and will be revealed through him from the beginning to Christ and from Christ to the end of all world the dispensation that have [been and] are to be revealed."

Date: 15 October 1841 (Thursday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (15 October 1841): 577

Joseph Smith:

"There has been a chain of authority and power from Adam down to the present time."

Date: 19 May 1838 (Saturday)
Location: Daviess County, Missouri, USA

Source: Missouri Journal, 1838, March to September (Papers of Joseph Smith, 2:244-45); see D&C 116

Joseph Smith:

"Spring Hill [was] a name appropriated by the brethren present. But afterwards [it was] named by the mouth of [the] Lord and was called Adam-ondi-Ahman, because, said he, it is the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of Days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the prophet."

Original:

"which was called Spring Hill a name appropriate by the bretheren present, But afterwards named by the mount of [the] Lord and was called Adam Ondi Awmen, because said he it is the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of days shall sit as spoken of by Daniel the Prophet."

Date: Summer 1839
Location:

Source: Willard Richards Pocket Companion (Words of Joseph Smith, 8-9, 10) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"Daniel speaks of the Ancient of Days; he means the oldest man, our Father Adam, Michael. He will call his children together and hold a council with them to prepare them for the coming of the Son of Man. He (Adam) is the father of the human family and presides over the spirits of all men, and all that have had the keys must stand before him in this great council. This may take place before some of us leave this stage of action. The Son of Man stands before him and there is given him glory and dominion. Adam delivers up his stewardship to Christ, that which was delivered to him as holding the keys of the universe, but retains his standing as head of the human family. . . .

"Those men to whom these keys have been given will have to be there; they without us cannot be made perfect [Heb. 11:40]. These men are in heaven, but their children are on earth. Their bowels yearn over us. . . . All these authoritative characters will come down and join hand in hand in bringing about this work. . . . We cannot be made perfect without them, nor they without us. When these things are done, the Son of Man will descend [and] the Ancient of Days sit. We may come to an innumerable company of angels [and] have communion with and receive instruction from them."

Original:

"Dan VII Speaks of the Ancient of days, he means the oldest man, our Father Adam, Michael; he will call his children together, & hold a council with them to prepare them for the coming of the Son of Man. He, (Adam) is the Father of the human family & presides over the Spirits of all men, & all that have had the Keys must stand before him in this great Council. This may take place before some of us leave this stage of action. The Son of Man stands before him & there is given him glory & dominion.—Adam delivers up his Stewardship to Christ, that which was deliverd to him as holding the Keys of the Universe, but retains his standing as head of the human family. . . .

"Those men to whom these Keys have been given will have to be there (I.E. when Adam shall again assemble his children of the Priesthood, & Christ be in their midst) the Ancient of Days come &c &c J.T.) And they without us cannot not be made perfect. These men are in heaven, but their children are on Earth. Their bowels yearn over us. God sends down men for this reason, Mat. 13.42. & the Son of man shall send forth his Angels &c—All these authoritative characters will come down & join hand in hand in bringing about this work . . . We cannot be made perfect without them, nor they without us when these things are done the Son of man will descend, the ancient of Days sit.—We may come to an innumerable company of Angels have communion with & receive instruction from them."

Date: 5 October 1840 (Monday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Robert B. Thompson manuscript (Words of Joseph Smith, 40) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"This then is the nature of the priesthood, every man holding the presidency of his dispensation and one man holding the presidency of them all, even Adam, and Adam receiving his presidency and authority from Christ. But [he] cannot receive a fulness until Christ shall present the kingdom to the Father, which shall be at the end of the last dispensation."

Original:

"This then is the nature of the priesthood, every man holding the presidency of his dispensation and one man holding the presidency of them all even Adam, and Adam receiving his presidency and authority from Christ, but cannot receive a fulness, untill Christ shall present. the kingdom to the Father which shall be at the end of the last dispensation.

Genesis 1:26-28b

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Date: 5 January 1841 (Tuesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton’s Private Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 60) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"That which is without body or parts is nothing. There is no other God in heaven but that God who has flesh and bones. ‘As the Father hath life in himself, even so hath he given the Son to have life in himself’ [John 5:26]. God the Father took life unto himself precisely as Jesus did. The first step in the salvation of men is the laws of eternal and self-existent principles. Spirits are eternal. At the first organization in heaven, we were all present and saw the Savior chosen and appointed and the plan of salvation made. And we sanctioned it. We came to this earth that we might have a body and present it pure before God in the Celestial kingdom."

Original:

"That which is without body or parts is nothing. There is no other God in heaven but that God who has flesh and bones. John 5-26, "As the father hath life in himself, even so hath he given the son to have life in himself". God the father took life unto himself precisely as Jesus did. The first step in the salvation of men is the laws of eternal and self-existent principles. Spirits are eternal. At the first organization in heaven we were all present and saw the Savior chosen and appointed, and the plan of salvation made and we sanctioned. We came to this earth that we might have a body and present it pure before God in the Celestial Kingdom."

Date: 9 July 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 231) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"After God had created the heavens and the earth, he came down and on the sixth day said, ‘Let us make man in our own image.’ In whose image? In the image of Gods created they them, male and female: innocent, harmless, and spotless, bearing the same character and the same image as the Gods. And when man fell he did not lose his image but his character, still retaining the image of his maker, Christ, who is the image of man [and] is also the express image of his Father's person. . . . And through the atonement of Christ and the resurrection and obedience in the gospel, we shall again be conformed to the image of his Son Jesus Christ. Then we shall have attained to the image, glory, and character of God."

Original:

"After God had created the Heavens and the Earth. He came down and on the sixth day said let us make man in our own image. In whose image. In the image of Gods created they them Male and female: innocent harmless and spotless bearing the same character and the same image as the Gods. And when man fell he did not lose his image but his character still retaining the image of his maker Christ who is the image of man is also the express image of his Fathers person so says Paul. For in him Christ dwelt the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Why because He was the brightness of his glory; and the express image of his person. Ques. What person Gods person. Hebrews 1st chap 3 verse And through the atonement of Christ and the resurrection and obedience in the Gospel we shall again be conformed to the image of his Son Jesus Christ, then we shall have attained to the image glory and character of God."

Date: 27 August 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 247) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"What was the design of the Almighty in making man? It was to exalt him to be as God."

Original:

"What was the design o the Almighty in making man, it was to exalt him to be as God."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Thomas Bullock Report (The Prophet Joseph Smith’s King Follett Discourse, 27)

Joseph Smith:

"God himself, who sits enthroned in yonder heavens, is a man like unto one of yourselves. [He] who holds this world in its orbit and upholds all things by his power—if you were to see him today you would see him a man. For Adam was a man in fashion and image like unto him. Adam walked, talked, and communed with him as one man talks and communes with another."

Original:

"God himself who sits enthroned in yonder Heavens is a man like unto one of yourselves who holds this world in its orbit & upholds all things by his power if you were to see him today you wod see him a man. for Adam was a man like in fashion & image like unto him Adam wakd, talked & convd. with him as one man talks & com: with anor."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton diary (The Prophet Joseph Smith’s King Follett Discourse, 26)

Joseph Smith:

"God, that sits enthroned, is a man like one of yourselves. That is the great secret. If the veil were rent today and the great God, who holds this world in its sphere or its orbit, and the planets—if you were to see him today you would see him in all the person, image, [and] very form of man. For Adam was created in the very fashion of God. Adam received instruction, walked, [and] talked [with God] as one man with another."

Original:

"1st God that sits enthroned is a man like one of yourselves. That is the great secret. If the veil was rent to day & the great God who holds this world in its sphere or its orbit--the planets--if you were to see him to day you would see him in all the person image, very form of man, For Adam was created in the very fashion of God. Adam received instruction walked talked as one man with another."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 341) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"[God] is a man like one of yourselves. Should you see him today, you would see a man in fashion and in form. Adam was formed in his likeness."

Original:

"Is a man like one of yourselves.--should you see him to day. you would see a man in fashion and in form. Adam was formed in his likeness."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (The Prophet Joseph Smith’s King Follett Discourse, 27)

Joseph Smith:

"God, who sits in yonder heavens, is a man like yourselves. That God that holds the worlds, if you were to see him today, you would see him like a man in form like yourselves. Adam was made in his image and talked with him and walked with him."

Original:

"God who sits in yonder heavens is a man like yourselves. That God, if you were to see him today that holds the worlds, you would see him like a man in form like yourselves. Adam was made in his image and talked with him & walkd with him."

Date: 16 June 1844 (Tuesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Thomas Bullock Report (Words of Joseph Smith; 379) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"The head one of the Gods said, ‘Let us make man in our image.’"

Original:

"The Head one of the Gods said let us make man in our image."

Genesis 2:7

"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul" (Genesis 2:7).

Date: 1 April 1842 (Friday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (1 April 1842): 745

Joseph Smith:

"In tracing the thing to the foundation and looking at it philosophically, we shall find a very material difference between the body and the spirit. The body is supposed to be organized matter, and the spirit by many is thought to be immaterial, without substance. With this latter statement we should beg leave to differ and state that spirit is a substance, that it is material, but that it is more pure, elastic, and refined matter than the body—that it existed before the body, can exist in the body, and will exist separate from the body, when the body will be moldering in the dust, and will in the resurrection be again united with it. Without attempting to describe this mysterious connection and the laws that govern the body and spirit of man, their relationship to each other, and the design of God in relation to the human body and spirit, I would just remark that the spirits of men are eternal, that they are governed by the same priesthood that Abraham, Melchizedek, and the apostles were, that they are organized according to that priesthood which is everlasting—‘without beginning of days or end of years[Heb 3:7]—that they all move in their respective spheres and are governed by the law of God, that when they appear upon the earth they are in a probationary state and are preparing, if righteous, for a future and a greater glory."

Original:
"In tracing the thing to the foundation, and looking at it philosophically we shall find a very material difference between the body and the spirit: the body is supposed to be organized matter, and the spirit by many is thought to be immaterial, without substance. With this latter statement we should beg leave to differ-and state that spirit is a substance; that it is material, but that it is more pure, elastic, and refined matter than the body;-that it existed before the body, can exist in the body, and will exist separate from the body, when the body will be mouldering in the dust; and will in the resurrection be again united with it. Without attempting to describe this mysterious connexion [connection] and the laws that govern the body and spirit of man; their relationship to each other, and the design of God in relation to the human body and spirit, I would just remark that the spirits of men are eternal, that they are governed by the same priesthood that Abraham, Melchezedec, and the apostles were; that they are organized according to that priesthood which is everlasting, "without beginning of days or end of years"-that they all move in their respective spheres, and are governed by the law of God;-that when they appear upon earth they are in a probationary state, and are preparing if righteous, for a future and a greater glory."

Date: 1 April 1842 (Thursday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (1 April 1842): 746

Joseph Smith:

"When God breathed into man's nostrils he became a living soul. Before that he did not live, and when that was taken away his body died."

Original:

"when God breathed into man's nostrils he became a living soul, before that he did not live, and when that was taken away his body died."

Date: 17 May 1843 (Wednesday)

Location: Ramus, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton Diary (Words of Joseph Smith, 203) Go to Full Source; see D&C 131:7-8

Joseph Smith:

"The 7th verse of chapter 2 of Genesis ought to read, ‘God breathed into Adam his spirit, or breath of life.’ . . . There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter but is more fine or pure and can only be discerned by purer eyes. We cannot see it, but when our bodies are purified we shall see that it is all matter."

Original:
"The 7th verse of C 2 of Genesis ought to read God breathed into Adam his spirit or breath of life, but when the word "ruach" applies to Eve it should be translated lives. Speaking of eternal duration of matter he said. There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter but is more fine or pure and can only be discerned by purer eyes. We cant see it but when our bodies are purified we shall see that it is all matter."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Thomas Bullock (Words of Joseph Smith, 351-52) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"The soul, the immortal spirit of man, [the learned] says [God] created [it] in the beginning. The very idea lessens man in my idea. I don't believe the doctrine. Hear it, all ye ends of the world, for God has told me so. I am going to tell of things more noble. We say that God himself is a self-existing God. Who told you so? How did it get into your head? Who told you that man did not exist in like manner? How does it read in the Hebrew?—that God made man and put into it Adam's spirit, and so [he] became a living spirit. The mind of man—the mind of man is as immortal as God himself. Hence, while I talk to these mourners, they are only separated from their bodies for a short period. Their spirits coexisted with God and now converse [with] one another, same as we do. Does not this give you satisfaction? I want to reason more on the spirit of man, for I am dwelling on the body of man, on the subject of the dead. I take my ring from my finger and liken it unto the mind of man, the immortal spirit, because it has no beginning. Suppose you cut it in two. But as the Lord lives, there would be an end. All the fools and wise men from the beginning of creation who say that man had [a] beginning—they must have an end, and then the doctrine of annihilation would be true. But if I am right, I might with boldness proclaim from the housetop that God never had power to create the spirit of man at all. God himself could not create himself. Intelligence is self-existent. It is a spirit from age to end, and there is no creation about it."

Original:

"the soul the in[ne]r Spirit--of God man says created in the beging. the very idea lessens man in my idea--I don’t bel. the doct: hear it all ye Ends of the World for God has told me so I am going to tell of things more noble--we say that God himself is a selfexisting God, who told you so, how did it get it into your head who told you that man did not exist in like manner-- how does it read in the Heb. that God made man & put into it Adams Spirit & so became a living Spirit--the mind of man--the mind of man is as immortal as God himself--hence while I talk to these mourners--they are only separated from their bodies for a short period--their Spirits coexisted with God & now converse one another same as we do--does not this give your satisfactn. I want to reason more on the Spirit of Man for I am dwelling on the body of man on the subjt of the dead—the SP of man I take ring from my finger and liken it unto the mind of man, the im[mor]t. Sp. bec. it has no beging Suppose you cut it into but as the D[evil] lives there wod be an end all the fools & wise men from the beging of creation who say that man had begin--they must have an end & then the doc of annihilatn wod be true--but if I am right I mit with boldness proclaim from the housetop that God never had power to create the Sp of Man at all—it is ne God himself cod not create himself-- intelligence is self existent it is a sp. from age to end & there is no creatn abt. it."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton diary (Words of Joseph Smith, 359-60) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"The soul, the mind of man, they say God created it in the beginning. The idea lessens man, in my estimation. [I] don't believe the doctrine [and] know better; God told me so. . . . We say that God was self-existent. Who told you so? It's correct enough, but how did it get into your heads? Who told you that man did not exist upon the same principle? [It] doesn't say so in the old Hebrew. God made man out of the earth and put into him his spirit, and then it became a living body. The mind of man, the intelligent part, is coequal with God himself. I know that my testimony is true. Hence, when I talk to these mourners, what have they lost? They are only separated from their bodies for a short season. But their spirits existed coequal with God, and they now exist in a place where they converse together as much as we do on the earth. Is it logic to say that a spirit is immortal and yet has a beginning? Because if a spirit has a beginning, it will have an end. [That is] good logic. All the fools, learned, and wise men that come and tell that man has a beginning prove that he must have an end. And if that doctrine is true, then the doctrine of annihilation is true. But if I am right, then I might be bold to say that God never did have power to create the spirit of man at all. He could not create himself. Intelligence exists upon a self-existing principle. [It] is a spirit from age to age, and [there is] no creation about it."

Original:

"Another subject--the soul--the mind of man--they say God created it in the beginning. The idea lessens man in my estimation. Don’t believe the doctrine--know better--God told me so--Make a man appear a fool before he gets through if he dont believe it. We say that God was self--existent who told you so? It’s correct enough but how did it get into your heads--who told you that man did not exist upon the same principle (refer to the bible) Don’t say so in the old Hebrew--God made man out of the earth and put into him his spirit and then it became a living body The mind of man--the intelligent part is coequal with God himself. I know that my testimony is true. hence when I talk to these mourners what have they lost--They are only separated from their bodies for a short season but their spirits existed coequal with God and they now exist in a place where they converse together as much as we do on the earth. Is it logic to say that a spirit is immortal and yet have a beginning because if a spirit have a beginning it will have an end--good logic--illustrated by his ring. All the fools learned & wise men that comes and tells that man has a beginning proves that he must have an end and if that doctrine is true then the doctrine of annihilation is true. But if I am right then I might be bold to say that God never did have power to create the spirit of man at all. He could not create himself--Intelligence exists upon a self-existent principle--is a spirit from age to age & no creation about it."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 345-346) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"The soul, the mind of man, where did it come from? The learned says God made it in the beginning, but it is not so. I know better; God has told me so. If you don't believe it, it won't make the truth without effect. God was a self-existing being; man exists upon the same principle. God made a tabernacle and put a spirit in it, and it became a human soul. Man existed in spirit and mind coequal with God himself. You who mourn the loss of friends are only separated for a moment; the spirit is separated for a little time. They are now conversant with each other as we are on the earth. I am dwelling on the immutability of the spirit of man. Is it logic to say the spirit of man had a beginning and yet had no end? It does not have a beginning or end. My ring is like the existence of man; it has no beginning or end. If cut in two, there would be a beginning and end. So with man; if it had a beginning it will have an end. If I am right, I might say God never had power to create the spirit of man. God himself could not create himself. Intelligence is eternal, and it is self-existing."

Original:

"The soul, the mind of man, whare did it come from? The learned says God made it in the beginning, but it is not so, I know better; God has told me so. If you dont believe it, it wont make the truth without effect, God was a self existing being, man exists upon the same principle. God made a tabernacle & put a spirit in it and it became a Human soul, man exhisted in spirit & mind coequal with God himself, you who mourn the loss of friends are only separated for a moment, the spirit is separated for a little time. They are now conversant with each other as we are on the earth. I am dwelling on the immutability of the spirit of man is it logic to say the spirit of man had a beginning & yet had no end, it does not have a beginning or end, my ring is like the Exhistenc of man. It has no beginning or end, if cut into, there would be a beginning & end. So with man, if it had a beginning, it will have an end, if I am right, I might say God never had power to create the spirit of man, God himself could not create himself. Intelligence is Eternal & it is self exhisting."

Date: 5 January 1841 (Tuesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton’s Private Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 60) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

Original:

Date: 9 July 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 231) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

Original:

"After God had created the Heavens and the Earth. He came down and on the sixth day said let us make man in our own image. In whose image. In the image of Gods created they them. Male and female: innocent harmless and spotless bearing the same character and the same image as the Gods. And when man fell he did not lose his image but his character still retaining the image of his maker Christ who is the image of man is also the express image of his fathers person so says Paul. For in him Christ dwelt the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Why because He was the brightness of his glory; and the express image of his person. Ques. What person Gods person. Hebrews 1st chapter 3 verse And through the atonement of Christ and the resurrection and obedience in the Gospel we shall again be conformed to the image of his Son Jesus Christ, then we shall have attained to the image glory and character of God."

Date: 27 August 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 247) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"What was the design of the Almighty in making man? It was to exalt him to be as God."

Original:
"What was the design of the Almighty in making man, it was to exalt him to be as God."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Thomas Bullock Report (Words of Joseph Smith, 349) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

Original:

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton diary (Words of Joseph Smith, 357) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

Original:

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 341) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"[God] is a man like one of yourselves. Should you see him today, you would see a man in fashion and in form. Adam was formed in his likeness."

Original:

"Is a man like one of yourselves.--should you see him to day. you would see a man in fashion and in form. Adam was formed in his likeness."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (The Prophet Joseph Smith’s King Follett Discourse, 27)

Joseph Smith:

Original:

Date: 16 June 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Thomas Bullock Report (Words of Joseph Smith; 379) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"The head one of the Gods said, ‘Let us make man in our image.’"

Original:

"The Head one of the Gods said let us make man in our image."

Genesis 2:15-17

"And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.

And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:

But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die" (Genesis 2:15-17).

Date: March 1834

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Evening and Morning Star (March 1834): 143

Joseph Smith:

"It may be supposed, and we think with a degree of propriety, that man had given to him in the beginning, from the hand of his Maker, every necessary law and instruction for his peace, happiness, and future comfort. And if not, living as he did in the immediate presence and walking under the inspection of heaven, if he needed more he could yet ask it, and that wise hand which had formed him of the dust was sufficient, not only sufficient, but knowing all things, knew whether man needed more or not. And if he did, it would be bestowed. To suppose that the Maker of the universe never gave to man any law after he had formed him would, in our opinion, be offering an insult to his glorious character and be comparing him beneath even an earthly parent. For where, we ask, is the kind, humane father to be found who would, for any consideration whatever, suffer his children to grow up to manhood without giving them instruction, and instruction too which would be wisely calculated to benefit them even in ripened years? . . . Should the great author of our being, after he had made all things and even man and pronounced them all ‘good, leave man without a law, we might well suppose that here was a contradiction in terms indeed. For he had pronounced all things which he had made ‘good,’ and yet there was no good in man. Consequently, he was not worthy to receive a law whereby his conduct might be governed, but must be left without any principles or directions from the hand of his Maker to guide him in the least particular."

Original:
"It may be supposed, and we think with a degree of propriety, that man had given to him in the beginning, from the hand of his Maker, every necessary law and instruction, for his peace, happiness, and future comfort: and if not, living as he did in the immediate presence, and walking under the inspection of heaven, if he needed more, he could yet ask it, and that wise Hand which had formed him of the dust was sufficient; not only sufficient, but knowing all things, knew whether man needed more or not, and if he did, it would be bestowed. To suppose that the Maker of the universe never gave to man any law after he had formed him, would, in our opinion, be offering an insult to his glorious character, and be comparing him beneath, even an earthly parent! For where, we ask, is the kind humane father to be found, who would, for any consideration whatever, suffer his children to grow up to manhood without giving them instruction, and instruction too, which would be wisely calculated to benefit them, even in ripened years? Should he teach them virtue in their youth, (a principle too much neglected with most parents,) if observed in age it certainly would be virtue still; and the more it was observed the more honorable would be the gray hairs, until his spirit took its welcome exit to mingle with its kindred spirits, and rejoice in the salvation of that God from whom came the first principles of virtue. Should the great Author of our being, after he had made all things, and even man, and pronounced them all good, leave man without a law, we might well suppose that here was a contradiction in terms, indeed; for he had pronounced all things which he had made GOOD, and yet there was no good in man, consequently he was not worthy to receive a law whereby his conduct might be governed; but must be left without any principles or directions from the hand of his Maker to guide him in the least particular."

Genesis 2:17

"But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die" (Genesis 2:17).

Date: 9 March 1841 (Tuesday)

Location:

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 65) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"At the time the Lord said this to Adam, there was no mode of counting time by man, as man now counts time."

Original:
"at the time the Lord said this to Adam there was No mode of Counting time By Mah, as man Now Counts time."

Date: 9 February 1841 (Tuesday)

Location:

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 63) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"Adam did not commit sin in eating the fruits, for God had decreed that he should eat and fall. But in compliance with the decree, he should die. Only [that] he should die was the saying of the Lord; therefore the Lord appointed us to fall and also redeemed us."

Original:

"Adam Did Not Comit sin in [e]ating the fruits for God had Decred that he should Eat & fall—But incompliance with the Decree he should Die—only he should Die was the saying of the Lord therefore the Lord appointed us to fall & also Redeemed us."

Genesis 2:21-24

"And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh" (Genesis 2:21-24).

Date: 24 November 1835 (Tuesday)

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Papers, Ohio Journal 1835-1836, Church Archives (Papers of Joseph Smith, 2:89)

Joseph Smith:

"Marriage is an institution of heaven, instituted in the garden of Eden; it is necessary that it should be solemnized by the authority of the everlasting priesthood."

Original:
"I then remarked that marriage was an institution of h[e]aven instituted in the garden of Eden, that it was necessary that it should be Solemnized by the authority of the everlasting priesthood."

Date: 24 November 1835 (Tuesday)

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Papers, History 1834-1836, Church Archives (Papers of Joseph Smith, 1:146)

Joseph Smith:

"Marriage [is] an institution of heaven, first solemnized in the garden of Eden by God himself, by the authority of everlasting priesthood."

Original:
"Proceeded to make some remarks, upon the subject of marriage as follows; that it was an institution of heaven first solemnized in the garden of Eden by God himself, by the authority of everlasting priesthood."

Moses 4:1-6

"And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh" (Moses 4:1-6).

Date: 14 May 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Yelrome, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 201) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"When [Satan] fell, he sought for things which were unlawful. Hence he was cast down, and it is said he drew away many with him."

Original:
"This was the case with the devil when he fell he sought for things which were unlawful hence he was cast down & it is said he drew away many with him."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Thomas Bullock Report (Words of Joseph Smith, 353) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"Jesus contended that there would be certain souls that would be condemned, and the Devil said he could save them all. As the Grand Council gave in for Jesus Christ, so the Devil fell and all who put up their heads for him."

Original:
"J. contd. that there wod. be certn. souls that wod. be condemned & the d[evi]l sd. he cod. save them all--as the grand council gave in for J. C. so the d l fell & all who put up their heads for him."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday Afternoon)

Location: At Temple, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Thomas Bullock Report (Words of Joseph Smith, 353) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"The contention in heaven was [that] Jesus said there were certain men [who] would not be saved. The Devil said he could save them. He rebelled against God and was thrust down."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 342) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"[The] Devil said he could save them all. [The] lot fell on Jesus."

Original:
"Devil said he could save them all--Lot fell on Jesus."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 347) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"The Devil said, ‘I am a Savior and can save all.’ [He] rose up in rebellion against God and was cast down."

Original:
"the devil said I am a savior and can save all, he rose up in rebelion against God and was cast down,."

Date: 12 May 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: George Laub Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 370) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"The Devil, Lucifer, also organized his kingdom in opposition to overthrow God's kingdom, and he became the son of perdition."

Original:
"the Devil lusifer also organised his kingdom in oposition to overthrow gods kingdom & he became the Son of perdition."

Genesis 3:6

"And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat" (Genesis 3:6).

Date: 9 February 1841 (Tuesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 63) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

Original:

Genesis 3:9-10

"And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?

And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself" (Genesis 3:9-10).

Date: 5 October 1840 (Monday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Robert B. Thompson manuscript (Words of Joseph Smith, 40) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"God called Adam by his own voice."

Original:
same as above.

Moses 5:4-8

"And Adam and Eve, his wife, called upon the name of the Lord, and they heard the voice of the Lord from the way toward the Garden of Eden, speaking unto them, and they saw him not; for they were shut out from his presence.

And he gave unto them commandments, that they should worship the Lord their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks, for an offering unto the Lord. And Adam was obedient unto the commandments of the Lord.

And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me.

And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth.

Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore" (Moses 5:4-8).

Date: March 1834

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Evening and Morning Star (March 1834): 143

Joseph Smith:

"Perhaps our friends will say that the gospel and its ordinances were not known till the days of John the son of Zacharias in the days of Herod the king of Judea. But we will here look at this point. For our own part, we cannot believe that the ancients in all ages were so ignorant of the system of heaven as many suppose, since all that were ever saved were saved through the power of this great plan of redemption, as much so before the coming of Christ as since. If not, God has had different plans in operation (if we may so express it) to bring men back to dwell with himself. And this we cannot believe, since there has been no change in the constitution of man since he fell. And the ordinance or institution of offering blood in sacrifice was only designed to be performed till Christ was offered up and shed his blood, that man might look forward with faith to that time. . . . We conclude that whenever the Lord revealed himself to men in ancient days and commanded them to offer sacrifice to him, that it was done that they might look forward in faith to the time of his coming and rely upon the power of that Atonement for a remission of their sins. And this they have done, thousands who have gone before us, whose garments are spotless and who are, like Job, waiting with an assurance like his that they will see him in the latter day upon the earth, even in their flesh [Job 19:25-26].

"We may conclude that though there were different dispensations, yet all things which God communicated to his people were calculated to draw their minds to the great object, and to teach them to rely upon him alone as the author of their salvation, as contained in his law."

Original:

"Perhaps, our friends will say, that the gospel and its ordinances were not known till the days of John the son of Zecharias, in the days of Herod the king of Judea. But we will here look at this point: For our own part, we cannot believe, that the ancients in all ages were so ignorant of the system of heaven as many suppose, since all that were ever saved, were saved through the power of this great plan of redemption, as much so before the coming of Christ as since; if not, God has had different plans in operation, (if we may so express it,) to bring men back to dwell with himself; and this we cannot believe, since there has been no change in the constitution of man since he fell; and the ordinance or institution of offering blood in sacrifice, was only designed to be performed till Christ was offered up and shed his blood, as said before, that man might look forward with faith to that time. It will be noticed that according to Paul, [see Gal. III 8] the gospel was preached to Abraham. We would like to be informed in what name the gospel was then preached, whether it was in the name of Christ or some other name? If in any other name, was it the gospel? And if it was the gospel, and that preached in the name of Christ, had it any ordinances? If not, was it the gospel? And if it had, what were they? Our friends may say, perhaps, that there were never any ordinances except those of offering sacrifices, before the coming of Christ, and that it could not be possible for the gospel to have been administered while the sacrifices of blood were. But we will recollect, that Abraham offered sacrifice, and notwithstanding this, had the gospel preached to him. That the offering of sacrifice was only to point the mind forward to Christ, we infer from these remarkable words of his to the Jews, Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it and was glad. [See John VIII 56] So, then, because the ancients offered sacrifice it did not hinder their hearing the gospel; but served, as we said before, to open their eyes, and enabled them to look forward to the time of the coming of the Savior, and to rejoice in his redemption. We find also, that when the Israelites came out of Egypt they had the gospel preached to them, according to Paul in his letter to the Hebrews, which says, For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. [See Heb. IV 2] It is said again, in Gal. III:19, that the law [of Moses, or the Levitical law] was added because of transgression. What, we ask, was this law added to, if it was not added to the gospel? It must be plain that it was added to the gospel, since we learn that they had the gospel preached to them. From these few facts, we conclude, that whenever the Lord revealed himself to men in ancient days, and commanded them to offer sacrifice to him, that it was done that they might look forward in faith to the time of his coming, and rely upon the power of that atonement for a remission of their sins. And this they have done, thousands who have gone before us, whose garments are spotless, and who are, like Job, waiting with an assurance like his, that they will see him in the latter day upon the earth, even in their flesh.

"We may conclude, that though there were different dispensations, yet all things which God communicated to his people, were calculated to draw their minds to the great object, and to teach them to rely upon him alone as the Author of their salvation, as contained in his law."

Date: 5 October 1840 (Monday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Robert B. Thompson manuscript (Words of Joseph Smith, 40) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"God will not acknowledge that which he has not called, ordained, and chosen. . . . Adam received commandments and instruction from God. This was the order from the beginning. That he received revelations, commandments, and ordinances at the beginning is beyond the power of controversy, else how did they begin to offer sacrifices to God in an acceptable manner? And if they offered sacrifices, they must be authorized by ordination."

Original:
"God will not acknowledge that which he has not called, ordained, and chosen. In the beginning God called Adam by his own voice See Genesis 3 Chap 9 & 10 verses. And the Lord called unto Adam and said unto him where art thou, and he said I heard they voice in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked and hid myself. Adam received commandments and instruction from God. this was the order from the beginning: that he received revelation, Commandments, and ordinances at the beginning is beyond the power of controversy, else, how did they begin to to offer Sacrifices to God in an acceptable manner? And if they offered sacrifices they must be authorized by ordination."

Moses 5:12-15

"And Adam and Eve blessed the name of God, and they made all things known unto their sons and their daughters.

And Satan came among them, saying: I am also a son of God; and he commanded them, saying: Believe it not; and they believed it not, and they loved Satan more than God. And men began from that time forth to be carnal, sensual, and devilish.

And the Lord God called upon men by the Holy Ghost everywhere and commanded them that they should repent;

And as many as believed in the Son, and repented of their sins, should be saved; and as many as believed not and repented not, should be damned; and the words went forth out of the mouth of God in a firm decree; wherefore they must be fulfilled" (Genesis 5:12-15).

Date: March 1834

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Evening and Morning Star (March 1834): 143

Joseph Smith:

"It is reasonable to suppose that man departed from the first teachings or instructions which he received from heaven in the first age and refused by his disobedience to be governed by them. Consequently, he formed such laws as best suited his own mind or, as he supposed, were best adapted to his situation. . . . But notwithstanding this transgression, by which man had cut himself off from an immediate intercourse with his Maker without a Mediator, it appears that the great and glorious plan of his redemption was previously mediated, the sacrifice prepared, [and] the Atonement wrought out in the mind and purpose of God, even in the person of the Son, through whom man was now to look for acceptance and through whose merits he was now taught that he alone could find redemption, since the word had been pronounced, "Unto dust thou shalt return" [Gen 3:19].

"But that man was not sufficient of himself to erect a system or plan with power sufficient to free him from a destruction which awaited him is evident from the fact that God, as before remarked, prepared a sacrifice in the gift of his own Son, which should be sent in due time in his own wisdom, to prepare a way or open a door through which man might enter into his presence, from whence he had been cast for disobedience."

Original:
"From these facts, in short, and the further knowledge contained in the scriptures, it is reasonable to suppose, that man departed from the first teachings, or instructions which he received from heaven in the first age, and refused by his disobedience to be governed by them. Consequently, he formed such laws as best suited his own mind, or as he supposed, best adapted to his situation. But that God has influenced man more or less since that time in the formation of law for his benefit we have no hesitancy in believing; for, as before remarked, he being the source of all good, every just and equitable law was in a greater or less degree influenced by him. And though man in his own supposed wisdom would not admit the influence of a power superior to his own, yet for wise and great purposes, for the good and happiness of his creatures, God has instructed man to form wise and wholesome laws, since he had departed from him and refused to be governed by those laws which he had given by his own voice from on high in the beginning. But notwithstanding this transgression, by which man had cut himself off from an immediate intercourse with his Maker without a Mediator, it appears that the great and glorious plan of his redemption was previously meditated; the sacrifice prepared; the atonement wrought out in the mind and purpose of God, even in the person of the Son, through whom man was now to look for acceptance, and through whose merits he was now taught that he alone could find redemption, since the word had been pronounced, Unto dust thou shalt return!

"But that man was not sufficient of himself to erect a system, or plan with power sufficient to free him from a destruction which awaited him, is evident from the fact, that God, as before remarked, prepared a sacrifice in the gift of his own Son which should be sent in due time, in his own wisdom, to prepare a way, or open a door through which man might enter into his presence, from whence he had been cast for disobedience."

Genesis 4:3-12

"And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.

And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:

But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?

If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?

And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.

And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand;

When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth" (Genesis 4:3-12).

Date: 15 August 1843 (Tuesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Evening and Morning Star (March 1843): 143

Joseph Smith:

"By faith in this Atonement, or plan of redemption, Abel offered to God a sacrifice that was accepted, which was the firstlings of the flock. Cain offered of the fruit of the ground and was not accepted, because he could not do it in faith. He could have no faith, or could not exercise faith, contrary to the plan of heaven. It must be the shedding of the blood of the Only Begotten to atone for man, for this was the plan of redemption, and without the shedding of blood was no remission. And as the sacrifice was instituted for a type by which man was to discern the great sacrifice which God had prepared, to offer a sacrifice contrary to that, no faith could be exercised, because redemption was not purchased in that way, nor the power of atonement instituted after that order. Consequently, Cain could have no faith, and ‘whatsoever is not of faith is sin’ [Rom. 14:23]. But Abel offered an acceptable sacrifice by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God himself testifying of his gifts [Heb. 11:4]. Certainly, the shedding of the blood of a beast could be beneficial to no man, except it was done in imitation, or as a type or explanation, of what was to be offered through the gift of God himself, and this performance done with an eye looking forward in faith on the power of that great sacrifice for a remission of sins.

"But however various may have been, and may be at the present time, the opinions of men respecting the conduct of Abel and the knowledge which he had on the subject of atonement, it is evident in our minds that he was instructed more fully into the plan than what the Bible speaks. For how could he offer a sacrifice in faith, looking to God for a remission of his sins in the power of the great Atonement, without having been previously instructed in that plan? And further, if he was accepted of God, what were the ordinances performed further than the offering of the firstlings of the flock? It is said by Paul in his letter to his Hebrew brethren that Abel obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts. To whom did God testify of the gifts of Abel. Was it to Paul? We have very little on this important subject in the forepart of the Bible. But it is said that Abel himself obtained witness that he was righteous. Then certainly God spoke to him. Indeed, it is said that God talked with him. And if he did, would he not, seeing he was righteous, deliver to him the whole plan of the gospel? And is not the gospel the news of redemption? How could Abel offer a sacrifice and look forward with faith on the Son of God for a remission of his sins and not understand the gospel? The mere shedding [of] the blood of beasts or offering anything else in sacrifice could not procure a remission of sins, except it were performed in faith of something to come. If it could, Cain's offering must have been as good as Abel's. And if Abel was taught of the coming of the Son of God, was he not taught of his ordinances? We all admit that the gospel has ordinances, and if so, had it not always ordinances, and were not its ordinances always the same?"

Original:
"By faith in this atonement or plan of redemption, Abel offered to God a sacrifice that was accepted, which was the firstlings of the flock. Cain offered of the fruit of the ground, and was not accepted, because he could not do it in faith: he could have no faith, or could not exercise faith contrary to the plan of heaven. It must be the shedding of the blood of the Only Begotten to atone for man; for this was the plan of redemption; and without the shedding of blood was no remission; and as the sacrifice was instituted for a type, by which man was to discern the great Sacrifice which God had prepared; to offer a sacrifice contrary to that, no faith could be exercised, because redemption was not purchased in that way, nor the power of atonement instituted after that order; consequently, Cain could have no faith: and whatsoever is not of faith is sin. But Abel offered an acceptable sacrifice, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God himself testifying of his gifts. Certainly, the shedding of the blood of a beast could be beneficial to no man, except it was done in imitation, or as a type, or explanation of what was to be offered through the gift of God himself; and this performance done with an eye looking forward in faith on the power of that great Sacrifice for a remission of sins. But however various may have been, and may be at the present time the opinions of men respecting the conduct of Abel, and the knowledge which he had on the subject of atonement, it is evident in our minds, that he was instructed more fully into the plan than what the bible speaks; for how could he offer a sacrifice in faith, looking to God for a remission of sins in the power of the great Atonement, without having been previously instructed into that plan? And further, if he was accepted of God, what were the ordinances performed further than the offering of the firstlings of the flock? It is said by Paul in his letter to his Hebrew brethren, that Abel obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts. To whom did God testify of the gifts of Abel, was it to Paul? We have very little on this important subject in the fore part of the bible. But it is said, that Abel himself obtained witness that he was righteous. Then certainly God spoke to him: indeed, it is said that God talked with him; and if he did, would he not, seeing he was righteous, deliver to him the whole plan of the gospel? And is not the gospel the news of redemption? How could Abel offer a sacrifice and look forward with faith on the Son of God for a remission of his sins, and not understand the gospel? The mere shedding the blood of beasts or offering any thing else in sacrifice, could not procure a remission of sins, except it were performed in faith of something to come, if it could, Cain's offering must have been as good as Abel's. And if Abel was taught of the coming of the Son of God, was he not taught of his ordinances? We all admit that the gospel has ordinances, and if so, had it not always ordinances, and were not its ordinances always the same?"

Date: 15 August 1843

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (15 August 1842): 889

Joseph Smith:

"All knowledge comes from God, yet when it has been revealed, all men have not believed it as revelation at the time. Hence, when Abel's offering was accepted of the Lord, that knowledge must have been communicated by revelation. And that revelation, though it gave Abel power with God, still Cain was offended, disbelieved, and committed murder. Cain knew the Lord and believed in his father Adam's scripture, or revelation. But one revelation was enough; he could not bear new ones and fell."

Original:
"all knowledge comes from God, yet when it has been revealed, all men have not believed it as revelation at the time. Hence, when Abel's offering was accepted of the Lord, that knowledge must have been communicated by revelation, and that revelation though it gave Abel power with God: still Cain was offended, disbelieved and committed murder. Cain knew the Lord, and believed in his father Adam's scripture, or revelation, but one revelation was enough: he could not bear new ones, and fell."

JST

Joseph Smith’s Commentary on the Bible - Genesis Chapters 1-4

Joseph Smith’s Commentary on the Bible - Genesis Ch. 1-4