Questioning the Comma in Verse 13 of the Word of Wisdom

by A. Jane Birch

Overview

The 1921 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants included an additional comma, which was inserted after the word �used� in D&C 89:13: �And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.� Later authors have speculated that the addition of the comma was a mistake that fundamentally changed the meaning of the verse. This article examines this �errant comma theory� and demonstrates why this particular interpretation of D&C 89:13 is without merit.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940149470129
Publisher:	Interpreter Foundation
Publication date:	05/23/2014
Series:	Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture , #10
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	16
File size:	105 KB

About the Author

Jane Birch is the author of Discovering the Word of Wisdom: Surprising Insights from a Whole Food, Plant-based Perspective (2013). She graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in History and a PhD in Instructional Science. She currently serves as Assistant Director for Faculty Development at the BYU Faculty Center. Her accomplishments include creating BYU�s premiere faculty development program for new faculty, which she directed for 15 years. Her current work includes assisting BYU faculty in combining religious faith with academic discipline. Her academic publications and presentations cover a variety of topics, primarily related to faculty development.