What can help me understand the book of Revelation?

young woman holding up book

Because of modern prophets, we have some helps for understanding the book of Revelation. Joseph Smith gave us some important keys to this book. For instance:

• Doctrine and Covenants 77. This revelation is in a question-and-answer format and gives us important insights into the book of Revelation. It explains various elements of chapters 4–11 and emphasizes how they relate to the work of the Lord in the latter days.

• The Joseph Smith Translation. There are many verses in the book of Revelation that Joseph Smith helped clarify through the process of his inspired translation of the Bible. You can find these in the study helps at scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Joseph Smith helped us see that the book of Revelation is not the unknowable mystery some think it to be. And he also taught us that if God has not given an interpretation of a vision, we’re not going to be held accountable for knowing it (see History of the Church, 5:343). He helped us to see that the main focus of the book is Jesus Christ—the hope we have through Him to overcome the world and return to Heavenly Father.

See also Guide to the Scriptures, “Revelation of John”; and Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2019 chapters on the book of Revelation.