The Doctrine and Covenants

Section 83

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Independence, Missouri, 30 April 1832 (see History of the Church, 1:269–70). This revelation was received as the Prophet sat in council with his brethren.

1–4, Women and children have claim upon their husbands and fathers for their support; 5–6, Widows and orphans have claim upon the Church for their support.

 1 Verily, thus saith the Lord, in addition to the alaws of the church concerning women and children, those who belong to the church, who have blost their husbands or fathers:

 2 aWomen have bclaim on their husbands for their maintenance, until their chusbands are taken; and if they are not found transgressors they shall have fellowship in the church.

 3 And if they are not faithful they shall not have fellowship in the church; yet they may remain upon their inheritances according to the laws of the land.

 4 All achildren have claim upon their bparents for their cmaintenance until they are of age.

 5 And after that, they have aclaim upon the church, or in other words upon the Lord’s bstorehouse, if their parents have not wherewith to give them inheritances.

 6 And the storehouse shall be kept by the consecrations of the church; and awidows and orphans shall be provided for, as also the bpoor. Amen.