D&C 119

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 119

Received July 8, 1838, at Far West, Missouri, in answer to Joseph Smith's prayer: 'O Lord, show unto thy servants how much thou requirest of the properties of thy people for a tithing.' This revelation establishes the law of tithing as one-tenth of annual interest (increase), to be a standing law forever.

Scripture

The Initial Consecration

Study note

The Saints are first to put all their surplus property into the hands of the bishop, and then annually pay one-tenth of their interest (increase).

1 Verily, thus saith the Lord, I require all their surplus property to be put into the hands of the bishop of my church in Zion,

2 For the building of mine house, and for the laying of the foundation of Zion and for the priesthood, and for the debts of the Presidency of my Church.

3 And this shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people.

Tithing as a Standing Law Forever

Study note

The Lord declares that tithing shall be a standing law forever for the holy priesthood. Those who do not observe it will not be found worthy to abide among the faithful in Zion.

4 And after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord.

5 Verily I say unto you, it shall come to pass that all those who gather unto the land of Zion shall be tithed of their surplus properties, and shall observe this law, or they shall not be found worthy to abide among you.

6 And I say unto you, if my people observe not this law, to keep it holy, and by this law sanctify the land of Zion unto me, that my statutes and my judgments may be kept thereon, that it may be most holy, behold, verily I say unto you, it shall not be a land of Zion unto you.

7 And this shall be an ensample unto all the stakes of Zion. Even so. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 119

The law of tithing establishedOne-tenth of annual increaseStanding law forever for the ChurchWorthiness tied to temporal obedienceConsecration as a principle of Zion

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 119 4 Malachi 3:8-10

The law of tithing directly connects to Malachi's challenge: 'Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse... and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven.'

D&C 119 1-2 Genesis 14:18-20

The principle of tithing traces back to Abraham paying tithes to Melchizedek, establishing it as a covenant practice predating the Mosaic law.

D&C 119 5-7 Luke 21:1-4

The principle of giving according to one's means connects to Jesus' commendation of the widow who gave her two mites—everything she had—which was more than all the rich gave.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 119

Tithing is one of the most practical tests of faith. Giving one-tenth of our increase requires trust that God will provide. Generations of faithful members testify that the blessings of tithing—both temporal and spiritual—far exceed the sacrifice. Tithing is not just about money; it is about priorities, trust, and acknowledging that everything we have comes from God.

Go Deeper

Study the Doctrine and Covenants in Covenant Path

Read every section with study aids and daily reading plans — free in the app.

Download for iOS Download for Android