D&C 17

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 17

Received in June 1829 at Fayette, New York, for Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris, who desired to be the three witnesses prophesied in the Book of Mormon. The Lord sets forth the conditions under which they would be shown the plates.

Scripture

Conditions for Seeing the Plates

Study note

The three are promised they will view the plates, the breastplate, the Urim and Thummim, the sword of Laban, and the Liahona, but only if they rely on God with full purpose of heart.

1 Behold, I say unto you, that you must rely upon my word, which if you do with full purpose of heart, you shall have a view of the plates, and also of the breastplate, the sword of Laban, the Urim and Thummim, which were given to the brother of Jared upon the mount, when he talked with the Lord face to face, and the miraculous directors which were given to Lehi while in the wilderness, on the borders of the Red Sea.

2 And it is by your faith that you shall obtain a view of them, even by that faith which was had by the prophets of old.

3 And after that you have obtained faith, and have seen them with your eyes, you shall testify of them, by the power of God;

4 And this you shall do that my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., may not be destroyed, that I may bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men in this work.

Their Testimony and Responsibility

Study note

The witnesses are charged to testify of what they see, and are warned that their testimony will condemn those who reject it. They are encouraged to endure in faith.

5 And ye shall testify that you have seen them, even as my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., has seen them; for it is by my power that he has seen them, and it is because he had faith.

6 And he has translated the book, even that part which I have commanded him, and as your Lord and your God liveth it is true.

7 Wherefore, you have received the same power, and the same faith, and the same gift like unto him;

8 And if you do these last commandments of mine, which I have given you, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; for my grace is sufficient for you, and you shall be lifted up at the last day.

9 And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it unto you, that I might bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 17

God provides witnesses to establish truthFaith is the prerequisite to seeing sacred thingsSacred artifacts as tangible evidenceThe weight and responsibility of testimony

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 17 1 2 Corinthians 13:1

The establishment of three witnesses fulfills the biblical pattern that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.

D&C 17 6 Revelation 14:6-7

The declaration of the everlasting gospel to every nation connects to John's vision of an angel flying through heaven with the everlasting gospel to preach to all the world.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 17

The three witnesses saw and testified with certainty, and none ever denied their testimony despite personal difficulties. This teaches that genuine spiritual experiences create an unshakable foundation of faith. While most of us will not see angels or gold plates, God provides personal spiritual witnesses that can anchor our faith through any trial.

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