D&C 48

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 48

Received in March 1831 in Kirtland, Ohio. This revelation gave practical instructions about purchasing land in Ohio for the gathering Saints. It addressed concerns about how to obtain land and settle the influx of members arriving from New York.

Scripture

Instructions for Purchasing Land

Study note

Those with means are instructed to purchase land, while those without should be given stewardships as circumstances allow.

1 It is necessary that ye should remain for the present time in your places of abode, as it shall be suitable to your circumstances.

2 And inasmuch as ye have lands, ye shall impart to the eastern brethren;

3 And inasmuch as ye have not lands, let them buy for the present time in those regions round about, as seemeth them good, for it must needs be necessary that they have places to live for the present time.

Saving for the Land of Zion

Study note

The Saints are counseled to save money to eventually purchase the land of promise, with further details to come.

4 It must needs be necessary that ye save all the money that ye can, and that ye obtain all that ye can in righteousness, that in time ye may be enabled to purchase land for an inheritance, even the city.

5 The place is not yet to be revealed; but after your brethren come from the east there are to be certain men appointed, and to them it shall be given to know the place, or to them it shall be revealed.

6 And they shall be appointed to purchase the lands, and to make a commencement to lay the foundation of the city; and then shall ye begin to be gathered with your families, every man according to his family, according to his circumstances, and as is appointed to him by the presidency and the bishop of the church, according to the laws and commandments which ye have received, and which ye shall hereafter receive. Even so. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 48

Practical stewardship in gathering the SaintsThose with means assisting those withoutPatience and preparation for the land of ZionTemporal planning guided by spiritual purposes

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 48 1-3 Acts 2:44-45

The early Christians sold their possessions and distributed to all as any had need, the same principle of shared resources instructed here.

D&C 48 4-6 Hebrews 11:8-10

Abraham obeyed God's call and journeyed to a promised land he had not yet seen, just as the Saints were counseled to save for a land of Zion yet to be identified.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 48

This revelation shows that God cares about the practical details of His people's lives. The gathering was not just a spiritual exercise—it required land, planning, and financial sacrifice. Those with resources were expected to help those without, reflecting the law of consecration in action. In our own lives, temporal preparation—saving, planning, and being generous—is an essential part of building God's kingdom. Spiritual and temporal preparedness are not separate endeavors; they work together to accomplish God's purposes.

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