D&C 67

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 67

Received in November 1831 in Hiram, Ohio, during a conference where the elders discussed publishing the revelations as the Book of Commandments. Some had concerns about the language of the revelations. The Lord issued a challenge: let anyone try to write a revelation equal to the least of those given, and if they cannot, they must bear testimony that they are true.

Scripture

The Challenge to Write a Revelation

Study note

The Lord challenges anyone who questions the language of the revelations to produce one equal to the least of them.

1 Behold and hearken, O ye elders of my church, who have assembled yourselves together, whose prayers I have heard, and whose hearts I know, and whose desires have come up before me.

2 Behold and lo, mine eyes are upon you, and the heavens and the earth are in mine hands, and the riches of eternity are mine to give.

3 Ye endeavored to believe that ye should receive the blessing which was offered unto you; but behold, verily I say unto you there were fears in your hearts, and verily this is the reason that ye did not receive.

4 And now I, the Lord, give unto you a testimony of the truth of these commandments which are lying before you.

5 Your eyes have been upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and his language you have known, and his imperfections you have known; and you have sought in your hearts knowledge that you might express beyond his language; this you also know.

6 Now, seek ye out of the Book of Commandments, even the least that is among them, and appoint him that is the most wise among you;

7 Or, if there be any among you that shall make one like unto it, then ye are justified in saying that ye do not know that they are true;

8 But if ye cannot make one like unto it, ye are under condemnation if ye do not bear record that they are true.

Testimony and the Consequences of Rejection

Study note

Those who accept the challenge and fail must bear testimony of the revelations' truth; those who reject them will face consequences.

9 For ye know that there is no unrighteousness in them, and that which is righteous cometh down from above, from the Father of lights.

10 And again, verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am—not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual.

11 For no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God.

12 Neither can any natural man abide the presence of God, neither after the carnal mind.

13 Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected.

14 Let not your minds turn back; and when ye are worthy, in mine own due time, ye shall see and know that which was conferred upon you by the hands of my servant Joseph Smith, Jun. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 67

The divine origin of the revelations despite human languageA bold challenge to critics of the revelationsThe impossibility of producing scripture by human effort aloneTestimony as the expected response to divine truthHumility before the word of God

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 67 4-8 2 Peter 1:20-21

Peter taught that no prophecy of scripture comes from private interpretation but from men moved by the Holy Ghost, affirming the divine origin of revelation over human authorship.

D&C 67 5-7 Isaiah 55:8-9

The challenge to match divine revelation echoes Isaiah's declaration that God's thoughts and ways are higher than man's thoughts and ways.

D&C 67 10-14 John 7:17

Jesus taught that anyone willing to do God's will shall know whether the doctrine is of God, the same experiential test of truth implied in this revelation.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 67

When William McLellin attempted to write a revelation in response to this challenge and failed, it demonstrated a profound truth: the power of revelation lies not in literary polish but in divine authority. We sometimes focus on the packaging of truth rather than its substance. This revelation reminds us to approach God's word with humility rather than criticism. The same principle applies to modern prophetic counsel—rather than nitpicking the delivery, we should ask whether the Spirit confirms the message. The challenge still stands: no human can produce, by their own ability, what God reveals through His servants.

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