D&C 100:10-11 “10 And I will give unto him power to be mighty in testimony. 11 And I will give unto thee power to be mighty in expounding all scriptures, that thou mayest be a spokesman unto him, and he shall be a revelator unto thee, that thou mayest know the certainty of all things pertaining to the things of my kingdom on the earth.”
Study Insights
D&C 100:10–11 — Power in Testimony and Revelation (October 12, 1833)
A Promise of Spiritual Empowerment
Doctrine and Covenants 100:10–11 was revealed on October 12, 1833, during a demanding period of travel and ministry for Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon. In these verses, the Lord moves beyond instruction and issues a promise of power—power not rooted in position or personality, but in divine calling. The language is intentional and reassuring. God does not merely ask His servants to labor; He equips them to do so with spiritual strength that exceeds natural ability. This empowerment is framed as a gift, freely given to fulfill God’s purposes on the earth.
Mighty in Testimony
Verse 10 introduces the promise that one will be made “mighty in testimony.” Testimony, in this sense, is not loud persuasion or emotional appeal. It is spiritual conviction—truth spoken with clarity and confirmed by the Spirit. To be mighty in testimony is to speak with a quiet authority that resonates in the hearts of listeners. This power does not come from rehearsed arguments, but from lived faith and divine confirmation. In the early days of the Restoration, when the Church was small and opposition was real, this assurance would have brought courage and confidence to those called to declare the gospel.
Expounding the Scriptures with Power
Verse 11 expands the promise further, offering power to be “mighty in expounding all scriptures.” Expounding scripture means more than quoting passages; it means opening meaning, connecting truth, and helping others see God’s hand across His word. The Lord promises this ability so that His servant might act as a spokesman, communicating doctrine with clarity and understanding. This gift underscores that effective teaching in God’s kingdom depends not only on study, but on revelation that illuminates scripture in living, relevant ways.
A Divine Partnership of Roles
One of the most striking elements of these verses is the partnership they describe. One is appointed as a spokesman; the other as a revelator. This division of roles does not suggest hierarchy, but harmony. Revelation flows, interpretation follows, and both serve the same divine purpose. Through this relationship, the Lord promises “certainty of all things” pertaining to His kingdom. Knowledge is not left vague or unstable; it is anchored by revelation, testimony, and shared spiritual labor.
Certainty in the Kingdom of God
The concluding promise of certainty brings the message full circle. God’s kingdom on the earth is not built on speculation or confusion, but on revealed truth. D&C 100:10–11 teaches that when God calls His servants, He also grants them power to testify, to teach, and to know. In every generation, this promise reassures believers that spiritual authority comes from God, and that those who rely on Him can speak, teach, and stand with confidence in the certainty of His kingdom.
