D&C Section 88:67

D&C 88:67 Explanation (December 27–28, 1832)

Spiritual Focus and Divine Illumination

Doctrine and Covenants 88:67 encapsulates a powerful promise: “And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.” At its heart, this verse urges believers to maintain undivided devotion—“single eye”—toward God’s purpose. Such unwavering focus becomes the conduit through which divine light permeates one’s entire being, banishing spiritual shadows and cultivating an inner clarity that allows one to perceive heavenly truths.

Historical Setting and Significance

This revelation was received during a conference of high priests in Kirtland, Ohio, on December 27 and 28, 1832. At that gathering, Joseph Smith recorded what would become the longest continuous revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants, later known as the “Olive Leaf,” a message of peace and instruction following prophetic warnings of turmoil. In calling this passage an “Olive Leaf,” Joseph Smith emphasized its role as a balm of light and understanding amid challenges for the early Saints.

The Promise of Filled Bodies

When our “eye”—our focus or intent—is fixed solely on God’s glory, the promise of being “filled with light” becomes reality. This light represents divine knowledge, spiritual gifts, and Christlike attributes that transform character and perception. Darkness, symbolizing doubt, fear, and ignorance, is expelled. As a result, an enlightened soul gains the capacity to understand complex spiritual principles and the mysteries of creation.

Perhaps the most transcendent aspect of D&C 88:67 is the assurance that a body filled with divine light “comprehendeth all things.” This does not imply omniscience in the human sense but speaks to a spiritual receptivity: when illuminated by heavenly light, the faithful can grasp truths that would otherwise remain concealed. Hearts become more attuned to the whisperings of the Spirit, human relationships are uplifted by empathy and clarity, and the workings of God in creation come into sharper focus.

Living with a Single Eye

Practically, cultivating a “single eye to my glory” means aligning daily choices—prayer, service, study, and worship—with divine priorities. It calls for mindfulness in resisting distractions that dilute spiritual vision. As modern disciples apply this principle, they discover that incremental acts of faith and obedience invite increasing illumination, enabling a fuller experience of God’s love and a more profound comprehension of His purposes.

Through this singular devotion, D&C 88:67 remains an enduring invitation: to let Christ’s light fill us, dispel our darkness, and expand our capacity to understand the eternal.