D&C 93:24 “24 And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come”
Study Insights
D&C 93:24 — Defining Eternal Truth (May 6, 1833)
A Landmark Definition in Kirtland
On May 6, 1833, in Kirtland, Ohio, Joseph Smith received one of the most intellectually and spiritually profound revelations of the Restoration. Doctrine and Covenants 93 offered sweeping insights into Christ’s progression, humanity’s eternal nature, and the light that governs the universe. Nestled within this revelation is verse 24, a verse that has become one of the most quoted and enduring definitions of truth in scripture: “And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come.” This simple yet expansive declaration reorients how disciples understand truth—not as shifting opinion or cultural consensus, but as eternal, unchanging reality.
The Nature of Truth
In a world where definitions of truth are often debated or distorted, D&C 93:24 provides clarity. Truth is not just personal perspective or temporary fact; it is the knowledge of reality in all dimensions—past, present, and future. By including all three aspects of time, the verse ties truth to eternity. What God knows is not bound by human limitation or subject to revision. This makes truth absolute, reliable, and trustworthy. For the early Saints in 1833, striving to establish Zion, this definition grounded them in eternal principles amid uncertainty. For modern believers, it offers the same stability in a world of shifting values.
Truth as Knowledge
Significantly, this verse equates truth with knowledge. Knowledge here is not just intellectual accumulation but revealed, experiential awareness of eternal things. To know truth is to perceive reality through God’s lens. It is not acquired by speculation alone but through revelation, obedience, and alignment with divine law. Truth enlightens the soul, shaping both thought and action. Thus, to gain truth is to gain power, because knowledge of reality equips individuals to make choices aligned with eternal progress.
Eternal Dimensions of Reality
The phrase “as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come” expands truth beyond the narrow confines of the present moment. This perspective suggests that truth is panoramic. It incorporates the eternal past, where human intelligence existed with God; the present, where choices are made daily; and the eternal future, where destinies unfold. By defining truth in this way, the revelation points disciples to think beyond the temporary. The plan of salvation, eternal covenants, and the destiny of humanity are framed within this expansive vision of reality.
Living in Light and Truth
Doctrine and Covenants 93 does not stop at definition—it calls for application. If truth is eternal knowledge, then disciples are invited to seek it actively. To live in truth is to pursue light, revelation, and the teachings of Christ. Conversely, to reject truth is to fall into darkness, where the adversary can obscure reality. The Saints in 1833 were commanded to bring their families up in light and truth, showing that truth is not merely theoretical but must shape daily living, teaching, and worship.
The Power of an Eternal Definition
D&C 93:24 remains one of the most powerful scriptural anchors in understanding the very nature of reality. It separates eternal truth from worldly relativism and connects knowledge directly to God’s eternal perspective. In this definition, truth is not fragile or uncertain—it is as firm as eternity itself. For the Saints in Joseph Smith’s day and for all believers today, this verse invites a life rooted in eternal reality, where light, knowledge, and divine perspective guide the path toward God.
