D&C 93:29 “29 Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be.”
Study Insights
D&C 93:29 — The Eternal Nature of Man (May 6, 1833)
A Doctrinal Breakthrough in Kirtland
On May 6, 1833, in Kirtland, Ohio, Joseph Smith received a revelation that redefined humanity’s place in the cosmos. Doctrine and Covenants 93 is filled with profound truths about Christ, light, and eternal progression, but verse 29 stands as one of its most revolutionary declarations: “Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be.” In a world where most faith traditions taught that the soul was created out of nothing, this verse boldly revealed that humanity is co-eternal with God.
The Eternal Identity of Humanity
The verse teaches that “man was also in the beginning with God.” This statement places humanity on a divine continuum, affirming that our existence did not begin at birth, nor even at the creation of the world. Instead, our true essence—what the revelation calls intelligence—has always existed. This doctrine instills a sense of eternal belonging. Humanity is not a fleeting accident of time but an everlasting reality bound to God from the beginning. For the Saints of 1833, struggling to build Zion in the midst of hardship, this truth was a powerful reminder of divine worth and destiny.
Intelligence and the Light of Truth
The verse identifies intelligence as “the light of truth.” Unlike material objects, intelligence is uncreated and indestructible. It is the essence of awareness, agency, and identity. This teaching unveils a cosmic law: God Himself did not create intelligence but works with it, nurturing and exalting it. Every individual, then, possesses an eternal core of intelligence that cannot be erased or destroyed. This principle gives profound dignity to every soul. It means that each person carries within them an eternal flame, capable of receiving light and growing in divine likeness.
Implications for Agency and Accountability
If intelligence is eternal and uncreated, then agency is likewise fundamental. Our ability to choose is not a temporary condition but an eternal reality woven into the very fabric of our being. This explains why accountability before God is not arbitrary—it flows naturally from our eternal identity. We are not passive creations but active, intelligent beings capable of progression. D&C 93:29 thus ties the eternal nature of man directly to the eternal law of responsibility, urging us to use our intelligence in pursuit of truth and light.
Relevance for Modern Discipleship
In today’s world, where many struggle with questions of identity, worth, and purpose, D&C 93:29 offers unmatched clarity and hope. It tells us that our existence is not fragile or temporary but rooted in eternity. This doctrine elevates every person beyond the confines of mortality, affirming that life is part of a much larger journey. It also provides a framework for understanding human potential: since intelligence is eternal, growth in light and truth is limitless. Our future with God is not restricted by mortality but opened by eternity.
Eternal Worth and Divine Destiny
This single verse in Section 93 transforms how we view ourselves and others. It teaches that intelligence cannot be created or destroyed, and therefore, every soul possesses eternal worth. Humanity is not incidental to God’s plan—we are central to it. In declaring that man was with God in the beginning, D&C 93:29 assures us that our divine destiny is not merely possible but inevitable if we align our lives with truth and light.
