D&C 93:36 “36 The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.”
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D&C 93:36 — The Glory of God is Intelligence (May 6, 1833)
A Revelation of Eternal Brilliance
On May 6, 1833, in Kirtland, Ohio, Joseph Smith received a revelation that illuminated the divine nature of God, humanity, and the universe itself. Within this sweeping revelation, Doctrine and Covenants 93:36 declares, “The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.” Few verses in scripture express the divine essence of God and His relationship to knowledge so powerfully. This profound statement redefines glory not as abstract majesty or physical radiance but as the living, eternal power of understanding, wisdom, and divine awareness.
Redefining Glory
In most religious thought, glory is associated with light, power, or splendor—but in D&C 93:36, glory takes on a deeper, more intellectual and spiritual meaning. Here, glory is not just something God possesses; it is what He is. Intelligence, in this context, represents perfect knowledge combined with perfect goodness—the union of light and truth. The glory of God is not a static brightness; it is a dynamic force, radiating through creation and inviting His children to share in it. This revelation makes clear that divine glory is not withheld—it is shared with all who seek light and truth.
Intelligence: The Essence of Divinity
The verse equates God’s glory with intelligence, suggesting that divine greatness comes through perfect comprehension and moral clarity. Intelligence is the light of consciousness, the capacity to perceive truth and act in harmony with it. In God, this intelligence is infinite, making Him all-knowing and all-loving. For humanity, intelligence represents both our divine inheritance and our eternal quest. We, too, are capable of growing in light and truth, becoming more like our Creator as we acquire spiritual understanding and live in harmony with eternal principles.
Light and Truth as Living Forces
By equating intelligence with “light and truth,” this revelation expands our understanding of how God operates in the universe. Light represents enlightenment—the power to discern, to see beyond illusion. Truth represents eternal reality—the knowledge of things as they truly are. Together, they form the very fabric of divine glory. This connection explains why the pursuit of education, revelation, and moral integrity is not merely an intellectual exercise but a sacred act of becoming more godlike. When we seek light and truth, we participate in God’s own glory.
Humanity’s Path Toward Glory
D&C 93:36 is more than a statement about God—it is an invitation to His children. If the glory of God is intelligence, then the glory of man is to gain intelligence. Growth in understanding, compassion, and spiritual awareness brings us closer to divine light. This principle transforms education, revelation, and discipleship into sacred endeavors. The pursuit of truth is not only a path to wisdom but also a path to salvation, because light and truth elevate the soul and prepare it for eternity.
The Eternal Pursuit of Light
This verse, revealed in 1833, continues to resonate in an age defined by information and discovery. It reminds believers that not all knowledge is equal—true intelligence must be illuminated by divine light. The glory of God, manifested as light and truth, beckons humanity to rise above ignorance, deception, and darkness. D&C 93:36 stands as both a declaration and a promise: that glory and enlightenment are not distant divine attributes but attainable realities for those who seek to live in harmony with eternal truth.
