D&C 93:40-42 “40 But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth. 41 But verily I say unto you, my servant Frederick G. Williams, you have continued under this condemnation; 42 You have not taught your children light and truth, according to the commandments; and that wicked one hath power, as yet, over you, and this is the cause of your affliction.”
Study Insights
D&C 93:40–42 — Teaching Light and Truth in the Home (May 6, 1833)
A Personal and Powerful Warning in Kirtland
On May 6, 1833, in Kirtland, Ohio, Joseph Smith received a revelation that blended eternal doctrine with deeply personal instruction. In the closing verses of Doctrine and Covenants 93, the Lord shifted from vast cosmic truths to a direct and intimate command: “Bring up your children in light and truth.” In verses 40–42, the Lord addressed Frederick G. Williams, one of Joseph’s counselors in the First Presidency, chastening him for neglecting his family’s spiritual education. Though addressed to Williams, this counsel resonates across generations—it is a universal reminder that discipleship begins at home.
The Command to Teach Light and Truth
The Lord’s instruction to “bring up your children in light and truth” is both a commandment and a covenantal principle. It highlights the sacred responsibility parents hold to teach their children the gospel, not merely through words but through example and daily devotion. Light represents understanding, revelation, and righteousness, while truth signifies eternal knowledge and divine law. To raise children in light and truth is to immerse them in an environment where the Spirit is present, where questions are welcomed, and where faith grows through consistency and love.
In the context of 1833, the Saints were building Zion—both as a community and within their own homes. The revelation made clear that Zion could not stand strong if families were spiritually weak. The command to teach truth was not abstract—it was the foundation of a godly society.
Condemnation and Correction
Verse 41 delivers a sobering statement: “My servant Frederick G. Williams, you have continued under this condemnation.” The Lord’s reproof was specific and direct, yet filled with redemptive purpose. Williams was not condemned for a lack of faith but for neglecting the immediate stewardship within his home. The Lord’s words emphasize that spiritual leadership is hollow if not accompanied by nurturing and instruction in the family.
In verse 42, the Lord explains the consequence: “You have not taught your children light and truth… and that wicked one hath power, as yet, over you.” This piercing warning reveals a profound truth about spiritual protection. Neglecting the teaching of truth opens the door to confusion and temptation, allowing darkness to encroach where light should reign. The adversary’s influence thrives in ignorance, but it falters where truth is taught and lived.
Light, Truth, and Family Stewardship
These verses stand as a timeless reminder that family is the first school of discipleship. The Lord’s definition of success in leadership extends beyond ecclesiastical duties—it begins in the home. The family setting is where light and truth are most effectively transmitted through love, consistency, and the Spirit of Christ. Parents are called to be daily teachers of divine principles, helping their children learn to recognize truth, feel the Spirit, and grow in spiritual resilience.
The Modern Relevance of an 1833 Revelation
Though directed to a 19th-century leader, D&C 93:40–42 is profoundly relevant today. In a world of digital noise and moral confusion, the call to teach “light and truth” has never been more vital. Parents, mentors, and leaders share the sacred duty of creating environments where truth thrives and light is cherished. The Lord’s correction to Frederick G. Williams reminds all disciples that no calling, title, or achievement can replace the eternal work of guiding loved ones toward Christ.
In these verses, the Lord’s tone is both firm and loving—a Father instructing His children to safeguard the next generation. D&C 93:40–42 remains a living call to action: to make homes havens of divine learning, where light and truth overcome darkness, and where faith becomes a family legacy.
