D&C 85:10 “These things I say not of ; therefore, as the Lord speaketh, he will also fulfil.”
Study Insights
D&C 85:1 – A Declaration of Divine Certainty (November 27, 1832)
The voice in Doctrine and Covenants 85:10 cuts through uncertainty with a clarity that still echoes in modern hearts: “These things I say not of myself; therefore, as the Lord speaketh, he will also fulfil.” This verse, received by Joseph Smith on November 27, 1832, serves as a bold affirmation of prophetic authority and divine reliability. In a time when the early Saints were navigating rapid revelations, emerging doctrines, and social pressures, this declaration reminded them—and reminds us—that God’s word is not a suggestion. It is a promise. And that promise is always fulfilled.
The Power of a Prophet’s Voice Anchored in God
When Joseph Smith penned these words, he wasn’t simply offering counsel or expressing opinion. He was acting as a conduit of the divine. The phrase “I say not of myself” reflects a familiar pattern found throughout scripture—one where prophets consistently disavow personal credit, pointing instead to the source of their authority: the Lord. From Moses to Nephi, and now Joseph, the true prophet does not speak to advance his own agenda but to reveal heaven’s will. This verse emphasizes that truth and offers a solemn reminder that the messenger may be mortal, but the message is eternal.
A Statement of Confidence in God’s Promises
The second half of the verse, “as the Lord speaketh, he will also fulfil,” is a rallying cry for anyone who has ever wondered whether God keeps His word. Here, Joseph affirms that there is no separation between what God says and what God does. His words are not empty declarations; they are sacred covenants. For the Saints in 1832, this was vital reassurance. They were in the thick of laying foundations—of temples, communities, and testimonies—often without seeing immediate results. But this verse offered a lighthouse in fog: if the Lord speaks it, He will fulfill it.
Application for Today’s Saints
In our modern world filled with noise and contradiction, D&C 85:10 offers peace. It assures the weary believer that God’s words are reliable, that modern-day revelation is anchored in the same divine consistency that guided ancient Israel. When doubts arise, or when answers seem slow in coming, this verse calls us to remember that God’s timing is perfect and His promises unbreakable. The verse also quietly encourages us to listen to God’s chosen servants today with confidence, knowing they are not speaking “of themselves,” but as mouthpieces for a God who always delivers.
D&C 85:10 is more than a doctrinal point—it is a spiritual guarantee. In just a single sentence, it bridges the gap between heaven and earth, promising that what God says, He will surely bring to pass.
