Study Insights
D&C 93: Revelation on the Light of Truth (May 6, 1833)
A Time of Growth and Struggle in Kirtland
The spring of 1833 was a pivotal moment for the early Saints in Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith and the leaders of the Church were striving to establish the School of the Prophets, build unity among the Saints, and lay the foundations of Zion. In this period of rapid growth, opposition and confusion also swirled. Questions of doctrine, authority, and spiritual order pressed heavily on the Prophet. It was against this backdrop, on May 6, 1833, that Doctrine and Covenants 93 was revealed—a sweeping and deeply profound revelation that expands our understanding of Jesus Christ, the nature of truth, the agency of man, and the path to divine glory.
The Nature of Christ and His Progression
D&C 93 opens with a striking declaration: “It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am.” These words set the stage for one of the most doctrinally rich sections in the Doctrine and Covenants. The revelation teaches that Christ did not receive a fulness of glory at once but progressed “from grace to grace” until He received a fulness. This insight dismantles static notions of divinity and reveals a pattern for humanity—progress, growth, and eventual exaltation through obedience.
By explaining Christ’s development, this revelation underscores a critical truth: men and women are divine beings with eternal potential. Just as the Savior advanced step by step, so too can we grow in light and truth, eventually inheriting the glory of God if we remain faithful.
Defining Truth, Light, and Intelligence
One of the most enduring contributions of D&C 93 is its explanation of truth. The revelation defines truth as “knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come.” Unlike shifting human philosophies, truth in God’s framework is eternal and unchanging. It is tied directly to light and intelligence, both of which are described as the very essence of existence. Intelligence, the text declares, was not created nor made, neither indeed can be. It is co-eternal with God. This teaching offers a vision of the soul’s eternal nature and reinforces human dignity as uncreated, everlasting beings with divine capacity.
Light and truth together form the power by which God governs and by which His children are sanctified. When a person receives light, they are filled with greater capacity to discern, to act, and to align with the will of God. Conversely, when light is rejected, truth is lost, and spiritual captivity follows. This doctrine profoundly shapes how Latter-day Saints understand agency: it is not merely the freedom to choose, but the opportunity to increase in light and truth through righteous living.
Agency and the Loss of Light
D&C 93 teaches that when individuals receive light and truth, they are on the path to becoming like God. But when they choose disobedience, “that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers.” This warning reveals how both personal sin and cultural traditions can obscure eternal truths. In this sense, agency is deeply tied to accountability—not just for personal choices but for breaking free from false traditions that obscure God’s plan.
This principle remains as relevant today as in 1833. Modern distractions, worldly philosophies, and cultural narratives can cloud divine truth just as strongly as superstition and unbelief did in Joseph Smith’s day. D&C 93 provides a clarion call to discernment, urging believers to actively seek truth through revelation, study, and obedience.
Counsel to the Leaders of the Church
The revelation does not stop with doctrinal exposition; it also offers direct and personal counsel to Joseph Smith and several Church leaders. They are chastised for neglecting their families in their zeal for the work of the Church. Specifically, Frederick G. Williams, Sidney Rigdon, and Newel K. Whitney are instructed to set their houses in order and teach their children light and truth. The message is clear: building Zion begins in the home. Spiritual authority must be exercised first within families, ensuring that children are raised in righteousness and prepared to walk in the light.
This balance of personal responsibility and public ministry underscores the holistic vision of the gospel. Success in Church leadership cannot substitute for faithful discipleship at home. The revelation ties the eternal progression of families to the eternal progression of the individual, reminding leaders and members alike that both spheres are sacred.
The Cosmic Scope of the Revelation
While much of D&C 93 focuses on personal growth and responsibility, the revelation also gestures toward cosmic realities. Christ is described as “the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world,” connecting individual agency to a universal spiritual law. The universe itself is governed by light, truth, and intelligence, and human beings are part of this eternal structure. By following Christ, individuals do not merely receive salvation in an abstract sense; they are drawn into alignment with the very forces that govern eternity.
This sweeping perspective is part of what makes D&C 93 so profound. It unites the personal with the cosmic, the household with the universe, and human progress with divine progression. It reveals the grandeur of God’s plan while grounding it in practical, everyday living.
Why D&C 93 Still Matters Today
Nearly two centuries after its reception, D&C 93 remains one of the most theologically rich and inspiring sections in scripture. It speaks to the deepest questions of human existence: Who am I? Where did I come from? What is truth? How do I grow? The answers it provides are not only intellectually satisfying but spiritually motivating. We are eternal beings, filled with intelligence and light, capable of progression through Christ, and responsible for nurturing truth in ourselves and in our families. Its message is also urgent in a modern context. In an age where “truth” is often seen as subjective or relative, D&C 93 anchors believers in the reality of eternal truths that do not shift with cultural winds. It reminds us that the loss of truth comes not just from disbelief but from disobedience and neglect. In this way, it is both a comfort and a challenge—a revelation that expands minds while calling hearts to action.
Radiance of Eternal Truth
D&C 93 is more than a set of doctrines; it is an invitation into divine light. It shows the path walked by the Savior, outlines the eternal nature of truth, warns against the loss of light, and sets forth the sacred duty of parents and leaders alike. Its wisdom resonates across centuries, offering clarity in confusion and purpose in uncertainty. Just as in May 1833, it continues to remind all who read it that the glory of God is intelligence, and that through Christ, all can progress from grace to grace until a fulness is received.
Learn More about D&C 93 – Recommended Articles
For those seeking deeper understanding of Section 93 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the following resources from official Church materials and BYU Religious Studies Center offer doctrinal background, study helps, and scholarship on light, truth, “grace for grace,” and Christ’s example.
- Doctrine and Covenants 93 (Full Text) , ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
- Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual: Chapter 36 — D&C 93 , ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
- Come, Follow Me (2025): D&C 93 — “Receive of His Fulness” , ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
- Come, Follow Me (2021): D&C 93 — Study Outline , ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
- Seminary Teacher Manual (Lesson 97): D&C 93:1–20 , ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
- Joseph Smith Papers: Revelation, 6 May 1833 (D&C 93) , Church Historian’s Press.
- Doctrine and Covenants 93: How and What We Worship , BYU Religious Studies Center.
- Light, Truth, and Grace , BYU Religious Studies Center.
- Incarnation, Exaltation, and Christological Tension in D&C 93:1–20 , BYU Religious Studies Center.
- Illuminating the Doctrine and Covenants through the Gospel of John (on D&C 93) , BYU Religious Studies Center.
Talks by Church Leaders on D&C 93
These General Conference addresses reference D&C 93 (e.g., “grace for grace,” “the glory of God is intelligence,” “bring up your children in light and truth”) and apply its doctrines to discipleship, parenting, worship, and learning.
- How to Worship (1971 Oct.) — on progressing “grace for grace” (D&C 93:7–20).
- Receiving Divine Assistance through the Grace of the Lord (1993 Apr.) — “receive grace for grace” (D&C 93:20).
- Light and Truth (1981 Apr.) — on bringing up children in “light and truth” (D&C 93:39–40).
- Where Is Wisdom? (1992 Oct.) — cites “The glory of God is intelligence” (D&C 93:36).
- Teach Them the Word of God with All Diligence (1999 Apr.) — on the Savior receiving a fulness “grace for grace” (D&C 93:12).
- Agency and Control (1983 Apr.) — “bring up your children in light and truth” (D&C 93:36–40).
- By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them (1984 Oct.) — “The glory of God is intelligence … light and truth” (D&C 93:36).
- Notwithstanding My Weakness (1976 Oct.) — on the Savior growing “grace for grace” (D&C 93:12–13).
- Take Time for Your Children (1993 Oct.) — “bring up your children in light and truth” (D&C 93:40).
- The Oath and Covenant Which Belongeth to the Priesthood (1980 Oct.) — “ye shall receive grace for grace … truth and light” (D&C 93:20, 27–28).
More Verses
D&C Section 93:1-2
D&C 93:1–2 offers a powerful promise: if we forsake sin, come unto Christ, and keep His commandments, we will see His face and know Him. These verses reveal Christ as the true light that enlightens every soul, inviting us into a personal relationship with the Savior and reminding us that His presence is within reach for all who seek Him.
D&C Section 93:12-14
D&C 93:12–14 reveals that even Christ progressed “grace for grace,” growing step by step until He received a fulness of glory. This profound truth assures us that divine progression is not instant but a lifelong journey of growth, obedience, and grace. His example shows that we too can move steadily toward eternal light and joy.
D&C Section 93:24
D&C 93:24 gives one of scripture’s clearest definitions: truth is knowledge of things as they are, as they were, and as they are to come. This eternal perspective anchors faith beyond shifting opinion, reminding us that truth is constant, divine, and revealed by God. It invites us to live in light, seeking knowledge that leads to eternal progression.
D&C Section 93:29
D&C 93:29 reveals a profound truth: man’s intelligence is eternal, uncreated, and indestructible. This verse affirms that our existence is not fleeting but everlasting, rooted in divine reality. It shows that each soul carries eternal worth and agency, bound to God from the beginning, and destined for limitless growth in light and truth.
D&C Section 93:36
D&C 93:36 defines God’s glory in a profound way: it is intelligence, light, and truth. This verse transforms how we see divinity—not as distant brilliance but as living enlightenment that can fill every soul. As we seek knowledge and truth, we share in God’s glory, growing closer to His eternal light.
D&C Section 93:40-42
In D&C 93:40–42, the Lord commands His people to teach their children light and truth, warning that neglect invites darkness. His counsel to Frederick G. Williams in 1833 still speaks today—discipleship begins at home. Families built on truth and love become sanctuaries of light where faith is taught, lived, and passed to future generations.
Doctrine and Covenants 93
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, May 6, 1833.
1–5, All who are faithful will see the Lord; 6–18, John bore record that the Son of God went from grace to grace until He received a fulness of the glory of the Father; 19–20, Faithful men, going from grace to grace, will also receive of His fulness; 21–22, Those who are begotten through Christ are the Church of the Firstborn; 23–28, Christ received a fulness of all truth, and man by obedience may do likewise; 29–32, Man was in the beginning with God; 33–35, The elements are eternal, and man may receive a fulness of joy in the Resurrection; 36–37, The glory of God is intelligence; 38–40, Children are innocent before God because of the redemption of Christ; 41–53, The leading brethren are commanded to set their families in order.
1 Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am;
2 And that I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world;
3 And that I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one—
4 The Father because he gave me of his fulness, and the Son because I was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle, and dwelt among the sons of men.
5 I was in the world and received of my Father, and the works of him were plainly manifest.
6 And John saw and bore record of the fulness of my glory, and the fulness of John’s record is hereafter to be revealed.
7 And he bore record, saying: I saw his glory, that he was in the beginning, before the world was;
8 Therefore, in the beginning the Word was, for he was the Word, even the messenger of salvation—
9 The light and the Redeemer of the world; the Spirit of truth, who came into the world, because the world was made by him, and in him was the life of men and the light of men.
10 The worlds were made by him; men were made by him; all things were made by him, and through him, and of him.
11 And I, John, bear record that I beheld his glory, as the glory of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, even the Spirit of truth, which came and dwelt in the flesh, and dwelt among us.
12 And I, John, saw that he received not of the fulness at the first, but received grace for grace;
13 And he received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness;
14 And thus he was called the Son of God, because he received not of the fulness at the first.
15 And I, John, bear record, and lo, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove, and sat upon him, and there came a voice out of heaven saying: This is my beloved Son.
16 And I, John, bear record that he received a fulness of the glory of the Father;
17 And he received all power, both in heaven and on earth, and the glory of the Father was with him, for he dwelt in him.
18 And it shall come to pass, that if you are faithful you shall receive the fulness of the record of John.
19 I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness.
20 For if you keep my commandments you shall receive of his fulness, and be glorified in me as I am in the Father; therefore, I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace.
21 And now, verily I say unto you, I was in the beginning with the Father, and am the Firstborn;
22 And all those who are begotten through me are partakers of the glory of the same, and are the church of the Firstborn.
23 Ye were also in the beginning with the Father; that which is Spirit, even the Spirit of truth;
24 And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come;
25 And whatsoever is more or less than this is the spirit of that wicked one who was a liar from the beginning.
26 The Spirit of truth is of God. I am the Spirit of truth, and John bore record of me, saying: He received a fulness of truth, yea, even of all truth;
27 And no man receiveth a fulness unless he keepeth his commandments.
28 He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.
29 Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be.
30 All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it, to act for itself, as all intelligence also; otherwise there is no existence.
31 Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man; because that which was from the beginning is plainly manifest unto them, and they receive not the light.
32 And every man whose spirit receiveth not the light is under condemnation.
33 For man is spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fulness of joy;
34 And when separated, man cannot receive a fulness of joy.
35 The elements are the tabernacle of God; yea, man is the tabernacle of God, even temples; and whatsoever temple is defiled, God shall destroy that temple.
36 The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.
37 Light and truth forsake that evil one.
38 Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning; and God having redeemed man from the fall, men became again, in their infant state, innocent before God.
39 And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers.
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.
43 And now a commandment I give unto you—if you will be delivered you shall set in order your own house, for there are many things that are not right in your house.
44 Verily, I say unto my servant Sidney Rigdon, that in some things he hath not kept the commandments concerning his children; therefore, first set in order thy house.
45 Verily, I say unto my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., or in other words, I will call you friends, for you are my friends, and ye shall have an inheritance with me—
46 I called you servants for the world’s sake, and ye are their servants for my sake—
47 And now, verily I say unto Joseph Smith, Jun.—You have not kept the commandments, and must needs stand rebuked before the Lord;
48 Your family must needs repent and forsake some things, and give more earnest heed unto your sayings, or be removed out of their place.
49 What I say unto one I say unto all; pray always lest that wicked one have power in you, and remove you out of your place.
50 My servant Newel K. Whitney also, a bishop of my church, hath need to be chastened, and set in order his family, and see that they are more diligent and concerned at home, and pray always, or they shall be removed out of their place.
51 Now, I say unto you, my friends, let my servant Sidney Rigdon go on his journey, and make haste, and also proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the gospel of salvation, as I shall give him utterance; and by your prayer of faith with one consent I will uphold him.
52 And let my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Frederick G. Williams make haste also, and it shall be given them even according to the prayer of faith; and inasmuch as you keep my sayings you shall not be confounded in this world, nor in the world to come.
53 And, verily I say unto you, that it is my will that you should hasten to translate my scriptures, and to obtain a knowledge of history, and of countries, and of kingdoms, of laws of God and man, and all this for the salvation of Zion. Amen.