Doctrine & Covenants 60 — Study Guide
Date & Location: August 8, 1831 | Independence, Missouri
Audience: The elders who had traveled to Missouri with Joseph Smith and were now preparing to return to Ohio
Purpose: To provide instructions for their return journey and to rebuke those who failed to testify of the gospel
Key Themes:
Accountability for spiritual gifts and callings
Fear of man vs. faithfulness to God
Missionary duty and the power of testimony
Travel instructions and consecration of resources
Judgment, mercy, and symbolic acts (e.g., shaking the dust, foot washing)
Historical Context:
This revelation followed the Saints' arrival and land dedication in Jackson County.
The mood among some elders was mixed—some were faithful, others hesitant or fearful.
The Lord gives direct instruction for the return journey, preaching assignments, and money handling.
Key Figures:
Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Oliver Cowdery: Called to journey to Cincinnati
Edward Partridge: Bishop in Zion, to provide monetary support
“The residue”: Other elders sent two-by-two to preach on their return routes
Verse-by-Verse Exploration
Verses 1-2 : The Lord is pleased with effort, displeased with silence.
Verses:
1 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto the elders of his church, who are to return speedily to the land from whence they came: Behold, it pleaseth me, that you have come up hither;
2 But with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man. Wo unto such, for mine anger is kindled against them.
Summary:The Lord acknowledges the sacrifice and obedience of those who came to Missouri, but rebukes some for their spiritual inaction—they have "hidden the talent" He gave them out of fear.
Key Terms & Symbolism:
“Talent” – Symbolic of a spiritual gift, calling, or stewardship. This draws from Matthew 25:14–30, where a servant buried his talent out of fear and was condemned. In Greek, the term for "talent" is τάλαντον tálanton, and it refers to something that is weighed and measured on a scale of balance. In Hebrew, "talent" (כִּכָּר kikkar) is also used as a unit of weight. In this parable, talents refer to anything that can be weighed or measured, this might be our temporal blessings, but also refers to our intellectual and spiritual gifts, and this becomes a metaphor for divine responsibility and trust. God blesses us with many gifts, and he expects us to use those gifts wisely, to help Him an to help others in the building of His kingdom.
“Fear of man” – A recurring theme in scripture. Fear can lead to disobedience and spiritual paralysis. Compare Proverbs 29:25: “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.” This phrase points to misplaced priorities—valuing human opinion over divine command. This theme echoes in:
D&C 3:6–7 – where Joseph Smith is reproved for “fearing man more than God.”
Isaiah 51:12–13 – “...who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die…”
Reflection Questions:
What talents have I been given that I might be hiding or minimizing?
In what ways does fear prevent me from opening my mouth or fulfilling my calling?
Cross-References:
D&C 58:26–29 ("Men should be anxiously engaged")
Ether 12:27 (weakness and strength)
D&C 82:3 (Accountability for talents)
Verses 3–4: Consequences of unfaithfulness; God will make up His jewels.
Verses 5–9: Preach the word while returning home—be bold, but not contentious.
Verses 10–11: The law of consecration in practice—support for missionaries.
Verses 12–14: Don’t waste time; proclaim the word diligently but peacefully.
Verses 15–17: Sacred judgment and prophetic order.