Doctrine & Covenants Section 66 — Study Guide

Summary

These verses affirm William McLellin’s covenantal blessings as a disciple of Christ and invite him to be an instrument of righteousness in his generation. He is charged with proclaiming repentance, safeguarding his divine gifts, and living with prudence. The Lord reminds him that the everlasting covenant he’s received is part of the full restoration foretold by ancient prophets.

Language & Cultural Insights

• “Fulness of my gospel” — The word “fulness” parallels the Greek πλήρωμα (plērōma), meaning completeness or the entire contents. It’s used in Ephesians 1:23, referring to the Church as the “fulness” of Christ’s body.

• “Desire” — “Even as you desire of me…” relates to the Greek term ἐπιθυμέω (epithymeō), meaning to long for, to fix the heart upon, used both positively and negatively in scripture (Matthew 13:17). In Hebrew, the parallel root is חָפֵץ (chāphēts), meaning “to delight in” or “to will.”

• “Say nothing but repentance” — Repentance in Hebrew is שׁוּב (shuv), meaning to return, turn back, or restore covenant relationship. In Greek, μετάνοια (metanoia), literally means “change of mind/heart,” emphasizing transformation.

• “Gift… sacred and cometh from above” — The word gift in Greek is χάρισμα (charisma), used in Romans 12:6. It refers to spiritual grace-gifts that come through the Holy Spirit and must be used with reverence. In Hebrew, gifts offered to God are often referred to as מִנְחָה (minchah), meaning an offering, tribute, or voluntary dedication. (See previous lesson, “Seek Ye Earnestly the Best Gifts”)

• “Wisdom” — Hebrew: חָכְמָה (chokhmah) – sacred skill, discernment, and the moral intelligence to act according to divine law. Found frequently in Proverbs (e.g., Proverbs 3:13). Greek: σοφία (sophia) – philosophical and practical wisdom used for godly living; associated with Christ in 1 Corinthians 1:30.

• “Prudence” — Hebrew: עָרוּם (aruwm), which can mean shrewd or sensible, often in the positive sense of cautious discernment (Proverbs 14:8). Greek: φρόνησις (phronēsis) – moral insight or “thinking ahead,” practical wisdom for applying truth in real-life situations. Appears in Ephesians 1:8.

• “Prosper” — In Hebrew, צָלַח (tsalach) – to advance, succeed under divine favor (e.g., Genesis 39:3). In Greek: εὐοδόω (euodoō), to have a smooth journey or to thrive, particularly under God’s care (3 John 1:2).

Cross-References & Conference Talks

• Mosiah 3:17 — “There shall be no other name given…”

• D&C 1:4–5 — Call to repentance as the message of the Restoration

• Alma 26:22 — “Repentance and faith bring revelation and success in God's work”

• Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, However Long and Hard the Road, BYU 1983 — Faith and perseverance in spiritual work

Reflection Questions

• What desires do you have that the Lord could honor if aligned with His will?

• How can you better use your gifts “with wisdom and with prudence”?

• What does it mean to proclaim “nothing but repentance” in your sphere of influence?

• How might viewing repentance as re-centering help reshape your spiritual journey?

Summary 

These verses offer both companionship and correction. William McLellin is instructed to work with Samuel H. Smith, to exercise faith in healing, and to endure trials with patience. A direct moral warning follows—he is to forsake sin, particularly sexual temptation. The passage balances divine empowerment and accountability, emphasizing spiritual integrity in the Lord’s work.

Language & Cultural Insights

"Faithful shall be made strong" — 

The Hebrew idea of אמונה (emunah) “faithful” suggests firmness, fidelity, and moral steadiness. The Lord strengthens those who walk in covenant loyalty. (Ether 12:27, 2 Corinthians 12:9–10, 1 Corinthians 1:27)

This transformation from weakness to strength is not a reward for perfection—but a covenantal promise tied to humility, faith, and submission. It’s echoed in:

Ether 12:27 – Our weaknesses are divinely given to teach dependence.

2 Corinthians 12:9 – Grace enables God’s strength to fill what we lack.

D&C 1:19–28 – The Lord calls the weak to proclaim His gospel so “that the weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty.”

Greek Word Studies

Weakness — ἀσθένεια (asthéneia) Meaning: feebleness, frailty, moral or physical weakness.

Strength / Power — δύναμις (dýnamis) Meaning: strength, power, ability (especially miraculous power). This is the word used in 2 Corinthians 12:9—“My power is made perfect in weakness.”

Hebrew Word Studies

Weak / Infirm — חֲלִי (chalî), דַּל (dal) Meaning: sick, weak, poor, or afflicted. Often symbolic of temporal or spiritual dependency.

Strength / Might — עֹז (oz) Meaning: strength, might, or power, often connected to God’s enabling grace.

Strengthen / Make Strong — חָזַק (chazaq) Meaning: to strengthen, prevail, harden, encourage, or repair. Often used in covenant renewal contexts.

“Lay your hands upon the sick” — This reflects the biblical laying on of hands, a sacred act symbolizing divine authority and transfer of power (see Mark 6:5 (BLB)).

Biblical Precedent & Symbolism

The laying on of hands is a sacred, covenantal gesture throughout scripture that signifies:

Healing (Mark 6:5, Acts 28:8)

Blessing (Genesis 48:14–20 – Jacob blessing Ephraim and Manasseh)

Ordination / Commissioning (Numbers 27:18–23 – Moses and Joshua; Acts 6:6)

Atonement Transfer / Substitution (Leviticus 1:4 – sacrificial offering)

It symbolizes the transfer of power, blessing, or responsibility through a tangible, embodied action by divine permission.

Greek Word Studies

ἐπιτίθημι χεῖρας (epitithēmi cheiras) ἐπιτίθημι (epi-tithēmi) = to place upon, to lay on χεῖρ (cheir) = hand

 ➤ Used in practice (e.g., Hebrews 6:2)

 ➤ Used in healing contexts (e.g., Mark 6:5, Luke 4:40)

 ➤ Used in ordinations (e.g., Acts 6:6)

 ➤ Used in transfer of power, authority (e.g., Acts 8:17)

Hebrew Word Studies

(sāmakh yadayim) סָמַךְ יָדַיִם - (sāmakh)  סָמַךְ = to lean, support, lay upon. (yadayim) יָדַיִם = dual form of hands.

 ➤ Used especially in the context of priestly or sacrificial acts in Torah, such as:

Leviticus 1:4 — “And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering…”

Numbers 8:10 — “And thou shalt bring the Levites before the LORD: and the children of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites.”

“Be patient in affliction” — 

The Greek word for patient is μακροθυμέω (makrothymeō), meaning long-suffering, to “remain under” suffering with endurance. Patience is more than waiting—it’s enduring with trust.  Makrothymeō is a compound word, 

μακρός (makros) = long, distant, (broader view/perspective)

θυμός (thymos) = passion, anger, or wrath ➤ Thus, makrothymeō means to be long-spirited, to delay anger, or to endure without reacting in haste.

This term connotes restraint under provocation and trustful perseverance, not passive waiting. (James 5:7–8, 2 Peter 3:9)

"Ask...seek...knock" — 

A direct allusion to Matthew 7:7, inviting faithful persistence. Each verb implies increasing intensity of spiritual effort. I also lines up beautifully with the PaRDes Model we discussed previously,

"Seek not to be cumbered" — Cumbered implies being burdened or distracted. This mirrors the Greek περιεσπάτο (periespato), used in Luke 10:40, when Martha was “cumbered about” serving and distracted from the better part.

“Forsake all unrighteousness” — In Hebrew, רֶשַׁע (reshaʿ) denotes wickedness or lawlessness. The term implies conscious rebellion, not ignorance.

"Adultery” — In Greek: μοιχεία (moicheia), a serious breach of covenant relationship. Adultery in scripture is often symbolic of idolatry or spiritual unfaithfulness as well.

Reflection Questions

• How can collaboration with faithful companions strengthen our spiritual mission?

• What do these verses teach about the relationship between divine healing and personal righteousness?

• How can we “forsake all unrighteousness” in a world full of distraction and temptation?

Summary

These concluding verses express divine confidence, final exhortation, and covenantal promise. The Lord assures William E. McLellin that his faithfulness will result in a magnified calling and lasting joy—not only for himself but for those he gathers. The "crown of eternal life" is promised to those who endure in faith, and the Lord’s closing benediction seals the revelation with solemn authority and divine identity.

Language & Cultural Insights

• “Keep these sayings” The word keep in Hebrew is שָׁמַר (shamar), which means more than just obedience—it implies watchfulness, protection, and covenantal care (cf. Genesis 2:15). In Greek, the verb is τηρέω (tēreō), meaning to guard or preserve (cf. John 14:15).

  
  

• “Magnify thine office” This phrase means to fulfill one’s calling with diligence and divine focus. The term magnify (Latin magnificare) means “to make great or to honor.” In scripture, it suggests expanding the influence and sanctity of one’s priesthood or missionary role by living worthily and serving diligently (cf. Alma 29:9).

  
  

• “Push many people to Zion” The verb push is both poetic and prophetic. The imagery echoes Isaiah’s vision where nations flow to Zion (cf. Isaiah 2:2–3). In Hebrew prophetic texts, the idea of gathering often carries an eschatological tone—people being drawn to God’s holy mountain. It is both an act of persuasion and spiritual momentum.

  
  

• “Songs of everlasting joy” This imagery is rooted in Isaiah’s language of redemption and return: “They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” (Isaiah 35:10) Singing is symbolic of rejoicing in covenant blessings. Notably, this echoes Doctrine and Covenants 25, where Emma Smith is commanded to compile hymns and is told:

  
  

“...the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me... and shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads…Keep my commandments continually, and a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive.” (D&C 25:12-15).

Both revelations connect music with covenant joy and eternal reward, revealing the role of sacred song in preparing hearts for Zion.

• “Crown of eternal life” In Greek, the word for crown is στέφανος (stephanos), a victory wreath awarded to those who finish the race (cf. 2 Timothy 4:7–8). It symbolizes honor, triumph, and divine approval. Eternal life is not merely unending existence but life in God’s presence.

  
  

• “Grace and truth” This echoes the Johannine witness of Christ’s nature: “...full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Grace (χάρις charis) means unmerited divine favor; truth (ἀλήθεια alētheia) refers to reality aligned with God’s eternal order.

  
  

• “Verily, thus saith the Lord…” This formulaic close affirms divine authorship and authenticity. It reflects the prophetic declaration found throughout scripture where the Lord confirms His word with His name.

Reflection Questions

• What does it mean to “magnify” our personal callings in today’s world?

• How does rejoicing with “songs of everlasting joy” apply to missionary work and covenant living?

• What small, faithful choices prepare us to wear the “crown of eternal life”?

References

• Genesis 2:15 – Keep/watch the garden"

• John 14:15 – “If ye love me, keep my commandments”

• Isaiah 35:10 – "Everlasting joy"

• 2 Timothy 4:7–8 – "Crown of righteousness"

• John 1:14 – "Full of grace and truth"

• Alma 29:9 – "To bring souls unto repentance"

• Alma 5:26: - “...if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?”