Doctrine & Covenants 71 Section Overview
Overview
Date of Revelation: December 1, 1831
Location: Hiram, Ohio
Recipient(s): Joseph Smith Jr. and Sidney Rigdon
Section Summary:The Lord commands Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to temporarily pause the work of the JST (Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible) and go forth to publicly proclaim the gospel, confronting false reports and defending the truth. This revelation responds directly to the vocal opposition of apostates such as Ezra Booth and Simon Ryder. The section emphasizes bold testimony, divine vindication, and the urgency of missionary work in the face of slander.
Timeframe & Setting
This revelation comes in the wake of increased hostility and public criticism, especially following Booth’s letters in the Ohio Star, which criticized Church leadership and doctrine.
Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were living in Hiram, Ohio, working on the JST.
D&C 71 pauses that sacred work temporarily to address the damage being done by former members' published accusations.
This is one of the few times the Lord directly calls his servants to "confound their enemies" through public debate and clarification.
Key Circumstances
Apostates such as Ezra Booth and Simon Ryder had begun publishing accusations against Joseph Smith and the Church in local newspapers.
The Church's growth and increasing presence brought attention and opposition, requiring a clear public response.
Joseph and Sidney were deeply engaged in translation but received divine direction to prioritize public engagement for a time.
Purpose of the Revelation
To command Joseph and Sidney to go out in public and preach the gospel with power and clarity.
To defend truth and correct falsehoods spread by apostates and critics.
To show that truth has inherent power and the Lord will vindicate His servants when they act under divine commission.
Significance
Demonstrates a key Restoration principle: public witness of truth is sometimes necessary and divinely sanctioned.
Establishes the Lord’s pattern for responding to opposition with revelation, clarity, and boldness, not retaliation.
Serves as a model for faithful defense: truth will "cut its own way" (v. 9).
Anticipates modern challenges to faith and provides scriptural precedent for confronting misinformation with doctrinal integrity and divine guidance.
D&C 71:1–4 — A Missionary Mandate to Defend the Faith
Verses 1-4
1 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon, that the time has verily come that it is necessary and expedient in me that you should open your mouths in proclaiming my gospel, the things of the kingdom, expounding the mysteries thereof out of the scriptures, according to that portion of Spirit and power which shall be given unto you, even as I will.
2 Verily I say unto you, proclaim unto the world in the regions round about, and in the church also, for the space of a season, even until it shall be made known unto you.
3 Verily this is a mission for a season, which I give unto you.
4 Wherefore, labor ye in my vineyard. Call upon the inhabitants of the earth, and bear record, and prepare the way for the commandments and revelations which are to come.
Summary
Joseph and Sidney are commanded to pause the JST and undertake a time-bound mission to publicly preach and defend the gospel.
The emphasis is on Spirit-led proclamation—expounding the scriptures and mysteries of the kingdom with authority.
Their mission is temporary but preparatory—”plowing the soil” before further commandments and revelations are delivered.
This introduces a model of intermittent prophetic priorities: even sacred assignments may be reoriented to meet more urgent spiritual needs.
Language & Cultural Insights
“Open your mouths” – An idiom for bold, Spirit-led teaching. Compare D&C 33:8–10 and Exodus 4:12. This phrase implies a divine endowment of speech, not self-assertion.
“Proclaim” – Greek: κηρύσσω kēryssō — to herald, to declare with public authority, often used for royal or divine messengers.
“Mysteries of the kingdom”
Greek: μυστήριον (mystērion) — divine truths hidden from the world but revealed to the faithful (see Matthew 13:11).
Hebrew: סוֹד (sōd) — “secret counsel” of the Lord, often associated with prophets and divine assemblies (cf. Amos 3:7).
“Portion of Spirit” – This recalls the biblical pattern of measured endowment:
In Numbers 11:17, the Lord says, “I will take of the Spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them.”
Also seen in 2 Kings 2:9, where Elisha asks for a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit.
The term implies that spiritual gifts are given in degree according to divine will and mission—D&C 46 expands on this.
“Space of a season” – This phrase reflects a temporary, divinely designated interval.
The Greek word kairos (καιρός) refers to an appointed time or season of opportunity (Ecclesiastes 3:1; Galatians 6:9).
In Hebrew, the root עֵת (ʿet) also means a season or fixed time (Psalm 1:3).
“Labor ye in my vineyard” – Symbolic of covenant service and prophetic labor:
See Jacob 5, where the vineyard represents Israel and its grafting/cultivation represents missionary work, repentance, and restoration.
Compare with Matthew 20:1–16 — parable of the laborers in the vineyard, emphasizing reward based on covenant loyalty, not just time.
In LDS theology, laboring in the vineyard represents active discipleship—working under divine direction to gather, nurture, and reclaim souls.
Reflection Questions
Have you ever had a divine assignment or goal interrupted by something more urgent? How did and should we respond?
What does it mean to receive only “a portion” of the Spirit? How do we act in faith while still dependent on divine timing and strength?
How can you personally “labor in the Lord’s vineyard” this season of your life?
Cross-References & Conference Connections
D&C 88:84 — “Go ye out from among the wicked. Save yourselves.”
Alma 29:9 — Alma glories in “laboring in the Lord’s vineyard.”
Isaiah 28:10 — truth is revealed “line upon line... here a little, there a little.”
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Your Great Adventure,” Oct. 2019 — calls us to be “engaged in the vineyard” and find joy in spiritual labor.
Reference Notes
Joseph and Sidney’s assignment recalls Old Testament prophetic patterns—interrupting sacred duties for public confrontation (e.g., Elijah on Mount Carmel).
Their mission helped stem public apostasy (at least temporarily) and showed that doctrinal defense was sometimes part of divine calling.
The Lord’s direction also foreshadows the needs of a growing public ministry, providing an established foundation for future development, especially as the Church expanded into national and global movements.
D&C 71:5–6 — Receive the Word and Be Given More
Verses 5-6
5 Now, behold this is wisdom; whoso readeth, let him understand and receive also;
6 For unto him that receiveth it shall be given more abundantly, even power.
Summary
These verses reveal a spiritual law of stewardship: those who receive light and truth are entrusted with more. This is more than intellectual assent—it is covenantal reception that leads to empowerment. The Lord affirms the wisdom of this approach, inviting the reader into active participation. Joseph and Sidney model this process by acting on the command to proclaim the gospel, thereby preparing the way for future revelation.
This passage emphasizes that understanding and obedience are linked. The promise of “more abundantly” recalls the Savior’s words in the parables—those who act in faith are given greater capacity to serve, teach, and discern by the power of the Spirit.
Language & Cultural Insights
“Behold, this is wisdom” A formula introducing divine counsel.
Hebrew: חָכְמָה (chokhmah) – wisdom
Compare Proverbs 3:13–18, 1 Corinthians 2:7
“Whoso readeth, let him understand and receive also” Echoes prophetic and apocalyptic language (e.g., Matthew 24:15, Daniel 9:23, Revelation 13:9)
“Unto him that receiveth it shall be given more abundantly, even power”
“Season” (from vv. 2–3)
Reflection Questions
What does it mean to truly receive the word of the Lord rather than merely read or hear it?
How can you discern when a season of divine opportunity is opening in your life?
In what ways has spiritual power increased as you have obeyed revelation or personal promptings?
Cross-References & Conference Connections
2 Nephi 28:30 – “I will give unto the children of men line upon line…”
Matthew 13:12 – “To him that hath shall be given…”
D&C 50:24 – “That which is of God is light…”
President Russell M. Nelson, Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives
Reference Notes
Reflects the law of spiritual increase: faithful reception leads to further enlightenment and capacity.
Mirrors principles found in the Parable of the Talents, Alma 12:9–11, and D&C 70:9–11.
The triad “read, understand, receive” evokes the Shema, reinforcing that listening in the Hebrew sense (שָׁמַע – shamaʿ) includes obedience and covenantal engagement.
D&C 71:7–8 — Boldness Before Opposition
Summary
Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon are commanded to engage opposition directly, not with contention, but by openly proclaiming truth. The Lord promises that as they act in faith, their enemies will be exposed and discredited—not by force, but through the clarity of revelation. They are to hold public and private discussions, inviting scrutiny, because the power of God’s word will prevail.
This divine approach counters the slander of apostates like Ezra Booth not through suppression, but through illumination. The gospel is not a hidden thing—it invites challenge because it endures truthfully under inspection.
Language & Cultural Insights
“Confound”
Hebrew: בּוּשׁ (buwsh) — to be ashamed, confused, disappointed
Greek: καταισχύνω (kataischunō) — to dishonor or frustrate
See Psalm 25:2–3 – “Let none that wait on thee be ashamed…”
“Strong reasons”
Echoes Isaiah 41:21: “Produce your cause... bring forth your strong reasons.”
This is a prophetic legal challenge—as seen in ancient Israel's courtroom-style debates between Yahweh and false gods.
“Public and private”
A Hebraic form of completeness—“openly and without fear.”
Paul similarly testified “publicly and from house to house” (Acts 20:20).
“Manifest”
Greek: φανερόω (phaneroō) — to make visible, reveal, bring to light
Used throughout the New Testament to describe divine revelation or the exposing of hidden things
E.g., 2 Corinthians 4:2: “...commending ourselves... by manifestation of the truth.”
Reflection Questions
What does it look like to “confound” opposition without contention?
How can manifesting truth—rather than suppressing error—be a more powerful witness?
In what public or private settings might you be called to speak truth today?
Cross-References & Conference Connections
Isaiah 41:21–23 – “Bring forth your strong reasons”
Alma 30:39–44 – Alma’s response to Korihor
D&C 10:63 – Truth cuts through error
2 Corinthians 4:2 – Truth made manifest
Reference Notes
These verses illustrate the Lord’s strategy for confronting apostasy and slander: transparency, courage, and Spirit-empowered testimony.
“Manifest” frames truth as light exposing darkness—a central theme in scripture (cf. John 3:20–21).
The Lord’s servants do not need to fear opposition, for truth will speak for itself when received and delivered in faith
D&C 71:9–11 — The Lord’s Defense and Due Time
Verses 9–11
9 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you—there is no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper;
10 And if any man lift his voice against you he shall be confounded in mine own due time.
11 Wherefore, keep my commandments; they are true and faithful. Even so. Amen.
Summary
This final segment affirms divine protection for those who faithfully proclaim the gospel. Echoing Isaiah's promise, the Lord assures His servants that no spiritual or physical weapon raised against them will ultimately succeed. Even if opposition arises, it will be confounded in God’s time, not necessarily immediately, but certainly.
This assurance frames missionary work not as an act of risk, but of covenantal trust—that God is the defender of those who carry His word. The commandment to “keep my commandments” is not merely a closing statement; it reaffirms that obedience is both a shield and a qualifier for divine defense.
Language & Cultural Insights
“No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper”
Directly echoes Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.”
Hebrew:
Kol-keli yutsar ʿalayikh lo yitslaḥ כָּל־כְּלִי יוּצַר עָלַיִךְ לֹא יִצְלָח
(yitslaḥ) יִצְלָח – to succeed, prosper
Implies divine restriction over the effectiveness of human opposition.
“Lift his voice against you”
Hebrew idiom: הֵרִים קוֹל (herim qol) – to raise the voice (see Exodus 20:19)
Example: Exodus 20:19 — the people lift their voices in fear
Can signify verbal attack, protest, or challenge.
“Confounded in mine own due time”
Hebrew root: בּוּשׁ (buwsh) — to be ashamed, delayed, confused
Greek: καταισχύνω (kataischunō) — to dishonor or frustrate
“Due time” in Greek: καιρός (kairos) — a divinely appointed moment, not simply chronological (cf. 1 Peter 5:6: “that he may exalt you in due time”)
The phrase implies God’s perfect timing in revealing truth and bringing justice.
“True and faithful”
Hebrew:
אֱמֶת (emet) – truth, firmness
נֶאֱמָן (ne’eman) – faithful, trustworthy
Often paired in covenant contexts (see Psalm 89:14)
God's commandments are not only binding, but utterly reliable.
Reflection Questions
When have you experienced spiritual protection after boldly acting in faith?
What does it mean to trust God's “due time” when facing opposition or injustice?
How can truth and faithfulness become armor in your spiritual life?
Cross-References & Conference Connections
Isaiah 54:17 — “No weapon... shall prosper”
1 Peter 5:6 — “in due time”
Psalm 89:14 — Justice and truth as foundation
D&C 6:34 — “Fear not... the Lord is with you”
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Cost—and Blessings—of Discipleship” (2014)
Reference Notes
This promise reaffirms that obedience and proclamation invite divine protection.
The Lord affirms truth prevails, even if His justice operates on a divine timetable.
This segment links directly to D&C 71:7–8: God allows error to be exposed over time, not always instantly.