If you've spent much time around members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you've probably heard someone say they are going to the temple to "receive their endowment." You may have also heard the older expression "take out your endowment."
For someone who is unfamiliar with the Church, that phrase can sound confusing. What exactly are you "taking out," and why is it called an endowment?
The word endowment simply means a gift.
In the temple, Heavenly Father blesses His children with greater knowledge, instruction, sacred covenants, and promised blessings that help prepare them to return to His presence. These blessings are not something we earn or take for ourselves—they are gifts lovingly offered by God.
Because of that, we believe "receive your endowment" is a more meaningful and accurate way to describe this sacred experience.
The older phrase, "take out your endowment," has been used by generations of faithful members and was once a common expression in the Church. While you'll still hear it from time to time, many members today prefer to say "receive your endowment" because it better reflects what is actually happening.
The temple is not a place where we go to obtain something for ourselves. It is a place where we come to Jesus Christ, make sacred covenants with God, and humbly receive the blessings He desires to give us.
The difference may seem small, but words matter.
When we say "receive your endowment," we remember that every blessing we receive from God is a gift of His love and grace.
At Brough Made, our hope is that understanding simple expressions like this makes preparing for the temple a little less intimidating and a little more meaningful. As you continue your temple journey, we encourage you to keep learning from the scriptures, seek guidance through prayer, and rely on official resources from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
— Scott & Riah Brough
Brough Made
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