The scriptures speak of two kinds of patriarchs:¹ an ordained office in the Melchizedek Priesthood, sometimes called an evangelist;² fathers of families. Ordained patriarchs give special blessings to worthy members of the Church.

Ordained patriarchs: He gave some prophets and some evangelists, Eph. 4: 11 (A of F 1: 6). It is the duty of the Twelve to ordain evangelical ministers, D&C 107: 39. Hyrum may take the office of priesthood and patriarch, D&C 124: 91-92, 124; 135: 1.

Fathers: Jacob blessed his sons and their descendants, Gen. 49: 11-28. Let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, Acts 2: 29. Lehi counseled and blessed his posterity, 2 Ne. 4: 3-11. I became a righteous heir, holding the right belonging to the fathers, Abr. 1: 2-4.