Why Joseph Smith Introduced Plural Marriage in Early Mormonism

Joseph Smith's introduction of plural marriage, or polygamy, marked a significant and controversial shift in early Mormonism, driven by theological revelation, social dynamics, and a desire to build a 'righteous dominion.'

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 3, 2026

Branched from Who Was Joseph Smith: A Concise Biography

Quick take

Joseph Smith introduced plural marriage in the 1840s, claiming it was a divine commandment from God.
Theological reasons included establishing a 'righteous lineage' and achieving a higher form of salvation.
Social factors like community building and support for women also played a role in its early practice.
It became a central cause of conflict and persecution, ultimately leading to the Saints' migration west.

Plural marriage, often referred to as polygamy, was a practice introduced by Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, in the early 1840s. It involved a man being married to more than one living wife simultaneously, a significant departure from prevailing Christian norms and a deeply controversial aspect of early Mormon history. Smith taught that this practice was a restoration of an ancient biblical principle and a necessary step for the faithful.

The Revelation and Its Theological Basis

Smith taught that plural marriage was a divine commandment, revealed to him directly from God. This revelation, later canonized as Doctrine and Covenants Section 132, emphasized ancient biblical precedents, citing figures like Abraham and Jacob, who practiced polygamy. The core theological justification was that it was a means for exaltation and a higher glory in the afterlife, allowing individuals to enter into a more complete form of the 'everlasting covenant' and ensuring eternal family connections.

Building a Righteous Lineage and Community

Beyond individual salvation, the practice was tied to the idea of building up the “Kingdom of God” on Earth. Plural marriage was believed to hasten the birth of righteous children, expand the “family of God,” and strengthen the community through interconnected kinship networks. It was seen as a way to fulfill biblical prophecies and prepare the world for the Second Coming of Christ. In an era of high mortality rates, particularly on the frontier, it was also presented as a way to provide for widows and single women, ensuring they were integrated into supportive family units within the community.

The introduction of plural marriage fundamentally reshaped early Mormonism, impacting its theology, social structure, and relationship with external society. It was a primary catalyst for intense persecution, contributing to the Saints' expulsion from Nauvoo, Illinois, and their eventual migration west to Utah. Although officially discontinued by the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1890, its legacy continues to influence the church's identity and remains a point of historical and theological discussion, especially concerning the role of women and family in the faith.

Was plural marriage practiced by all early Mormons?

No, while it was sanctioned doctrine, plural marriage was practiced by a minority of members, primarily leaders and their families. Many members struggled with or did not participate in the practice.

Did Joseph Smith have multiple wives?

Yes, historical evidence indicates that Joseph Smith entered into plural marriages. The exact number and nature of all these unions are debated by historians, but it's clear he initiated the practice and participated in it.

Is plural marriage still practiced by the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today?

No, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially renounced plural marriage in 1890 with the issuance of the Manifesto, and it excommunicates members who practice it today.

What happened to groups that continued the practice?

Groups that continued to practice plural marriage after the mainstream church's renunciation formed various fundamentalist splinter groups, separate from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These groups often face legal challenges and social ostracism.

How did women experience plural marriage?

Women's experiences in plural marriage varied widely. For some, it offered security, social standing, and a sense of fulfilling a divine commandment. For others, it brought emotional hardship, jealousy, and social stigma. Many accounts highlight both the challenges and the commitment to their faith.

Sources

Doctrine and Covenants Section 132 (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
Bushman, Richard Lyman. Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling. Alfred A. Knopf, 2005.
Ostler, Jeffrey. The Mormon Passage: A History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Oxford University Press, 2023.