The question of why Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, practiced polygamy is one of the most complex and deeply scrutinized aspects of early Latter-day Saint history. Understanding it requires both historical and theological context. If you’ve ever wondered why did Joseph Smith have multiple wives, here’s a brief explanation of what is known about Joseph Smith’s own motivations and the religious framework in which plural marriage was introduced.
A Commandment from God
Latter-day Saints are taught that plural marriage was introduced because Joseph Smith received divine instruction to “restore all things” that God has revealed to His people in the past. The doctrines and priesthood keys of the gospel, including eternal marriage, are understood to be part of that restoration. Although Latter-day Saints believe monogamy is the default standard, polygamy is believed to be an ancient practice that God commanded in specific, exceptional circumstances, including for biblical figures such as Abraham and Jacob.
In Joseph’s time, this commandment was not discussed openly at first because plural marriage was not only socially taboo, but also illegal under U.S. law. So, one might wonder, how many wives did Joseph Smith have? Historical sources indicate it was likely between 30 and 40. Joseph taught the principle privately to close associates before it became more known among Church members.
Eternal Marriage and Accessibility
One of the central theological frameworks in which Joseph Smith wives and polygamy in general was understood by Joseph Smith and early Saints was the concept of the New and Everlasting Covenant—the covenants that bind families together for eternity when they are sealed by priesthood authority. In the early 1840s, Joseph taught that a covenant of eternal marriage was essential to qualifying for the highest blessings in the afterlife, including the continuation of family relationships beyond death.
The wives of Joseph Smith and other LDS polygamist families were seen not merely as a social arrangement, but as part of a divine pattern for families that was being restored. Some scholars have noted that the practice was believed to help ensure that devout women could be sealed to husbands who could accompany them in the celestial paths, enabling more people to receive the blessings of having an eternal family.
Restoration of Ancient Principles
The early Saints understood that in Bible times, God sometimes gave his people commandments that were not normative for their culture. Plural marriage was believed to be one such practice. While it has never been a universal requirement for exaltation, it’s a principle that God sometimes commanded for specific purposes. This understanding led Joseph and others to see why did Joseph Smith have multiple wives as part of a broader restoration of biblical principles.
Growth of the Early Church and “Raising Up Seed”
The Book of Mormon teaches that marriage between one man and one woman is God’s law. However, in exceptional circumstances, God can command plural marriage “to raise up seed unto [Him]”. Early Church leaders later interpreted this to mean that plural marriage was meant to build up the population of faithful Saints in the challenging context of persecution, migration, and rapid church growth.
Some sources confirm plural marriage succeeded in increasing the number of children born to devout parents during the early years of the Church, reinforcing families and helping to stabilize the Saints in difficult times.
A Test of Faith and Spiritual Refinement
Practicing plural marriage, including Joseph Smith marriages, was described by Joseph and many early Saints as one of the most challenging trials they ever faced. Trial and obedience were seen as part of discipleship: sacrifice in this life, especially for what was believed to be God’s will, refined character and strengthened faith. Some participants later testified that the experience brought them spiritual growth and a deeper commitment to God.
In Nauvoo, prominent Church figures like Heber C. Kimball and others wrote later about how difficult it was initially to accept plural marriage, yet how spiritual searching and prayer confirmed its divine origin to them.
Confidentiality and Sensitivity to Law
Joseph Smith and early Church leaders were acutely aware that Joseph Smith wives and plural marriage ran counter to prevailing social norms and U.S. law. Because of this, the practice was introduced quietly and kept largely private. Public disclosure about the wives of Joseph Smith and other Saints would have invited intense opposition and legal consequences not just for Joseph, but for the entire Church at a time when their lives and communities were already threatened. It was only when the Saints migrated to the Utah Territory that they began to feel more free to practice their beliefs openly.
Joseph’s Personal Experience
Joseph Smith’s own life reflected the agonizing choices faced when obedience to what he believed was a divine commandment conflicted with personal, cultural, and legal realities. Official accounts emphasize that he did not promote plural marriage broadly until after specific instruction from heaven, and that he struggled with the weight of introducing it to the Saints.
At the same time, some early sources suggest Emma Smith, Joseph’s first wife, experienced great distress over the doctrine, revealing how deeply personal and difficult the commandment was for those closest to him.
The Discontinuation of Polygamy
In 1890, the Manifesto issued by Church President Wilford Woodruff marked the end of Mormon polygamy. The Church today teaches that plural marriage is not required for exaltation, and that the commandment for some early Saints to practice it is no longer in force. Modern teachings emphasize that eternal marriage between one man and one woman is the standard necessary for exaltation.
Modern Takeaways
While there are many potential reasons for why did Joseph Smith have multiple wives, many Latter-day Saints believe it was an act of faith and obedience to a divine (but circumstantial and temporary) commandment.
Understanding the nuanced reasons behind Joseph Smith marriages can help modern readers, believers and seekers appreciate the complexity and spiritual earnestness with which early Latter-day Saints, including Joseph Smith, approached one of the most challenging eras of their history.
By Todd Noall, Source Expert
Todd Noall is an author and religious scholar at Mormonism Explained with a focus on the history and theology of religion.
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Mormonism Explained is a resource that was designed to provide objective and factual information about Mormonism, its history, doctrines, and policies. Our team of researchers consults experts and primary sources to present factual information on a variety of topics relevant to the Mormon Church.
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