Joseph Smith and children through plural marriage

FAIR Answers—back to home page

Does Joseph Smith's lack of children through polygamy contradict the commandment to "multiply and replenish the earth"?

Summary: Joseph Smith does not appear to have produced any children by his plural wives, except for Emma, yet, Doctrine and Covenants 132:63 states, "But if one or either of the ten virgins, after she is espoused, shall be with another man, she has committed adultery, and shall be destroyed; for they are given unto him to multiply and replenish the earth, according to my commandment, and to fulfil the promise which was given by my Father before the foundation of the world, and for their exaltation in the eternal worlds, that they may bear the souls of men." Why did Joseph practice polygamy, if it was not for the purpose of multiplying and replenishing the earth?

Jump to details:

• Question: Was the only purpose of polygamy to "multiply and replenish the earth" and "bear the souls of men"?
• Question: If the only purpose of polygamy was to "raise up seed," then why did Joseph not have children by his plural wives?

Question: Was the only purpose of polygamy to "multiply and replenish the earth" and "bear the souls of men"?

Jump to details:

• Question: Was the only purpose of polygamy to "multiply and replenish the earth" and "bear the souls of men"?
• Doctrine and Covenants states that polygamy is for the purpose of multiplying and replenishing the earth
• The institution of the practice of polygamy was part of the "restoration of all things"
• The institution of the practice of polygamy made available the blessings of eternal marriage to everyone
• Can this be included in the interpretation of D&C 132: 63?

Question: If the only purpose of polygamy was to "raise up seed," then why did Joseph not have children by his plural wives?

Jump to details:

• Polygamy was not permitted only for the purpose of procreation
• Joseph was also sealed for eternity to some women who were already married, but these women continued to have children by their current husbands

Purpose of plural marriage

Summary: Why would the Lord have commanded the 19th century Saints to implement plural marriage? What purpose(s) did polygamy accomplish?

Joseph Smith and polyandry

Summary: Joseph Smith was sealed to women who were married to men who were still living. Some of these men were even active members of the Church.

Why would Joseph Smith be sealed to other men's wives?

Summary: Why would Joseph Smith be sealed to other men's wives? Were these marriages for time or only for eternity? Were these marriages consumated? Why did these women continue to live with the husbands after being sealed to Joseph Smith?

Did Joseph have any children through polygamous marriages?

Summary: Is there evidence of any children through Joseph's polyandrous marriages?

See also Brian Hales' discussion

Common Inaccurate Explanations for Joseph Smith’s Polygamy	Both modern and 19th century members of the Church have proposed a variety of explanations for the practice of plural marriage. Not all of these suggestions can be supported by the available data.
Doctrinal summary	http://josephsmithspolygamy.org/theology/joseph-smiths-teachings/
Joseph Smith’s Personal Polygamy	Many are quick to declare that Joseph's polygamy sprang from religious extremism and/or sexual desire. This article explores the difficulties that Joseph had with plural marriage, and evidence for what truly motivated his acts.
The Faith of the Nauvoo Polygamists	Why did early members of the Church practice polygamy? Were they all dupes? Easily manipulated? Religious fanatics who believed Joseph could do no wrong? This article explores the initial reactions and eventual decisions made by the first generation of polygamists in Nauvoo.

Notes