Polygamy, Plural Marriage and Spiritual Wifery

The topic of polygamy is one that I studied as a youth in my quest for understanding. I received a level of light and truth on the subject and put it on the shelf, satisfied I knew enough to move forward with my life. Over the past couple years I sought for greater understanding on the subject and the Lord has been merciful in guiding me to some insights as found in the words of Joseph Smith and the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. The Lord follows His law of witnesses to reveal the truth. Joseph Smith taught, “All I want is to get the simple naked truth, and the whole truth” (https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-1838-1856-volume-f-1-1-may-1844-8-august-1844/109). Hopefully these quotes and scriptures will be of some benefit to you as you study in faith. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently published “Saints.” In “Saints,” it says of Joseph Smith, “Still, he knew the practice of plural marriage would shock people, and he remained reluctant to teach it openly. While other religious and utopian communities often embraced different forms of marriage, the Saints had always preached monogamy. Most Saints—like most Americans—associated polygamy with societies they considered less civilized than their own.

Joseph himself left no record of his own views on plural marriage or his struggle to obey the commandment. Emma too disclosed nothing about how early she learned of the practice or what impact it had on her marriage. The writings of others close to them, however, make clear that it was a source of anguish for both of them.

Yet Joseph felt an urgency to teach it to the Saints, despite the risks and his own reservations. If he introduced the principle privately to faithful men and women, he could build strong support for it, preparing for the time when it could be taught openly. To accept plural marriage, people would have to overcome their prejudices, reconsider social customs, and exercise great faith to obey God when He commanded something so foreign to their traditions” (“Saints,” Volume I, chapter 36, page 434-5).

Yet, in “The Joseph Smith Papers,” another publication produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there are statements by Joseph Smith about his views on polygamy. Here are a few of them:

In 1844 Joseph Smith said this, “What a thing it is for a man to be accused of committing <​adultery​> and having seven wives when I can only find one.

“I am the same man, and as innocent as I was fourteen years ago, and I can prove them all perjurers. I labored with these apostates myself until I was out of all manner of patience; and then I sent my brother Hyrum [Smith], whom they virtually kicked out of doors. I then sent Mr Backenstos, when they declared that they were my enemies. I told Mr Backenstos that he might tell the Laws if they had any cause against me, I would go before the church, and confess it [HC 6:411] to the world. He was summoned time and again, but he refused to come. Dr. [John M.] Bernhisel and Elder [Sidney] Rigdon know that I speak the truth. I cite you to Captain Dunham, Esquires Johnson and Wells, brother Hatfield and others for the truth of what I have said. I have said this to let my friends know that I am right. As I grow older my heart grows tenderer for you. I am at all times willing to give up every thing that is wrong, for I wish this people to have a virtuous leader. I have set your minds at liberty by letting you know the things of Christ Jesus. When I shrink not from your defence, will you throw me away for a new man who slanders you? I love you for your reception of me. Have I asked you for your money? No, you know better; I appeal to the poor. I say cursed be that man or woman who says that I have taken of your money unjustly. Bror. [Almon] Babbitt will address you. I have nothing in my heart but good feelings.” [p. 60]. Retrieved 12/26/2019 at https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-1838-1856-volume-f-1-1-may-1844-8-august-1844/66.

In the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants, Section 101 was dedicated to explaining the Church’s stance on marriage. Joseph never spoke against this section when he was on the earth, in fact, this section was taken out after he died and Brigham Young had Section 132 added. Here is the first page of the Section as found in the Joseph Smith Papers: 

“Section 101 • Statement on Marriage, circa August 1835

SECTION CI.

MARRIAGE.

1 According to the custom of all civilized nations, marriage is regulated by laws and ceremonies: therefore we believe, that all marriages in this church of Christ of Latter Day Saints, should be solemnized in a public meeting, or feast, prepared for that purpose: and that the solemnization should be performed by a presiding high priest, high priest, bishop, elder, or priest, not even prohibiting those persons who are desirous to get married, of being married by other authority. We believe that it is not right to prohibit members of this church from marrying out of the church, if it be their determination so to do, but such persons will be considered weak in the faith of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Marriage should be celebrated with prayer and thanksgiving; and at the solemnization, the persons to be married, standing together, the man on the right, and the woman on the left, shall be addressed, by the person officiating, as he shall be directed by the holy Spirit; and if there be no legal objections, he shall say, calling each by their names: “You both mutually agree to be each other’s companion, husband and wife, observing the legal rights belonging to this condition; that is, keeping yourselves wholly for each other, and from all others, during your lives.” And when they have answered “Yes,” he shall pronounce them “husband and wife” in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by virtue of the laws of the country and authority vested in him: “may God add his blessings and keep you to fulfill your covenants from henceforth and forever. Amen.”

3 The clerk of every church should keep a record of all marriages, solemnized in his branch.

4 All legal contracts of marriage made before a person is baptized into this church, should be held sacred and fulfilled. Inasmuch as this church of Christ has been reproached with the crime of fornication, and polygamy: we declare that we believe, that one man should have one wife; and one woman, but one husband, except in case of death, when either is at liberty to marry again. It is not right to persuade a woman to be baptized contrary to the will of her husband, neither is it lawful to influence her to leave her husband...[p. 251]

"Doctrine and Covenants, 1835," p. 251, The Joseph Smith Papers, accessed August 7, 2019, https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/doctrine-and-covenants-1835/259.

In the new history of the Church, “Saints,” it has an interaction between Dr. John C. Bennett and the prophet, Joseph Smith. Notice the, “Saints,” version of the altercation and the Joseph Smith Papers’ version. In the main body of the quote it omits the word, “polygamy” in “Saints” but includes it in the Joseph Smith Papers. Here are the two statements starting with “Saints.” It reads:

“John panicked when he learned about Hyrum’s investigation. With tears streaming down his cheeks, he went to Hyrum’s office and begged for mercy. He said he would be ruined forever if others learned he had deceived so many women. He wanted to talk to Joseph and make things right.

The two men stepped outside, and John saw the prophet crossing the yard to his store. Reaching for him, John cried out, “Brother Joseph, I am guilty.” His eyes were red with tears. “I acknowledge it, and I beg of you not to expose me.”

“Why are you using my name to carry on your hellish wickedness?” Joseph demanded. “Did I ever teach you anything that was not virtuous?”

“Never!”

“Did you ever know anything unvirtuous or unrighteous in my conduct or actions at any time, either in public or in private?”

“I did not.”

“Are you willing to make oath to this before an alderman of the city?”

“I am.”

John followed Joseph to his office, and a clerk handed him a pen and paper. When the alderman arrived, Joseph stepped out of the room while John hunched over a desk and wrote out a confession stating that the prophet had not taught him anything contrary to the laws of God. He then resigned his position as mayor of Nauvoo.

Two days later, on May 19, the city council accepted John’s resignation as mayor and appointed Joseph to the office. Before he closed the meeting, Joseph asked John if he had anything to say.

“I have no difficulty with the heads of the church, and I intend to continue with you, and hope the time may come when I may be restored to full confidence and fellowship,” John said. “Should the time ever come that I may have the opportunity to test my faith, it will then be known whether I am a traitor or a true man” (“Saints,” Vol I, p. 459).

Page 871 of the Joseph Smith Papers states, “me,[John C. Bennett] weeping at the time; he said Br. Joseph, I am guilty, I acknowledge it, and I beg of you not to expose me, for it will ruin me; Joseph replied, Doctor! why are you using my name to carry on your hellish wickedness? Have I ever taught you that fornication and adultery was right, or poligamy [spelling error as quoted] or any such practices? He said you never did. Did I ever teach you any thing that was not virtuous—that was iniquitous, either in public or private? He said you never did. Did you ever know anything unvirtuous or unrighteous in my conduct or actions at any time, either in public or in private? he said, I did not; are you willing to make oath to this before an Alderman of the city? he said I am willing to do so. Joseph said Dr. go into my office, and write what you can in conscience subscribe your name to, and I will be satisfied—I will, he said, and went into the office, and I went with him and he requested pen ink and paper of Mr. [William] Clayton, who was acting clerk in that office, and was also secretary pro. tem. for the Nauvoo Lodge U. D. Wm. Clayton gave him paper, pen and ink, and he stood at the desk and wrote the following article which was published in the 11th No. of the Wasp; sworn to and subscribed before Daniel H. Wells, Alderman, 17th day of May, A. D. 1842;  https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/times-and-seasons-1-august-1842/9. Times and Seasons (Nauvoo, Hancock Co., IL), 1 Aug. 1842, vol. 3, no. 19, pp. 863–878.

Again, in contradiction to the book, “Saints,” which says Joseph never left any record of his views about plural marriage, we read in the, “Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith.” In response to the question if Mormons believe in having more wives than one, Joseph replied, “No, not at the same time. But they believe that if their companion dies, they have a right to marry again…” (TPJS, p. 119).

There are many more statements we could consider of Joseph’s wherein he speaks against polygamy. I haven’t been able to find anything from him wherein he says anything about polygamy being a commandment from the Lord or a higher level commandment from the Lord. 

Joseph Smith Matthew states, “whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived,” (JS-Matthew 1:37). Jesus also told the people He visited in the Americas that, “out of the books which have been written, and which shall be written, shall this people be judged, for by them shall their works be known unto men.

26 And behold, all things are written by the Father; therefore out of the books which shall be written shall the world be judged” (3 Nephi 27:25-26). He repeated in these verses that we will be judged out of those things which are written. So, I decided to find all I could in the scriptures about polygamy or plural marriage. 

Starting with Adam and Eve:

In the Pearl of Great Price Adam and Eve have partaken of the forbidden fruit but are still hearing the voice of the Lord. The record states, “And Adam knew his wife, and she bare unto him sons and daughters, and they began to multiply and to replenish the earth.

3 And from that time forth, the sons and daughters of Adam began to divide two and two in the land, and to till the land, and to tend flocks, and they also begat sons and daughters” (Moses 5:2-3). 

The Counterfeit City of Enoch:

Many times we see Satan try and introduce his counter philosophies and doctrines of the natural man before God introduces His doctrine and principles. In the Pearl of Great Price we learn that Satan had influenced Cain to create a city of great wickedness. Cain named the city Enoch, after one of his sons (Moses 5:42). I give more details about this city in my blog post; https://bilbaochristian.blogspot.com/2019/06/swear-unto-me-by-thy-throat-counterfeit.html 

For the purposes of this blog post we notice that having plural wives is practiced in this wicked city of Enoch. Lamech, a descendant of Cain, took unto himself two wives. The scripture states, “And Lamech took unto himself two wives; the name of one being Adah, and the name of the other, Zillah” (Moses 5:44). 

The Good City of Enoch and Melchizedek’s City:

We have a couple examples in the scriptures of the people rising up to such a level of righteousness that they have the Lord dwell with them and their physical city leaves the earth. In this City of Enoch there is no mention of plural wives (Moses 6-7). 

Melchizedek also obtained heaven but there is no mention of plural wives being a prerequisite. “And men having this faith, coming up unto this order of God, were translated and taken up into heaven. 33 And now, Melchizedek was a priest of this order; therefore he obtained peace in Salem, and was called the Prince of peace.

34 And his people wrought righteousness, and obtained heaven, and sought for the city of Enoch which God had before taken, separating it from the earth, having reserved it unto the latter days, or the end of the world; (JST Genesis 14:32-34).

And Noah:

“Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female.

3 Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth…

9 There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, the male and the female, as God had commanded Noah” (Genesis 7:2-3, 9).

In the American continent described in 4 Nephi and in the old world described in the Acts of the Apostles:

In 4 Nephi the people had been spared from the destruction in the American continent because they were more righteous than those that had perished. Jesus Christ comes down among them and expounds upon His gospel. The people enter the covenant of baptism, receive the Holy Ghost and have all things common among them and eliminate contention completely. Marriage is mentioned but there is no hint of plural marriage in this Zion society. 

In the land of Jerusalem Jesus had come among them for 40 days after His resurrection. Peter and the remaining apostles create a Zion-like society as they follow the Lord’s teachings. We are told that they also are baptized, receive the Holy Ghost and have all things in common (Acts 2:37-48). 

Some of the shared characteristics of the Christians in the old and new worlds after being with Jesus is they are baptized, receive the Holy Ghost and have all things common. Enoch’s city of Zion is defined by the Lord, “And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them” (Moses 7:18). It seems that the people of the new and old worlds both had a Zion-like group of people. The Nephites nor the Israelites that are visited by the Lord after His resurrection are able to keep Zion and leave the earth as Enoch’s City of Zion or Melchizedek’s city but for a time they did practice these same principles.  These lands were close to heaven at this time but neither society has any written record of having plural marriage among them. 

The 4 Nephi account mentions their seed multiplied exceedingly fast but again, no mention of plural marriage. “And now, behold, it came to pass that the people of Nephi did wax strong, and did multiply exceedingly fast, and became an exceedingly fair and delightsome people. And they were married, and given in marriage, and were blessed according to the multitude of the promises which the Lord had made unto them” (4 Nephi 1:10-11).

In the Book of Mormon we have a few chapters where Jacob speaks out against plural marriage. He explains why he is going to teach against this evil practice and other abominations. He says, “For because of faith and great anxiety, it truly had been made manifest unto us concerning our people, what things should happen unto them.

6 And we also had many revelations, and the spirit of much prophecy; wherefore, we knew of Christ and his kingdom, which should come.

7 Wherefore we labored diligently among our people, that we might persuade them to come unto Christ, and partake of the goodness of God, that they might enter into his rest, lest by any means he should swear in his wrath they should not enter in, as in the provocation in the days of temptation while the children of Israel were in the wilderness” (Jacob 1:5-7).

Section 84 of the Doctrine and Covenants describes what Jacob is saying in verse 7 about persuading the Nephites to partake of the goodness of God and enter into His rest. In speaking of the Israelites in Moses’ day it states, “But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory” (Doctrine and Covenants 84:24). So, in order to prepare Jacob’s people to receive the fulness of God’s glory, he would preach the commandments to them. One of which was to have one wife. 

Here is what Jacob said after obtaining his errand from the Lord, “ And now it came to pass that the people of Nephi, under the reign of the second king, began to grow hard in their hearts, and indulge themselves somewhat in wicked practices, such as like unto David of old desiring many wives and concubines, and also Solomon, his son.

16 Yea, and they also began to search much gold and silver, and began to be lifted up somewhat in pride.

17 Wherefore I, Jacob, gave unto them these words as I taught them in the temple, having first obtained mine errand from the Lord.

18 For I, Jacob, and my brother Joseph had been consecrated priests and teachers of this people, by the hand of Nephi.

19 And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day” (Jacob 1:15-19).

Jacob continues to preach against plural marriage as a great whoredom and abomination through chapters 2-3 of his sermon at the temple. He refers to the whoredoms by David and Solomon again in his desire to persuade his brethren to forsake marrying more than one wife. Here is what he said, “But the word of God burdens me because of your grosser crimes. For behold, thus saith the Lord: This people begin to wax in iniquity; they understand not the scriptures, for they seek to excuse themselves in committing whoredoms, because of the things which were written concerning David, and Solomon his son.

24 Behold, David and Solomon truly had many wives and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord.

25 Wherefore, thus saith the Lord, I have led this people forth out of the land of Jerusalem, by the power of mine arm, that I might raise up unto me a righteous branch from the fruit of the loins of Joseph.

26 Wherefore, I the Lord God will not suffer that this people shall do like unto them of old.

27 Wherefore, my brethren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none;

28 For I, the Lord God, delight in the chastity of women. And whoredoms are an abomination before me; thus saith the Lord of Hosts.

29 Wherefore, this people shall keep my commandments, saith the Lord of Hosts, or cursed be the land for their sakes.

30 For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things” (Jacob 2:23-30). 

The current teaching in the Church today is verse 30 excuses polygamy if the Lord commands it (https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/topic/polygamy). Sometimes that justification is linked to raising seed up unto God. Jacob shares how the Lord raises righteous seed unto Him. He said, “Behold, David and Solomon truly had many wives and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord.

25 Wherefore, thus saith the Lord, I have led this people forth out of the land of Jerusalem, by the power of mine arm, that I might raise up unto me a righteous branch from the fruit of the loins of Joseph” (Jacob 2:24-25). In other words, to raise up righteous seed unto Him, the Lord will lead His people away. 

There are at least two interpretations of Jacob 2:30. One is that the Lord will sometimes command polygamy to raise up seed unto Him. The other is the Lord commands His people to keep the commandment of having one wife or they will slip into these things, the abominations and whoredoms of having many wives and concubines. 

There is a blog post about Jacob 2:30 and how the context helps us understand Jacob’s true intent. Here is the post: http://oneclimbs.com/2017/01/05/a-proposed-reinterpretation-of-jacob-230/

I’d recommend it. This author spoke a month later after writing this article at Roots Tech for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Here is his presentation at Roots Tech: http://oneclimbs.com/tag/video/. This blog post helped me clarify my interpretation of Jacob 2:30.  

In The Book of Mormon it shows two more examples where they are condemned for polygamy. Look at King Noah and Riplakish:

“...Noah began to reign in his stead; and he did not walk in the ways of his father. For behold, he did not keep the commandments of God, but he did walk after the desires of his own heart. And he had many wives and concubines. And he did cause his people to commit sin, and do that which was abominable in the sight of the Lord. Yea, and they did commit whoredoms and all manner of wickedness” (Mosiah 11:1-2). Notice the wording in Mosiah, “abominable” and “whoredoms,” the same wording Jacob used to condemn the plurality of wives. 

“And it came to pass that Riplakish did not do that which was right in the sight of the Lord, for he did have many wives and concubines…” (Ether 10:5).

The other verses the people of the Church use to justify polygamy are found in Section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants. Notice the contradiction between the verses about David and Solomon as found here and as found in Jacob 1-2.

“Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you my servant Joseph, that inasmuch as you have inquired of my hand to know and understand wherein I, the Lord, justified my servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as also Moses, David and Solomon, my servants, as touching the principle and doctrine of their having many wives and concubines—“ (Doctrine and Covenants 132:1).

Again, Jacob, in The Book of Mormon says this, “And now it came to pass that the people of Nephi, under the reign of the second king, began to grow hard in their hearts, and indulge themselves somewhat in wicked practices, such as like unto David of old desiring many wives and concubines, and also Solomon, his son” (Jacob 1:15). And, “For behold, thus saith the Lord: This people begin to wax in iniquity; they understand not the scriptures, for they seek to excuse themselves in committing whoredoms, because of the things which were written concerning David, and Solomon his son.

24 Behold, David and Solomon truly had many wives and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord” (Jacob 2:23-24).

We could take Jacob’s words and apply them today, “[we] understand not the scriptures, for [we] seek to excuse [ourselves or those in Brigham’s day] in committing whoredoms, because of the things which were written concerning David, and Solomon his son” (Jacob 2:23).

Section 132 says God justified many wives and concubines of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David and Solomon, yet Jacob 2 in the Book of Mormon says the Lord condemned it. Which is it?

A careful reading of scripture indicates that Isaac never had multiple wives or concubines, but Section 132 indicates he did? Section 132 was put in by Brigham Young after Brigham took out the original Section 101. Section 101 is the marriage section referenced earlier in this post. Brigham didn’t do this as prescribed by Doctrine and Covenants 107. He did it after Joseph had died. Studying the history of how Section 132 came to be will help add clarity, along with studying every statement Joseph made on plural marriage. 

More scriptural accounts...A careful reading in Genesis 16 reveals that it was Sarai’s idea to have Abram take Hagar to wife and have seed through her. God did not command it. Here are the verses: “And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the Lord hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.

3 And Sarai Abram’s wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.

4 And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.

5 And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the Lord judge between me and thee” (Genesis 16:2-5). Sarai realizes the mistake she made. 

Notice neither Sarai nor Abram had their names changed at this point in their lives. If God had commanded polygamy at this time, which He hadn’t, and if polygamy was practiced by those of higher spiritual capacity, wouldn’t Abram and Sarai have had their names changed to Abraham and Sarah, their new names, at the point they had been commanded to practice it? They would have entered the everlasting covenant and all the associated blessings of posterity without end (see Genesis 17) with this higher marriage law of polygamy, but that wasn’t the case. The everlasting covenant had nothing to do with polygamy, in fact, eternal increase was promised to Abraham and Sarah after they forsook taking additional wives and put their trust in God blessing them with seed without end instead of doing it their own way. They repented. They trusted in God and not in their own intellect. Their names were changed by God and they were blessed with seed. 

The next great patriarch after Abraham was conceived through the miraculous conception of Sarah by Abraham. His name was Isaac. He was the prototype of Jesus Christ. He was born through miraculous means. He was the firstborn son to Sarah. He willingly laid himself up on the altar of sacrifice. If he was the prototype of what a perfect son is, then why did he never participate in plural marriage? I couldn’t find anything in scripture that said he had plural wives. Doctrine and Covenants 132 groups him with those that practiced polygamy. 

The next patriarch is Jacob. I don’t find in the record anywhere where the Lord commanded Jacob to take multiple wives and/or concubines. 

In the heading of Doctrine and Covenants 132 it says that it is evident in the historical records that Joseph Smith had received the principles and doctrines of this revelation as early as 1831. The heading says he received this revelation in 1843. It is interesting to note that Section 101, the marriage section of the Doctrine and Covenants, was always in the scriptures of the Latter-day Saints through Joseph’s life and Joseph has statements until his death fighting against plural marriage and stating that he was innocent of claims saying he practiced plural marriage (as shared above in this post). Joseph died in 1844. 

I’m grateful God will teach us by the power of the Holy Ghost. “By the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:5). I will continue to search the scriptures, ponder them and pray to understand these things. May God bless you in your search for truth.