Changes to "Scripture Stories: Doctrine and Covenants Stories: Plural Marriage", December 8, 2024-August 14, 2025
44 lines
1831–1890
1831–1890
Plural Marriage
Plural Marriage
Faith to obey a law from the Lord, even when it’s hard
A commandment for a time
Joseph Smith studying scripture and thinking about plural marriage.
Joseph Smith studying scripture and thinking about plural marriage.
While the Prophet Joseph was studying the Bible, he read about prophets like Abraham and Moses who had been married to more than one wife. Joseph wondered how the Lord felt about that. So he decided to ask the Lord.
While the Prophet Joseph was studying the Bible, he read about prophets like Abraham and Moses who had been married to more than one wife. Joseph had a lot of questions. So he decided to pray and ask the Lord.
Doctrine and Covenants 132:1; Saints, 1:121, 503
Doctrine and Covenants 132:1; Saints, 1:121, 503
Joseph learns that people should be in plural marriage only if commanded by God.
Joseph learns that people should be in plural marriage only if commanded by God.
The Lord said that usually a man should have only one wife. But sometimes the Lord commanded His people to be in marriages of one man and more than one woman. This was called plural marriage. The Lord told Joseph that His people should only be in plural marriages if He commands it.
The Lord said that usually a man should have only one wife. But sometimes the Lord commanded a man to be married to more than one wife. This was called plural marriage. The Lord told Joseph that His people should only be in plural marriages if He commands it.
Jacob 2:27–30; Doctrine and Covenants 132:34–39; Saints, 1:121, 290–91, 489–90, 503
Jacob 2:27–30; Doctrine and Covenants 132:34–39; Saints, 1:121, 290–91, 489–90, 503
Joseph praying about the commandment.
Joseph praying about the commandment.
A few years later, the Lord told Joseph to marry other women. Joseph didn’t want to marry other wives. But he knew it was a commandment from the Lord. When Joseph asked a woman to marry him, he told her to pray about it. He wanted her to know from the Lord that it was right.
Years later, the Lord told Joseph and some other Saints to be in plural marriages. It was not easy to live this commandment.
Saints, 1:290–91, 444–46
Saints, 1:290–91, 444–46
Joseph and Emma talking about plural marriage.
This commandment was also hard for Joseph’s first wife, Emma. Sometimes, Emma helped Joseph decide who he should ask to marry him. Other times, Emma did not want Joseph to marry other women.
Doctrine and Covenants 132:51–56; Saints, 1:482–84, 490, 502, 504
Joseph teaching the Twelve Apostles about plural marriage.
Joseph taught the Twelve Apostles about plural marriage. It was a hard commandment for them too.
Saints, 1:432–34, 443.
Brigham and Mary Ann Young praying about plural marriage.
Brigham Young and his wife Mary Ann prayed a lot to the Lord about what to do. They learned that they should obey the commandment of plural marriage.
Saints, 1:485
A member of the Church stands before a judge because he is in a plural marriage.
A member of the Church stands before a judge because he is in a plural marriage.
For many years, some of the Saints were asked to be in plural marriages. People outside the Church did not like plural marriage. They made laws against it. Some Saints, including Church leaders, were put in prison. But the Lord blessed the families who obeyed His commandments, even when it was hard.
The government made laws against plural marriage. Some Saints, including Church leaders, were put in prison.
Saints, 2:501–4
Saints, 2:501–4
Members of the Church accept the commandment that they should no longer practice plural marriage.
Members of the Church accept the commandment that they should no longer practice plural marriage.
In 1890, the Lord told Wilford Woodruff, the President of the Church, that men should not marry more than one wife anymore. The leaders of the Church shared this commandment with the Saints. This is still the Lord’s commandment today—a man should be married to only one wife.
In 1890, the Lord told Wilford Woodruff, the President of the Church, that men should not marry more than one wife anymore. The leaders of the Church shared this commandment with the Saints. This is still the Lord’s commandment today—a man should be married to only one wife.
Official Declaration 1; Saints, 2:598–601, 607–9
Official Declaration 1; Saints, 2:598–601, 607–9