Did Joseph Smith Marry Other Men's Wives? Polyandry Explained

LDS Perspective

The question of whether Joseph Smith practiced polyandry, meaning he was sealed to women who were already married to other living men, is a complex and nuanced topic within church history. Historical evidence indicates that Joseph Smith did engage in polyandrous relationships. This practice took place in the early years of the Restoration as part of the larger context of plural marriage, a principle introduced under Joseph Smith's leadership in the 1840s. The plural marriage revelations, particularly Doctrine and Covenants section 132, established the practice of plural marriage, stating it w

Historical Perspective

Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, did indeed practice polyandry, which refers to the practice of marrying women who were already legally married to other men. This is a documented aspect of Smith's marriages that has garnered significant attention and controversy. Historical records indicate that Joseph Smith married several women who were married to other men at the time of their marriage to Smith. This practice was part of his broader polygamous practices, which involved marrying multiple women, some of whom were also unmarried at the time. Zina Diantha Huntington