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

LDS Perspective

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has acknowledged that Joseph Smith practiced plural marriage, including instances where he was sealed to women who were already legally married to other men. This practice is referred to as polyandry. The historical context and theological motivations behind these sealings can be complex and are often misunderstood. Joseph Smith introduced the practice of plural marriage in the early 1840s, during the Nauvoo period of the Church's history. The reasons for this practice included the preservation and expansion of the Church, the testing of faith, and the establishment of a covenant people prepared for the Lord’s second coming. The principle was revealed to Joseph Smith in the context of restoring "all things" as part of the restitution of all

Historical Perspective

Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, engaged in the practice of polygamy, which included marrying women who were already married to other men—a practice known as polyandry. Historical records and scholarly research indicate that Smith entered into polyandrous unions with several women during his lifetime. This practice has been a subject of significant debate and controversy both within and outside of the LDS community. Zina Huntington is a notable example of Smith's practice of polyandry. While she was married to Henry Jacobs, Zina was also sealed to Joseph Smith. After Smith's death, she would later become a plural wife of Brigham Young, all while still being socially connected to Jacobs, highlighting the complicated marital dynamics involved in