After the release of the docuseries Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets, many people are beginning to hear about concepts and ideologies they may not have been familiar with before.
One of these is the Quiverfull movement, which teaches that large families are a blessing from the Lord, a woman’s purpose is to marry and give birth to as many children as possible, and that it is generally wrong for Christians to use birth control.
To address this issue from a Christian viewpoint, we need to look more closely at the theological basis for the movement and compare it to what the Bible teaches.
The Need to Practice Biblical Discernment
I first heard about the Quiverfull movement through the magazine Above Rubies. Although this magazine and the associated organization do not make its association with the Quiverfull movement readily apparent to readers, the content is solidly rooted in Quiverfull ideology.
When I finally started paying attention to the stories and teachings in the publication, I saw that they centered a woman’s purpose on bearing as many children as possible and discouraged Christian women from working or getting higher education.
Since I regularly read and study the Bible, I realized that a lot of what the magazine taught added to Scripture and placed unbiblical rules on believers.
Individuals may assume that the Quiverfull ideology is only found in groups like the IBLP (Institute in Basic Life Principles) or associated publications. However, the Quiverfull movement is a set of teachings that is not tied to one specific church or denomination.
Since the teachings may be present in books, websites, or sermons without any direct or easily accessible statement about being part of Quiverfull ideology, Christians need to practice biblical discernment.
We should wisely test the teachings we hear or read like the Bereans did (Acts 17:11). By allowing Scripture to be the authority that we test the teachings of others by, we protect ourselves from false teaching and harmful, manmade doctrines.
Practicing biblical discernment helps us to mature in the faith so that we are not “blown here and there by every wind of teaching” (Ephesians 4:14).
Children as a Blessing
At the most basic level, the Quiverfull movement is based on Psalm 127:4-5, which reads, “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.”
Those who are involved in the Quiverfull movement believe that they are obeying God by having as many children as He allows. Within this movement, people think that if they restrict the number of children they have, then they are disobeying God and reducing His blessings.
A married couple who follows this movement would take the Lord’s words about being fruitful and multiplying as a direct command to people today (Genesis 1:28).
Scripture does teach that children are a blessing from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). Likewise, Christians should value the lives of babies and children, seeking to care, protect, and provide for them, especially since they are extremely vulnerable in a world filled with sin (Proverbs 31:8-9; James 1:27).
However, people misunderstand God’s Word when they claim that Psalm 127:3-5 supports the idea that a husband and wife must have a large family.
Nowhere in the Bible does God state that married couples must have a specific number of children. Nor does He say that only large families are blessed.
Regarding the teaching of “be fruitful and multiply,” we need to carefully consider the biblical context. This mandate applied to Adam and Eve in the beginning, and Noah and his family after the flood (Genesis 1:28; 9:7).
God wanted to fill His world with people. However, His mandate to increase in number was specific to those circumstances since there were limited numbers of people on earth at that time, two people at creation and eight after the flood. Hence, we can see why God would give the command to multiply in those instances.
Furthermore, children are not the only blessing that individuals receive from the Lord. The ultimate blessing that anyone can receive is the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5). In Him, we are rich in spiritual blessings and have all we need (Ephesians 3:8; 2 Peter 1:3).
Christian couples can give thanks to God for the blessing of children, but they should never assume that they are more righteous or blessed than others.
Many couples are unable to have children due to infertility or decide not to have children to pursue a specific calling that God has given them, such as evangelism and discipleship work among unreached people groups. These individuals are not less blessed than those who have children.
A Woman’s Role and Purpose
Another area that the Quiverfull movement affects is the discussion about a woman’s role and purpose in life. According to adherents of the Quiverfull ideology, a woman’s central place is within the home, which is her sphere of influence and rule.
Women within this movement are not encouraged to pursue higher education or to work. Some within the movement have been critical of wives and mothers who work, claiming they are neglecting their God-given purpose.
A key verse used in support of their view is Titus 2:4-5, “They can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God” (emphasis added).
Again, the Quiverfull movement has taken a Bible verse but moved beyond what it teaches. Older women should encourage young wives to care for their husbands and children, loving and serving them.
Young mothers taking care of small children have an important job. However, the job is not theirs alone because husbands should also be involved in the practical matters of caring for and raising the children (Ephesians 6:4).
Furthermore, in today’s world, many married women must work, but working is not unbiblical. The Proverbs 31 woman worked diligently to provide for her family and to give to the poor (Proverbs 31:16-20).
In discussing the instructions to the Christian women in the epistle, we need to remember that while Paul reminded Titus of important matters relating to young wives and mothers, he does not say that marriage and motherhood are women’s central purposes in life.
Women, like men, were made in God’s image for His glory (Genesis 1:27; Isaiah 43:7). A woman’s purpose is to know God, live for His glory, and make Him known by fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
Whether or not this involves getting married and having children is a matter of discernment since singleness is also a legitimate option (1 Corinthians 7:25-28, 38). Whether married or single, a person’s focus should be to live in undivided devotion to God (1 Corinthians 7:32-35).
Believers need to recognize the harmful effects of wrongly interpreting and applying Scripture. Sadly, women have faced oppression, abuse, sexual harassment, and unequal treatment because of people misusing the Bible.
In contrast to those who twist the Bible for manmade agendas, Jesus demonstrated in His ministry that women have value, and He died for all people, including women (2 Corinthians 5:15).
Also, in the early church, women worked alongside men, sharing the gospel and serving in various roles (Acts 18:26; Romans 16:1). In Christ, all are equal (Galatians 3:28).
While believers should celebrate Christ-loving wives and the wonderful mothers who raise their children in the Lord, we also need to recognize that a woman’s value comes from the Savior, not from a role they occupy.
Why Does This Matter?
The Quiverfull movement uses Bible verses to support their views about having large families and the role of women, but the teachings of the movement go beyond what the Bible says. Despite what the Quiverfull ideology promotes, there is no command in Scripture to have a large family.
Also, a woman’s role in life may include being a wife and mother, but a woman’s purpose is much more. Women, like men, are made in God’s image and are meant to glorify Him in their lives, which includes fulfilling the Great Commission of making disciples.
To connect a woman’s worth to the role of wife and bearer of children is to ignore the teaching of the Bible, just as placing rules on married couples, requiring them to have large families, adds to God’s Word.
Christians need to practice biblical discernment and wisdom when they encounter any teaching or ideology. In part two of this article series, I will examine other areas of Quiverfull beliefs and compare these teachings to the Bible.
For further reading:
What Should Christians Know about IBLP and Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets?
Jill Duggar Dillard Talks Controversial Religious Upbringing, Sex Abuse in New Docuseries
What Should We Say to Victims of Abuse?
Photo Credit: ©Amazon Prime Video, used with permission
Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry, which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, and an MFA in creative writing. You can follow her blog about her story, faith, and creativity at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page.