How Should Christians View the Quiverfull Movement? Part 1

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.

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 freelance writer who enjoys researching and writing articles on biblical and theological topics. In addition to contributing articles about biblical questions as a contract writer, she has also written for Unlocked devotional. She holds a BA in Ministry, a MA in Ministry, and is currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing to develop her writing craft. As someone who is passionate about the Bible and faith in Jesus, her mission is to help others learn about Christ and glorify Him in her writing. When she isn’t busy studying or writing, Sophia enjoys spending time with family, reading, drawing, and gardening.