What Does The Bible Say About Polygamist Relationships?

General

0

What Does the Bible Say About Polygamist Relationships?

Polygamy in the Bible always takes the form of polygyny, where a man has more than one wife. In ancient societies, this could help families secure heirs or form alliances. Although monogamy appears in various parts of Scripture, the Old Testament contains stories and laws that reflect a setting where polygyny took place.

Early Mention in Genesis 4:19

Genesis 4:19 introduces Lamech, who took two wives named Adah and Zillah. This scripture appears after the story of Adam and Eve, who had a monogamous relationship. Many see Lamech’s choice as a departure from the standard in Genesis 2:24, which says, “they shall be one flesh,” and is often understood to describe marriage between one husband and one wife.

Abraham (Genesis 16, 25)

Genesis 16:1–4 shows Abraham agreeing to have a child with Hagar when his wife Sarah could not conceive. The moment Hagar becomes pregnant, tension flares up. Later, Genesis 25:1 mentions that Abraham marries Keturah. Although the text does not condemn him outright for polygyny, it highlights how conflicts can arise when another wife enters the home.

Jacob (Genesis 29–30)

Jacob’s marriages unfold in Genesis 29:15–30, where he works for Laban to marry Rachel but is tricked into marrying Leah first. In Genesis 30:1–24, he also fathers’ children through each wife’s servant. Rivalry is a common theme throughout these chapters, showing that polygyny often brought challenges and jealousy in the household.

David (2 Samuel 3:2–5, 5:13)

David transitioned from shepherd to Israel’s king, and 2 Samuel 3:2–5 and 5:13 note that he had multiple wives. While the Bible points out David’s wrongdoing in areas like adultery and orchestrating a man’s death, it does not single out his polygamy as the main issue. Nonetheless, problems among his offspring suggest that his family life suffered under a polygynous setup.

Solomon (1 Kings 11:1–8)

Solomon, David’s son, is known for having 700 wives and 300 concubines according to 1 Kings 11:3. As 1 Kings 11:4 explains, his wives diverted him from unwavering devotion to God. Deuteronomy 17:17 warns that Israel’s king must not “multiply wives,” making Solomon’s choices a clear example of how such marriages could lead to spiritual decline.

Polygamy in Mosaic Law

The Law of Moses speaks about polygyny but does not fully ban it:

• Exodus 21:10: If a man marries another wife, he must still provide food, clothing, and marital rights to his first wife.

• Deuteronomy 21:15–17: Outlines inheritance rules for sons of different wives.

These scriptures do not encourage polygamy; instead, they impose obligations to prevent mistreatment of wives. Many interpret them as protective regulations in an era where polygyny was part of normal life.

Movement Toward Monogamy in the New Testament

By New Testament times, Scripture highlights monogamy. Matthew 19:5 repeats the words from Genesis 2:24, indicating “the two shall be one flesh.” In 1 Timothy 3:2, an overseer is to be “the husband of one wife,” which most understand as a call for church leaders to practice monogamy. Together, these verses shape the mainstream Christian view that marriage is intended as a faithful bond between one husband and one wife.

Modern Church Perspectives

Today, most Christian traditions teach that monogamy is the biblical norm, considering Old Testament polygyny a product of a different culture. Some groups still claim the Bible does not strictly forbid having multiple wives, pointing to men like Abraham or David who are not explicitly condemned for it. Many, however, draw attention to the jealousy, sorrow, and spiritual pitfalls documented in these stories, underscoring that polygamy often led to turmoil.

Further Reading

If you’re interested in learning more about biblical teachings on polyamory, take a look at our in-depth article on What Does the Bible Say About Polyamory. This resource delves into additional scriptures and perspectives related to multi-partner relationships.

Observing the Larger Scriptural Theme

Genesis starts with Adam and Eve, presenting a monogamous example. As time goes on, polygyny emerges for reasons like inheritance, alliances, or social customs. Mosaic law imposes rules to protect wives’ rights without promoting multiple wives as an ideal. Examples of Abraham, Jacob, David, and Solomon reveal tension, highlighting the difficulties that come with polygynous households. In the New Testament, Jesus and Paul focus on a bond between one husband and one wife. This progression leads many Christians to see monogamy as the Bible’s intended model for healthy, faithful marriages.

Published By: Sister Wives 

Matchmakers Inc