How many wives did King David have?

Overview

King David’s marital history has sparked considerable interest among readers of Scripture. While it is clear that David had multiple wives (as well as concubines), the biblical record provides eight women identified explicitly as his wives by name. Further references indicate that David acquired additional wives over time. Each of these relationships is mentioned in specific passages, revealing both historical context and family lineage.

The question of how many wives King David had will be addressed by examining key portions of the biblical text that name these wives, then considering further references implying additional, unnamed spouses or concubines, and finally exploring the broader biblical and historical context.

1. Named Wives in Scripture

The primary listing of King David’s wives appears in 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. These passages specify eight wives by name:

1. Michal (Daughter of Saul)

• References: 1 Samuel 18:27; 25:44; 2 Samuel 3:13–14

• David’s first wife, given to him by Saul. Michal’s relationship with David was tumultuous. Scripture records her initial loyalty when she helped David escape from Saul (1 Samuel 19:11–17), her later separation from David when Saul gave her to another man (1 Samuel 25:44), and her eventual return to David (2 Samuel 3:13–16).

2. Ahinoam of Jezreel

• Reference: 1 Samuel 25:43

• Mentioned as David’s wife concurrently with Abigail. The text highlights that when David married Abigail, he also took Ahinoam of Jezreel as a wife.

3. Abigail (The Widow of Nabal)

• References: 1 Samuel 25:39–42; 2 Samuel 3:3

• Formerly married to Nabal of Carmel, Abigail married David after Nabal’s death. She is described as wise and discerning (1 Samuel 25) and is prominent in David’s story during his fugitive period.

4. Maacah (Daughter of Talmai King of Geshur)

• Reference: 2 Samuel 3:3

• The text names Maacah as the mother of David’s son Absalom. Her royal background connects David’s family with a neighboring kingdom.

5. Haggith

• Reference: 2 Samuel 3:4

• Listed as the mother of Adonijah, who would later declare himself king in David’s old age (1 Kings 1:5).

6. Abital

• Reference: 2 Samuel 3:4

• Another figure included in the list of wives who bore David sons during his reign in Hebron.

7. Eglah

• Reference: 2 Samuel 3:5

• Named in the same passage as Abital, though little additional information is provided about Eglah beyond her relationship to David.

8. Bathsheba (Daughter of Eliam)

• References: 2 Samuel 11:3; 12:24

• Arguably the most well-known of David’s wives, Bathsheba became a central figure in the narrative of David’s sin and subsequent repentance. She bore Solomon, who succeeded David as king.

2. Additional Wives and Concubines

Beyond these eight named wives, Scripture indicates that David had more. After arriving in Jerusalem, “David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem” (2 Samuel 5:13). Although the passage does not list their names or provide a precise number, it does confirm that David’s marital arrangements extended beyond the specifically identified wives.

Concubines in David’s time were recognized as part of his household, though they usually did not possess the same status as wives. References to David’s concubines appear in 2 Samuel 15:16 and again in 2 Samuel 16:22, where Absalom’s rebellion resulted in the mistreatment of these women.

3. Ancient Near Eastern and Biblical Context

Polygamy was practiced by several prominent Old Testament figures, reflecting certain cultural norms of the ancient Near East. Though the original divine design for marriage is described as one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24), the Old Testament contains examples—like that of David—where kings and patriarchs took multiple wives. Deuteronomy 17:17 warns that Israel’s kings should “not accumulate many wives,” underscoring that such practices often resulted in complications and family strife.

David’s experience reflects both the cultural environment and the complexities that arose from multiple marital alliances. These relationships often had political or diplomatic dimensions, such as Maacah’s royal parentage, which may have connected David to the kingdom of Geshur. At the same time, Scripture also shows that polygamy in David’s household led to jealousy, political intrigue, and familial conflict (e.g., disputes involving Absalom and Adonijah).

4. Old Testament Genealogies and Records

The genealogies in 1 Chronicles 3:1–5 reiterate the wives named in 2 Samuel, providing a detailed overview of David’s children born in Hebron. Bathsheba is likewise listed in that same chapter (1 Chronicles 3:5) as mother of Solomon and three other sons. Together, these combined biblical references confirm that David had at least eight wives identified by name while also accounting for additional wives and concubines not individually recorded.

5. Historical and Archaeological Corroboration

Scholars and archaeologists have discussed King David’s historicity, noting the discovery of the Tel Dan Stele (c. 9th century BC). This inscription, which refers to the “House of David,” provides extrabiblical acknowledgement of David’s dynasty. While the Tel Dan Stele does not mention David’s wives, it offers support for the authenticity of the biblical narrative and, by extension, the trustworthiness of accounts detailing David’s family.

6. Conclusion

The explicit names of King David’s wives total eight—Michal, Ahinoam, Abigail, Maacah, Haggith, Abital, Eglah, and Bathsheba—yet 2 Samuel 5:13 and related verses indicate that David took more wives in addition to concubines. Scripture does not present a singular conclusive tally. Instead, it provides named individuals and speaks to a larger household.

While the Bible never shies away from highlighting the complexities and consequences of polygamous unions, David’s story stands as a significant episode in Israel’s history and points to the broader narrative of God’s redemptive plan through David’s lineage. As 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles attest, this lineage leads to Solomon, who in turn foreshadows the ultimate King—the One whose eternal kingdom brings the promise of redemption.