Topical Encyclopedia Bigamy, the act of marrying one person while still legally married to another, is a topic that arises in discussions of biblical marriage practices and laws. While the term "bigamy" itself is not explicitly used in the Bible, the concept is addressed through various narratives and legal stipulations found in the Scriptures.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the practice of having multiple wives, or polygamy, is documented among several key figures. For instance, Lamech, a descendant of Cain, is the first recorded polygamist, taking two wives, Adah and Zillah (Genesis 4:19). Other notable figures such as Abraham, Jacob, David, and Solomon also had multiple wives or concubines. However, these instances are descriptive rather than prescriptive, and the narratives often highlight the familial strife and complications that arise from such arrangements. The Mosaic Law provides regulations concerning marriage, which implicitly discourage bigamy and polygamy by emphasizing the ideal of monogamous unions. Deuteronomy 17:17 warns Israelite kings not to "multiply wives for themselves," a command that Solomon notably violated, leading to his spiritual downfall (1 Kings 11:1-4). New Testament Teachings The New Testament reinforces the concept of monogamy as the standard for Christian marriage. Jesus, in His teachings on marriage, refers back to the creation account, emphasizing the union of one man and one woman: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh" (Matthew 19:5). This statement underscores the ideal of a singular, exclusive marital relationship. The Apostle Paul further supports this view in his epistles. In 1 Timothy 3:2, Paul stipulates that a church overseer must be "the husband of but one wife," indicating that monogamy is the expected norm for those in church leadership. Similarly, in Ephesians 5:31, Paul reiterates the Genesis mandate of two becoming one flesh, aligning with Christ's teachings on marriage. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, marriage is often seen as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the Church. Ephesians 5:25-32 draws a parallel between the love of a husband for his wife and Christ's sacrificial love for the Church. This metaphor underscores the importance of fidelity and unity within marriage, principles that are compromised by bigamy. Cultural and Historical Considerations While bigamy and polygamy were culturally accepted in certain ancient societies, the biblical narrative and legal codes progressively reveal a movement towards monogamous relationships as the divine ideal. The historical context of the Bible shows a gradual shift from the acceptance of multiple marriages to the promotion of monogamy, aligning with the overarching biblical theme of covenant faithfulness. In summary, while the Bible records instances of bigamy and polygamy, the scriptural ideal consistently points towards monogamous marriage as the standard for God's people, reflecting the unity and exclusivity of the covenant relationship between Christ and His Church. Topical Bible Verses Deuteronomy 17:17Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. Topicalbible.org Ephesians 5:31 1 Corinthians 7:2 1 Timothy 3:2 Titus 1:6 1 Timothy 3:12 Library Whether Irregularity Attaches to Bigamy? Whether Bigamy is Removed by Baptism? Of Bigamy and of the Irregularity Contracted Thereby (Five ... Whether Irregularity Results from Bigamy, when one Husband Has Two ... Whether Irregularity is Contracted by Marrying one who is not a ... Whether any Priest Can Absolve his Subject from Excommunication? Whether it is Lawful for a Bigamist to Receive a Dispensation? Of Orders. Women who Witnessed the Fall of Rome What Christ Himself Taught. Resources Why did God allow polygamy / bigamy in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgIf a man has multiple wives and becomes a Christian, what is he supposed to do? | GotQuestions.org What is the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS)? | GotQuestions.org Polygamy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Polygamy: Domestic Unhappiness in Abraham's Family Polygamy: Domestic Unhappiness in Elkanah's Family Polygamy: Domestic Unhappiness in Jacob's Family Polygamy: Mosaic Law Respecting the Firstborn In Polygamy: The Evil Effects of Elkanah's Polygamy: The Evil Effects of Husband's Favoritism In Polygamy: The Evil Effects of Jacob's Polygamy: The Evil Effects of Rehoboam's Related Terms |
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