Topical Encyclopedia Polygamy, the practice of having more than one spouse simultaneously, is a topic addressed in various parts of the Bible. While instances of polygamy are recorded in the Old Testament, a closer examination of the Scriptures reveals a movement towards monogamous marriage as the divine ideal, particularly in the New Testament teachings.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, several prominent figures practiced polygamy, including Abraham, Jacob, David, and Solomon. For example, Genesis 16:1-4 recounts how Abraham took Hagar as a secondary wife at Sarah's behest. Jacob, deceived by Laban, ended up with two wives, Leah and Rachel, as described in Genesis 29:15-30. King David had multiple wives, and Solomon's polygamy is well-documented, with 1 Kings 11:3 stating, "He had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines, and his wives turned his heart away." Despite these instances, the Old Testament also contains implicit critiques of polygamy. The narrative often highlights the strife and complications arising from such arrangements, as seen in the jealousy between Sarah and Hagar (Genesis 16:4-6) and the rivalry between Leah and Rachel (Genesis 30:1-8). Furthermore, Deuteronomy 17:17 warns Israel's kings, "He must not take many wives for himself, lest his heart go astray," indicating a divine preference for monogamy. New Testament Teachings The New Testament provides a clearer directive towards monogamous marriage. Jesus Christ, when questioned about marriage, refers back to the creation account, emphasizing the union of one man and one woman. In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus states, "Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." The Apostle Paul further reinforces this view in his epistles. In 1 Timothy 3:2, Paul stipulates that a church overseer must be "the husband of but one wife," a requirement that underscores the expectation of monogamy for those in church leadership. Similarly, in Ephesians 5:31, Paul echoes the Genesis account, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." Theological Implications From a theological perspective, marriage is often seen as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the Church. Ephesians 5:25-27 describes this relationship, with Christ as the bridegroom and the Church as His bride, a singular and exclusive union. This metaphor further supports the notion of monogamy as the ideal model for Christian marriage. Cultural and Historical Considerations While polygamy was culturally accepted in certain ancient societies, the biblical narrative and teachings progressively reveal a divine preference for monogamous unions. The shift from polygamy to monogamy in biblical texts reflects a broader theological and moral trajectory towards the sanctity and exclusivity of the marital bond between one man and one woman. Nave's Topical Index 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. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 18:18 Malachi 2:14,15 Matthew 19:4,5 Mark 10:2-8 1 Timothy 3:2,12 Titus 1:6 Library By the Circumcision of Abraham, Marriage with Sisters Forbidden ... Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount Fulfilling of the Law in the Higher Sense. --Particular Examples ... The Golden Eagle is Cut to Pieces. Herod's Barbarity when He was ... Letter ccxvii. To Amphilochius, the Canons. The Banquet of the Ten Virgins, or Concerning Chastity Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel Letter cxcix. Canonica Secunda. Pride of Prosperity Authenticity and Credibility of the Pentateuch. Resources What does the Bible say about adultery? | GotQuestions.orgHow many wives did Abraham have? | GotQuestions.org Why did the early Mormons believe in plural marriage? | 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 |