Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context Polygamy, the practice of having more than one spouse simultaneously, is a marital arrangement that appears in various forms throughout the biblical narrative. In the context of the Bible, polygamy typically refers to polygyny, where a man has multiple wives. This practice is documented in several Old Testament accounts, reflecting the cultural and societal norms of ancient times. Old Testament Instances Polygamy is first mentioned in the Bible in the lineage of Cain, with Lamech taking two wives, Adah and Zillah (Genesis 4:19). This early reference sets a precedent for the practice among some of the patriarchs and leaders of Israel. Abraham, the father of the Israelite nation, took Hagar as a secondary wife at the behest of his first wife, Sarah, due to her barrenness (Genesis 16:1-4). This union, however, led to familial strife and tension, illustrating some of the complications associated with polygamous relationships. Jacob, later named Israel, had two wives, Leah and Rachel, and two concubines, Bilhah and Zilpah, who bore him twelve sons and a daughter (Genesis 29:15-30:24). His marriages were marked by rivalry and competition, particularly between Leah and Rachel, further highlighting the challenges inherent in polygamous households. King David, a man after God's own heart, had multiple wives, including Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba, among others (1 Samuel 18:27; 1 Samuel 25:42-43; 2 Samuel 11:27). His polygamous relationships often led to personal and political turmoil, as seen in the rebellion of his son Absalom and the strife among his children. Solomon, David's son and successor, is perhaps the most notable biblical figure associated with polygamy. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines, which ultimately led him astray from God, as his foreign wives influenced him to worship other gods (1 Kings 11:1-4). Mosaic Law and Regulation While polygamy was practiced, the Mosaic Law provided regulations to protect the rights of wives and children within such arrangements. Deuteronomy 21:15-17 addresses the inheritance rights of the firstborn son of an unloved wife, ensuring he receives his due portion. Additionally, Exodus 21:10-11 stipulates that a man who takes another wife must not deprive the first wife of her food, clothing, or marital rights. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize monogamy as the ideal for Christian marriage. Jesus refers to the creation account, affirming that marriage is between one man and one woman, as God intended from the beginning (Matthew 19:4-6). The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment, instructing that church leaders should be "the husband of but one wife" (1 Timothy 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6), suggesting a return to the monogamous ideal. Theological Implications The biblical narrative presents polygamy as a practice that, while culturally accepted in ancient times, often led to familial discord and spiritual compromise. The progression from Old Testament accounts to New Testament teachings reflects a movement towards monogamy as the standard for Christian marriage, aligning with the creation ordinance of one man and one woman united in a lifelong covenant. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 2:8And the sons of Ethan; Azariah. Nave's Topical Index Library The Objection from the Polygamy of the Patriarchs Answered. Elucidations. The Golden Eagle is Cut to Pieces. Herod's Barbarity when He was ... Jeremiah. The Destruction of Babylon. The Right to a Normal Romance, if Any The People among whom we Labour. Authenticity and Credibility of the Pentateuch. Letter ccxvii. To Amphilochius, the Canons. The Eternal Name 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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