Topical Encyclopedia The concept of monogamy, where a husband is to have only one wife, is a principle that finds its roots in the biblical narrative and is upheld throughout Scripture. This principle is often discussed in the context of marriage, family, and leadership within the Christian community.Creation Ordinance The foundation for monogamous marriage is established in the creation account. In Genesis 2:24 , it is written, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This passage highlights the divine intention for marriage to be a union between one man and one woman, forming a singular, exclusive partnership. Old Testament Examples While the Old Testament records instances of polygamy among certain figures, such as Abraham, Jacob, David, and Solomon, these narratives often reveal the complications and strife that arise from such arrangements. The presence of polygamy in these accounts is descriptive rather than prescriptive, and the resulting familial discord serves as a cautionary backdrop to the ideal of monogamous marriage. New Testament Teachings The New Testament reinforces the principle of monogamy, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostolic writings. Jesus reaffirms the Genesis account in Matthew 19:4-6 , stating, "Haven’t you read... that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united 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 emphasizes monogamy in his epistles. In 1 Timothy 3:2 , Paul outlines the qualifications for church overseers, stating, "An overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach." Similarly, in Titus 1:6 , he writes, "An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children are believers and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient." These qualifications underscore the expectation of monogamous marriage as a standard for leadership within the church. Symbolism of Christ and the Church The relationship between a husband and wife is also symbolic of the relationship between Christ and the Church. In Ephesians 5:31-32 , Paul draws a parallel between the marital union and the union of Christ with His Church: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery—but I am speaking about Christ and the church." This analogy further supports the notion of a singular, devoted relationship, reflecting the exclusive and faithful bond between Christ and His people. Cultural and Historical Context While polygamy was culturally accepted in certain ancient societies, the biblical narrative consistently points towards monogamy as the ideal. The shift towards monogamous marriage in the early Christian community set a distinct standard that contrasted with surrounding cultures, emphasizing the sanctity and exclusivity of the marital bond. In summary, the biblical teaching that husbands should have but one wife is rooted in the creation ordinance, reinforced by New Testament teachings, and symbolically represented in the relationship between Christ and the Church. This principle serves as a foundational element of Christian marriage, promoting unity, fidelity, and the reflection of divine love. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 2:24Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall join to his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 10:6-8 1 Corinthians 7:2-4 Library Why it was Sometimes Permitted that a Man Should have Several ... Whether it is against the Natural Law to have Several Wives? Therefore as Many Women as There are Now... There is this Further, that in that Very Debt which Married ... Whether in a Case of Divorce Husband and Wife Should be Judged on ... Further Remarks Upon St. Paul's Teaching. Concerning the Pharisees and Scribes Tempting Jesus (By Asking) ... Paul an Example to Widows, and to those who do not Live with their ... Letter Lxxix. To Salvina. Whether Irregularity is Contracted by Marrying one who is not a ... Resources What does the Bible say about being a Christian wife? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about an unhappy marriage? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about women pastors? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Husbands: Duties of, not to Interfere With Their Duties to Christ Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: Not to Leave Them, Though Unbelieving Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To be Faithful to Them Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Comfort Them Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Consult With Them Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Dwell With Them for Life Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Love Them Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Regard Them As Themselves Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Respect Them Husbands: Have Authority Over Their Wives Husbands: should Have But One Wife Related Terms |
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