What does the Bible teach about polygamy?

Polygamy in the Bible

Polygamy, the practice of having more than one spouse simultaneously, is a subject of significant discussion in biblical texts. The Bible presents polygamy as a historical reality, particularly in the Old Testament, but also provides principles and teachings that influence our understanding of marriage today. To grasp the biblical perspective on polygamy, we need to explore its occurrences, the context of those instances, and the New Testament’s teachings on marriage.

Monogamy – God’s Plan

Although Polygamy was practiced in ancient days, the Bible presents monogamy as God’s ideal for marriage. The Bible says that God’s original intention was for one man to be married to only one woman.

Genesis 2:24 (NKJV) – “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

Deuteronomy 17:14-17 (NKJV) – ““When you come to the land which the Lord your God is giving you, and possess it and dwell in it, and say, ‘I will set a king over me like all the nations that are around me,’ you shall surely set a king over you whom the Lord your God chooses; one from among your brethren you shall set as king over you; you may not set a foreigner over you, who is not your brother. But he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, for the Lord has said to you, ‘You shall not return that way again.’ Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly multiply silver and gold for himself.” This was the command of God, and he has never changed it.’ Sadly, men did not obey God’s original plan.

In the Old Testament, polygamy was regulated by Mosaic Law. It was permitted but came with specific guidelines intended to protect the rights of the wives and children.

Exodus 21:10 (NKJV) – “If he takes another wife, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, and her marriage rights.”
Deuteronomy 21:15 (NKJV) – “If a man has two wives, one loved and the other unloved, and they have borne him children, both the loved and the unloved, and if the firstborn son is of the unloved wife.”

These laws were designed to mitigate the social and personal issues arising from polygamous marriages.

God never condoned polygamy but like divorce, it was tolerated but never with God’s approval. Jesus told the Jews, because of “the hardness of your hearts” Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way (Matthew 19:3-8, NKJV). Scripture has always commanded monogamy (Psalms 128:3; Proverbs 5:18; 18:22; 19:14; 31:10-29; Ecclesiastes 9:9).

Principles and Theological Reflections

The creation ordinance establishes monogamy as the ideal pattern for marriage. God’s design for marriage is seen in the creation of Adam and Eve as one flesh.

Genesis 2:24 (NKJV) – “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

This verse underscores that the original design for marriage was monogamous, reflecting the divine ideal for human relationships.

Consequences of Polygamy

The Bible often portrays polygamous relationships as problematic, leading to family conflict and moral issues. For example, the rivalry between Leah and Rachel and the strife in David’s family highlight the difficulties associated with polygamy.

Genesis 30:1 (NKJV) – “Now when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister, and said to Jacob, ‘Give me children, or else I die!'”
2 Samuel 13:1-2 (NKJV) – “After this Absalom the son of David had a lovely sister whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her. Amnon was so distressed over his sister Tamar that he became sick; for she was a virgin, and it was improper for Amnon to do anything to her.”

The complexities and conflicts in these examples suggest that polygamy is not without its difficulties and does not align with the ideal relationship envisioned by God.

When, Solomon disobeyed God’s plan and took many wives, he sinned and backslid. “For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the Lord his God, as was the heart of his father David” (I Kings 11:4, NKJV). What a pity that a man who had begun so well in his youth should make such a sad mistake in his later years. He, who had been a master of men, now became a slave for sin. But later in his life, Solomon repented and came back to the Lord with all His heart (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)..

New Testament Teachings on Marriage

The New Testament reaffirms the creation ordinance and provides further clarity on God’s design for marriage. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles highlight monogamy as the ideal.

Jesus’ Teachings

Jesus’ teachings on marriage reflect a return to the original creation ordinance, emphasizing monogamy.

Matthew 19:4-6 (NKJV) – “And He answered and said to them, ‘Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.'”

Jesus reaffirms that marriage is a union between one man and one woman, reflecting the divine ideal.

Paul’s Teachings

The apostle Paul also upholds monogamy in his epistles, presenting it as the standard for Christian marriage.

1 Timothy 3:2 (NKJV) – “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach.”
Titus 1:6 (NKJV) – “If a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.”

Paul’s instructions for church leaders emphasize the importance of monogamy as a model for all believers.

The Implications for Believers

The New Testament teachings imply that while polygamy was permitted in the Old Testament, it is not the ideal standard for Christian marriage. Believers are encouraged to follow the model of monogamy established by Jesus and the apostles.

Theological Reflections on Polygamy

Polygamy and Covenant Theology

From a covenant theology perspective, the marriage covenant reflects God’s relationship with His people. The New Testament’s emphasis on monogamy symbolizes the exclusive and faithful relationship between Christ and the Church.

Ephesians 5:31-32 (NKJV) – “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”

The one-flesh union in marriage mirrors the unity between Christ and the Church, reinforcing the monogamous ideal.

Ethical Considerations

Polygamy raises various ethical questions, particularly concerning the treatment of women and the stability of family relationships. The biblical portrayal of polygamous families often highlights issues of injustice and discord, suggesting that monogamy better aligns with biblical ethics.

Practical Implications for Contemporary Believers

For contemporary believers, the biblical teachings on marriage affirm the value of monogamy and the importance of fostering healthy, loving relationships. These teachings encourage believers to pursue marriages that reflect God’s original design and promote mutual respect and commitment.

Conclusion

The Bible presents a nuanced view of polygamy, reflecting its historical and cultural contexts while also upholding the ideal of monogamous marriage. In the Old Testament, polygamy is depicted as a reality of human history but is often associated with problems and conflicts. The New Testament teachings, particularly those of Jesus and Paul, reaffirm monogamy as the divine ideal for marriage.

By understanding the biblical perspectives on polygamy, believers can appreciate the historical context while embracing the principles that guide Christian marriage today. The emphasis on monogamy in the New Testament reflects God’s original design for human relationships and serves as a model for faithful and loving marriages.

Check out the Bible Answers page for more information on a variety of topics.