Polygamy, the practice of having more than one spouse at the same time, is a topic that has been discussed and debated throughout history. In many ancient cultures, including some biblical societies, polygamy was a common practice. However, as we read through the scriptures, it becomes clear that God‘s original design for marriage was intended to be a union between one man and one woman. This design is evident in the creation story in Genesis and reinforced through various teachings in the Old and New Testaments.
The Bible does not explicitly prohibit polygamy in every instance, but it does provide guidance and principles that suggest God’s ideal for marriage involves monogamy. There are numerous verses that emphasize the importance of faithfulness, the sanctity of the marriage covenant, and the challenges that come with polygamy. In this article, we will explore 20 Bible verses that speak against the practice of polygamy, drawing from both Old and New Testament teachings. These verses will help us understand why God’s ideal for marriage is monogamy, and how polygamy often leads to harm and confusion in relationships.
1. Genesis 2:24 (KJV)
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
In the very beginning, God established marriage as a union between one man and one woman. The phrase “one flesh” signifies the intimate and exclusive nature of the marital relationship, which contradicts the practice of polygamy.
2. Matthew 19:4-6 (KJV)
“And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Jesus reaffirms the Genesis creation narrative, emphasizing that marriage was intended to be between one man and one woman. His words make it clear that God’s design for marriage is not polygamous.
3. 1 Timothy 3:2 (KJV)
“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach.”
In the qualifications for church leaders, Paul emphasizes that a bishop must be “the husband of one wife.” This underscores the importance of monogamy, especially for those in positions of spiritual leadership.
4. 1 Timothy 3:12 (KJV)
“Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.”
Similar to the qualifications for bishops, this verse stresses that deacons should be the “husbands of one wife,” reinforcing the biblical model of marriage as a monogamous relationship.
5. Ephesians 5:31 (KJV)
“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.”
Paul, drawing from the same Genesis passage as Jesus, reiterates that marriage involves a union between one man and one woman. The emphasis on “two” becoming one flesh further reinforces the idea of monogamy.
6. Genesis 4:19 (KJV)
“And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.”
Although this verse records the first instance of polygamy in the Bible, it is not presented as a positive example. The Bible often highlights the consequences of sinful actions, and Lamech’s polygamy led to conflict, which we see throughout the narrative.
7. Genesis 16:1-4 (KJV)
“Now Sarai Abram’s wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar: And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the Lord hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. And Sarai Abram’s wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.”
The story of Abraham and Sarah’s decision to involve Hagar in their marriage illustrates the complications that arise from polygamy. Although it was culturally acceptable at the time, it led to strife and division in the family, which is often the result of polygamous relationships.
8. Deuteronomy 17:17 (KJV)
“Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.”
In this instruction given to the king of Israel, God warns against multiplying wives, recognizing that polygamy can lead to spiritual and moral decline. This command highlights the dangers of polygamy in a leadership role.
9. 1 Kings 11:1-3 (KJV)
“But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.”
Solomon’s polygamy led to his downfall, as his many wives led him astray into idolatry. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of polygamy and the spiritual consequences that can arise from it.
10. Malachi 2:14-16 (KJV)
“Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.”
This passage condemns divorce and emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to the wife of one’s youth. The emphasis on “one” wife reflects God’s ideal for marriage, reinforcing the idea of monogamy.
11. Proverbs 5:18-19 (KJV)
“Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.”
The imagery in this passage points to the joy and fulfillment found in a committed, monogamous marriage. It underscores the value of having one wife and finding satisfaction in that relationship.
12. Matthew 5:31-32 (KJV)
“It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, except for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.”
Jesus teaches about marriage and divorce, emphasizing the sanctity of the marriage bond. His teaching reflects the biblical view that marriage should be between one man and one woman, and divorce and remarriage should only occur in cases of unfaithfulness.
13. Luke 16:18 (KJV)
“Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.”
Again, Jesus upholds the sanctity of marriage, teaching that remarriage after divorce constitutes adultery. His words suggest that God’s ideal for marriage is a lifelong, monogamous commitment between one man and one woman.
14. 1 Corinthians 7:2 (KJV)
“Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.”
Paul emphasizes that each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. This language implies the exclusivity of marriage and the importance of fidelity, which is in direct contrast to the practice of polygamy.
15. 1 Corinthians 7:39 (KJV)
“The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.”
This verse affirms the monogamous nature of marriage, stating that a woman is bound to her husband until his death. This reflects the view that marriage is meant to be a lifelong, exclusive relationship.
16. Hebrews 13:4 (KJV)
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
Marriage is described as honorable and pure, which implies that it is intended to be between one man and one woman. Adultery and promiscuity, which can be associated with polygamy, are condemned.
17. James 1:8 (KJV)
“A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”
This verse speaks to the instability that can come from divided loyalties. Polygamy can create division and instability in relationships, as it goes against God’s design for marriage.
18. Galatians 5:19-21 (KJV)
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Polygamy can be linked to lustful desires and adultery, which are listed as works of the flesh. Those who live in these sinful ways, including engaging in polygamous relationships, are warned that they will not inherit the kingdom of God.
19. Revelation 21:8 (KJV)
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
This verse lists various sinful behaviors, including “whoremongers,” or those who engage in immoral sexual practices. Polygamy, which often involves sexual immorality, is included in the broader category of sinful behaviors that will be judged.
20. 1 Peter 3:7 (KJV)
“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”
Husbands are instructed to honor their wives and treat them with understanding and respect. This reflects the idea of one man being committed to one woman in a marriage, rather than being divided between multiple wives.
Conclusion
While the Bible records instances of polygamy in ancient times, it consistently upholds the ideal of marriage being between one man and one woman. Through verses that emphasize faithfulness, commitment, and the sanctity of the marriage bond, Scripture discourages polygamy and affirms the monogamous relationship that God originally intended. The consequences of polygamy, including strife and division, are evident throughout the Bible, and believers are encouraged to adhere to God’s design for marriage, which is a relationship of mutual love, respect, and devotion between one man and one woman.
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