Dictionary of Bible Themes The practice of having and remaining faithful to only one marriage partner at one time. It is set out as God's ideal for human relationships; an ideal demonstrated in the use of the marriage bond to portray the relationship between God and his people. Genesis 2:22-24Monogamy as God's original intention for marriage See also Malachi 2:15Matthew 19:4-6 Ephesians 5:31 pp Mk 10:6-9 Ezekiel 16:8Monogamy is shown in God's relationship with his people See also God's marriage with Israel Isaiah 54:5-8Jeremiah 2:2-3 Hosea 2:16-20; 3:1 Ephesians 5:32-33 Deuteronomy 14:2 Amos 3:2 God's exclusive commitment to Israel See also Exodus 19:5-6Deuteronomy 26:18; 32:8 Psalms 135:4 Genesis 2:18 Monogamy in marriage Proverbs 5:15-19The commitment to a lifelong, loving companionship See also Proverbs 2:17The satisfaction that may be found in marriage makes marital unfaithfulness and polygamy unnecessary. Ecclesiastes 9:9Malachi 2:14 Deuteronomy 21:15 Polygamy undermines full commitment See also Genesis 29:30Favouritism within polygamous relationships undermines the close companionship which should characterise marriage. 1 Samuel 1:1-82 Chronicles 11:21-22 Matthew 19:9 Monogamy is implicit in teaching about divorce See also Luke 16:18pp Mk 10:11 1 Corinthians 7:2-4Monogamy is commanded 1 Timothy 3:12This is an implicit, but clear prohibition of polygamy See also 1 Timothy 3:2Monogamy is obligatory in leaders. Titus 1:6See also 5675 divorce5680 family 5702 husband 5708 marriage 5733 pregnancy 5744 wife 6242 adultery |
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