Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5732 polygamy

5732 polygamy

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5650 Human relationships » 5732 polygamy

The practice of having more than one wife at one time. Although not explicitly forbidden in Scripture as a general practice, it is presented as problematic and monogamy is the clearly preferred option.

Monogamy is God's intention for marriage

Genesis 2:24 See also Jeremiah 2:2; Hosea 2:19-20; Ephesians 5:31

Early examples of polygamy

Genesis 4:19 See also Genesis 26:34; Genesis 28:9; Genesis 29:28

Reasons for the practice of polygamy

Sealing foreign treaties

1 Kings 3:1 See also 1 Kings 16:31

Producing offspring

Genesis 16:1-3; 2 Chronicles 13:21 A large family, and especially numerous progeny, was regarded as a sign of divine blessing. See also Genesis 30:3-5,9; Judges 8:30; 2 Samuel 3:1-5; 1 Chronicles 7:4; 2 Chronicles 11:23; 2 C 2-3

Problems associated with polygamy

Being led away from God

Deuteronomy 17:17 It was common for kings to cement foreign alliances by marriage. Israel's king is warned against the practice ; 1 Kings 11:1-8 See also Nehemiah 13:25-26; Malachi 2:11

Conflicts within families

Genesis 29:30; Genesis 30:1; Deuteronomy 21:15-17 See also Genesis 16:4-6 Sarah and Hagar; 1 Samuel 1:4-7 Hannah and Peninnah; 2 Chronicles 11:21-22; 1 Kings 1:11-13 the conflict over the succession to David's throne

Further examples of polygamy

2 Samuel 5:13 pp 1 Chronicles 14:3 See also 1 Samuel 25:40-43; 2 Samuel 12:8-9; 1 Kings 20:5 Ahab; 2 Kings 24:15 Jehoiachin; 1 Chronicles 4:5 Ashhur; Daniel 5:2 Belshazzar

Restrictions on polygamous relationships

Genesis 31:50; Exodus 21:10; Leviticus 18:18

Polygamy forbidden

1 Corinthians 7:2; 1 Timothy 3:2 Polygamy is expressly forbidden for church leaders.