Zambia Hunt

Throughout history, the practice of polygamy—having multiple wives—has been a subject of debate and controversy. This article explores the biblical perspective on polygamy, examining its origins, analyzing key examples, and considering its implications for modern Christian practice.

The word polygamy comes from a combination of two Greek words:   polu, many + gamos, marriage.  It literally means having more than one mate at the same time.  It has come to mean having more than one wife at the same time. Another word used to describe marriage is monogamy.  Monogamy comes from the words mono, one + gamos, marriage.

We want to look to Scripture to see if we can determine whether God’s plan for marriage is polygamy or monogamy. The Bible first mentions polygamy in Genesis 4:19, where Lamech, a descendant of Cain, takes two wives. This occurs several generations after Adam and Eve, suggesting that polygamy was not part of God’s original design for marriage. Notably, Lamech is portrayed as a man of questionable character, boasting of violence and vengeance (Genesis 4:23-24). Polygamy was the idea and practice initially of a wicked, proud, cruel, and ungodly man named Lamech.  The first case of polygamy was hundreds of years after the creation of man and the institution of marriage.  It was a sinful departure from God’s pattern and God’s will.  This initial depiction sets a tone of condemnation of the practice.

While several prominent Old Testament figures practiced polygamy, their stories often illustrate the problems associated with this arrangement. Abraham’s decision to take Hagar as a second wife led to conflict and ultimately resulted in the exile of Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 16:21). Taking a second wife was not God’s or Abraham’s idea but Sarah’s idea. Abraham and Sarah saw no need for a second wife until it seemed impossible for them to have a child. THE SECOND WIFE WAS TAKEN BECAUSE OF UNBELIEF!

Jacob’s marriages to Leah and Rachel sparked jealousy and strife, leading to ongoing family discord (Genesis 29-30). Even David, described as “a man after God’s own heart,” found that his polygamous relationships contributed to familial strife and moral failings (2 Samuel 11-13). Perhaps most strikingly, Solomon’s many wives “turned his heart away” from God, leading to idolatry and divine judgment (1 Kings 11:1-11).

Where you find polygamy, you often find unfaithfulness, much adultery, and fornication (concubines, prostitution.) Polygamy fuels jealousy, and strife exists between wives and siblings. Polygamy is DEMEANING OF A WOMAN’s PERSONAL VALUE and often results in the inability of the husband to care for the needs of his family properly. POLYGAMY LEADS  Its ADHERENTS INTO AN UNBIBLICAL WAY OF LIFE. – Polygamy is a pattern of living that God cannot bless, a way of life that brings its unique difficulties and burdens. The adverse effects of polygamy are evident throughout these biblical accounts. They include jealousy between wives, strife among children, favoritism within the family, and, often, a compromise of spiritual integrity.

Despite historical accounts of polygamy in the Old Testament, the Bible consistently presents monogamy as God’s ideal for marriage. The creation narrative establishes the principle of one woman for one man (Genesis 2:24). The Law placed restrictions on leaders, instructing priests and kings to have only one wife (Leviticus 21:14, Deuteronomy 17:17). Wisdom literature and prophetic writings consistently refer to “wife” in the singular (Proverbs 5:18-19, Malachi 2:14-15).

This emphasis on monogamy is reinforced in the New Testament. Jesus reaffirms the creation ideal of two becoming one flesh (Matthew 19:5). “Therefore A MAN (singular) shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his WIFE (singular), and they shall become ONE FLESH.”  (Gen. 2:24). Paul’s teachings on marriage consistently assume a monogamous relationship (Ephesians 5:31, 1 Corinthians 7:2). Moreover, church leaders are explicitly required to be “husbands of one wife” (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:6).

For the modern church, especially in cultures where polygamy has been common, this issue presents complex pastoral challenges. How should the church minister to polygamous families seeking Christ? Can a polygamist be saved, baptized, and welcomed into membership in the church? These questions require careful, biblically grounded consideration.

While salvation is by grace through faith, not contingent on one’s marital status, the church must uphold the biblical standard of monogamy. This might involve restricting polygamists from certain leadership roles while still welcoming them into membership in the church. Crucially, the church should focus on breaking the cycle of polygamy through education, discipleship, and compassionate guidance.

How can the chain of polygamy be broken? First, we must teach the church what the Bible says concerning polygamy. Second, we must not be shy about dealing with the “sins of the fathers.” There must be open acknowledgment that the cultural practice violates the clear teaching of Scripture. Third, we must speak the truth in love but face the issue. Fourth, in cultures where polygamy is accepted, we must work with the youth and teach them the truth of Scripture.

We believe that someone in a polygamous relationship who comes to Christ in that state must continue in that state, fulfilling the responsibilities of being a husband and father. We further hold that a believer who has repented in brokenness over their sin and acknowledges the sin of taking a second wife should be admitted into membership. These believers must see the wrong (sin), admit the wrong (sin), and publicly declare their commitment as new creations in Christ to never repeat the sin (of taking another wife).

If a member of the church were to take a second wife, this would invoke church discipline with offenders.  This discipline would be toward those who promote polygamy verbally, as well as those who practice it.

In conclusion, while the Bible records instances of polygamy, it consistently presents monogamy as God’s only ideal for marriage. The New Testament affirms this standard explicitly. As Christians, we are called to uphold this biblical model of marriage while addressing with compassion the complexities that arise in different cultural contexts. By doing so, we honor God’s design for the family and promote healthier, more stable gospel communities rooted in biblical principles.

While polygamy is not condoned by Scripture, churches must grapple with how to minister to polygamous families, especially in cultures where the practice has been common. Key considerations include:

1. Church membership for regenerated polygamists

2. Roles polygamists can serve within the church

3. Breaking the cycle of polygamy through education and discipleship