What Does the Bible Say About Polygamy?
What Does the Bible Say About Polygamy? The Bible reveals that God's original and enduring design for marriage is one man and one woman for life; polygamy was tolerated in the Old Testament era but consistently produced strife, and Christ restored God's creational intent.
Key verse: Genesis 2:24 (KJV)
The Bible reveals that God's original and enduring design for marriage is one man and one woman for life; polygamy was tolerated in the Old Testament era but consistently produced strife, and Christ restored God's creational intent.
The Bible reveals that God's original and enduring design for marriage is one man and one woman for life; polygamy was tolerated in the Old Testament era but consistently produced strife, and Christ restored God's creational intent.
"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." — Genesis 2:24 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
To understand what the Bible says about polygamy, one must distinguish between what God permitted in certain historical periods and what He designed and commands. From the very beginning, God's intent for marriage was singular and exclusive. Genesis 2:24 declares: 'Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.' Note the singular — 'his wife,' not 'his wives.' This pattern of one man united to one woman was established in the garden before sin entered the world. Christ appealed directly to this creational design when confronted about divorce, saying in Matthew 19:4-6: '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.' The use of 'twain' — two — is deliberate and definitive. Scripture records that many patriarchs practiced polygamy: Abraham, Jacob, David, and Solomon among them. Yet without exception, Scripture also records the sorrow, jealousy, and family dysfunction that followed. God's law for Israel's kings specifically prohibited polygamy in Deuteronomy 17:17: 'Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away.' Solomon's many wives turned his heart after other gods — a cautionary tale for all generations. The New Testament norm for leaders in the church is to be 'the husband of one wife,' confirming that monogamy is the standard of Christian faithfulness.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
God's design for marriage, the roles of husband and wife, and building a Christ-centered relationship.
Key Scripture References
"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
"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."
"Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
The Bible presents marriage as a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, designed by God to reflect Christ's relationship with the church.
What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?
The Bible teaches that God hates divorce but permits it in cases of sexual immorality and abandonment by an unbelieving spouse.
Who Was Solomon in the Bible?
Solomon was David's son who became Israel's wisest and wealthiest king, built the magnificent temple in Jerusalem, wrote Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon, but fell into idolatry through his many foreign wives.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Genesis. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Genesis on day 11 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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