What does the Bible say about plural marriage?

Definition of Plural Marriage

Plural marriage, often referred to as polygamy, describes the practice of having more than one spouse at the same time. In the Old Testament, various individuals are recorded as having multiple wives, yet these narratives do not necessarily endorse the practice as God’s ideal. Instead, they often portray the complicated consequences that arise from departing from God’s original design.

God’s Original Design for Marriage

From the outset, Scripture underscores a one-man, one-woman plan. Genesis 2:24 states: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” This verse indicates that the first union God established was exclusive and uniquely intimate.

In later biblical teachings, marriage is repeatedly represented as a singular covenant. Though the Old Testament features accounts of multiple wives, elements within these passages contrast this pattern with the early blueprint in Eden.

Old Testament Examples

The earliest explicit instance of plural marriage is found in Genesis 4:19 with Lamech, illustrating how sin’s spread led to a departure from God’s pattern. Abraham (Genesis 16:1–4) took Hagar in addition to his wife Sarah, resulting in tension and family strife. Jacob (Genesis 29:15–30) was also drawn into polygamous arrangements that led to jealousy and rivalry among his wives.

King David (2 Samuel 3:2–5) and Solomon (1 Kings 11:1–4) likewise multiplied wives, acts that Scripture describes as detrimental. Though these kings are central figures in redemptive history, their polygamous relationships consistently brought turmoil, underscoring the fact that these actions were out of alignment with God’s best.

Mosaic Legislation and Concessions

Under the Mosaic Law, a few regulations addressed those who practiced polygamy, aiming to curb injustice (Exodus 21:10; Deuteronomy 21:15–17). Deuteronomy 17:17 clearly warned future kings “not to take many wives.” Though such regulations existed, they did not reflect a divine endorsement of the practice. Instead, they recognized the reality of human hardness of heart and sought to mitigate harm, much like the Mosaic concession on divorce (cf. Matthew 19:8).

Jesus’ Teaching on Marriage

Jesus explicitly reaffirmed God’s original design for marriage as one man joined to one woman (Matthew 19:4–6). When asked about various marital scenarios, He appealed to the creation account (Genesis 1 and 2). This consistently underscores that plural marriage does not align with His teaching. As He pointed out, God created humanity male and female, bonding them into “one flesh.”

New Testament Emphasis on Monogamy

In the New Testament epistles, monogamy is woven throughout instructions on Christian living. For instance, 1 Timothy 3:2 stipulates that an overseer (bishop) “must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife.” This demand not only applies to church leadership but reflects the prevailing moral expectation for believers.

Additionally, passages like Ephesians 5:31–33 depict the marriage union between a husband and wife as a portrait of Christ’s relationship to the Church—a singular, devoted relationship. Such teaching offers a consistent image of faithfulness and unity.

Archaeological and Historical Context

Ancient tablets and codes, such as the Code of Hammurabi, show the legality of plural marriage in surrounding cultures. Yet records within Israelite history and other Near Eastern contexts also document the familial strife that often accompanied plural marriage. Archaeological finds like the Nuzi tablets (which detail marital contracts) and the Dead Sea Scrolls (supporting Old Testament textual consistency) help confirm that Scripture preserves real events. This consistency further upholds the credibility of biblical narratives describing the complexities that arose from multiple spouses.

Consistency of Biblical Manuscripts

Manuscript evidence, from the Dead Sea Scrolls to early Masoretic texts, offers uniform testimony to the accounts of plural marriage. This consistency across copies—spanning centuries—underscores the reliability of the biblical record. Those records reveal that polygamy was present yet never portrayed as God’s ultimate intent.

Philosophical and Practical Considerations

Philosophically, marriage as presented in Scripture emphasizes exclusive commitment. Combined with the broader biblical teaching on love, mutual respect, and self-sacrifice, this points to marriage as a sacred, mutual covenant. Behavioral studies also highlight that stable, exclusive pairings typically foster healthier family structures, aligning closely with the biblical blueprint.

Conclusion

While the Old Testament candidly records instances of plural marriage, these episodes routinely highlight conflict, rivalry, and the consequences of straying from God’s intended design. The Bible, culminating in Christ’s reaffirmation of monogamy, consistently frames one-man, one-woman marriage as God’s purpose—a reflection of His steadfast covenant with His people. This ideal is fulfilled in the unity of marriage pointing to Christ and the Church, reinforcing that plural marriage is not sanctioned as the norm for believers.