Topical Encyclopedia Polygamy, the practice of having more than one wife simultaneously, is a topic addressed in various parts of the Bible. While monogamy is often presented as the ideal in Scripture, particularly in the creation narrative of Adam and Eve, polygamy was practiced by several notable figures in the Old Testament. This entry explores the instances and individuals associated with polygamy in the biblical narrative.Lamech Lamech, a descendant of Cain, is the first recorded polygamist in the Bible. Genesis 4:19 states, "And Lamech took two wives for himself: one was named Adah, and the other Zillah." Lamech's practice of polygamy is mentioned in the context of a lineage that is marked by violence and moral decline. Abraham Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelite nation, had multiple wives. While Sarah was his primary wife, Genesis 16:3 records that Sarah gave her maidservant Hagar to Abraham as a wife to bear a child. Later, after Sarah's death, Genesis 25:1 notes that Abraham took another wife named Keturah. Jacob Jacob, also known as Israel, had two wives and two concubines. Genesis 29:30 states, "So Jacob slept with Rachel as well, and indeed, he loved Rachel more than Leah." Leah and Rachel were sisters, and Jacob's marriages to them were complicated by familial and social dynamics. Additionally, Jacob fathered children with Bilhah and Zilpah, the maidservants of Rachel and Leah, respectively. Esau Esau, the brother of Jacob, also practiced polygamy. Genesis 26:34-35 mentions that Esau took two Hittite women, Judith and Basemath, as wives, which caused grief to his parents, Isaac and Rebekah. Later, in Genesis 28:9, Esau married Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael, adding to his wives. Gideon Gideon, a judge of Israel, had many wives. Judges 8:30 states, "Gideon had seventy sons of his own, for he had many wives." His polygamous lifestyle is noted in the context of his leadership and the subsequent decline of Israel after his death. Elkanah Elkanah, the father of the prophet Samuel, had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. 1 Samuel 1:2 records, "He had two wives, one named Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none." The narrative highlights the tension and rivalry between the two wives, particularly regarding childbearing. David King David, a central figure in the history of Israel, had multiple wives. 2 Samuel 5:13 states, "After he left Hebron, David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, and more sons and daughters were born to him." David's polygamous relationships are part of the broader narrative of his reign and personal life. Solomon King Solomon, known for his wisdom, is perhaps the most famous biblical figure associated with polygamy. 1 Kings 11:3 records, "He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray." Solomon's extensive polygamy is linked to his spiritual decline and the eventual division of the kingdom. Rehoboam Rehoboam, Solomon's son, also practiced polygamy. 2 Chronicles 11:21 states, "Rehoboam loved Maacah daughter of Absalom more than all his other wives and concubines. In all, he had eighteen wives and sixty concubines, twenty-eight sons, and sixty daughters." His polygamous practices are noted in the context of his reign over Judah. These instances of polygamy in the Bible reflect the cultural and historical contexts of the times. While polygamy was practiced by several key figures, it often led to familial strife, spiritual challenges, and social complications, as seen in the biblical narratives. Nave's Topical Index Job 27:15Those that remain of him shall be buried in death: and his widows shall not weep. Nave's Topical Index Library Perseverance of Saints. Testimonies of the Ancients in Favor of Eusebius. Pride of Prosperity Elucidations. Index of Subjects. Resources What does the Bible say about adultery? | GotQuestions.orgHow many wives did Abraham have? | GotQuestions.org Why did the early Mormons believe in plural marriage? | GotQuestions.org Polygamy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Polygamy: Domestic Unhappiness in Abraham's Family Polygamy: Domestic Unhappiness in Elkanah's Family Polygamy: Domestic Unhappiness in Jacob's Family Polygamy: Mosaic Law Respecting the Firstborn In Polygamy: The Evil Effects of Elkanah's Polygamy: The Evil Effects of Husband's Favoritism In Polygamy: The Evil Effects of Jacob's Polygamy: The Evil Effects of Rehoboam's Related Terms |
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