Marriage is a sacred connection, rooted in God’s original plan as depicted in Genesis 2:24: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This foundational verse establishes the divine intention for an exclusive union between a man and a woman.
Is It a Sin to Marry More than One Wife?
If we consider God’s original purpose for man, we can come to a stern conclusion that having more than one wife is a deviation from God’s plan, akin to the sin of gluttony. But let’s not conclude just yet.
Let’s explore the scriptures that underpin this biblical perspective:
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
Genesis 2:24 (ESV)
This foundational verse in Genesis establishes God’s original design for marriage, emphasizing the oneness between a man and a woman.
The New Testament echoes this perspective, emphasizing the singular nature of marital unions. In 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6, qualifications for spiritual leadership explicitly include being the husband of one wife, reflecting a preference for monogamous relationships within Christian leadership.
“…the husband of one wife…”
1 Timothy 3:2 (ESV)
“…husband of one wife…”
Titus 1:6 (ESV)
The biblical disapproval of polygamy is further echoed in the teachings of Jesus:
“He answered, ‘Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?”
Matthew 19:4-5 (ESV)
In this passage, Jesus refers back to the creation account, emphasizing God’s intent for marriage to be a union between one man and one woman.
These scriptures collectively form the basis for the biblical perspective on marriage, highlighting the sanctity and oneness intended by God from the beginning.
God’s Plan for Marriage
The Bible illuminates that marriage is an integral part of God’s original plan. Genesis 2:24, a foundational verse, articulates God’s design for marriage as a robust connection between one man and one woman:
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
Genesis 2:24 (ESV)
This verse underscores the divine intention for a profound and exclusive union between a single man and a single woman, establishing the blueprint for marital relationships.
The absence of polygamy in God’s plan becomes evident in this intentional design:
“In this plan, having more than one wife, which is polygamy, wasn’t included.”
This statement emphasizes that polygamy, the practice of having multiple wives, was intentionally omitted from God’s design. The specificity of this exclusion highlights God’s intentional and deliberate way for marriages to be.
These scriptures collectively convey the essence of God’s plan for marriage, emphasizing the exclusive and intentional union between one man and one woman as the cornerstone of marital relationships.
Not Following God’s Plan
Deviating from God’s intended plan for marriage by practicing polygamy is expressly contrary to His desires. Proverbs 18:22 emphasizes the goodness and favor bestowed by the Lord upon finding a wife, implying a singular, monogamous relationship. Mark 10:8 reinforces the concept of oneness in marriage, discouraging multiple spouses.
Let’s delve into the scriptures that highlight the biblical disapproval of straying from God’s plan:
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”
Proverbs 18:22 (ESV)
Proverbs 18:22 emphasizes the goodness and favor bestowed by the Lord upon the discovery of a wife, implying a singular, monogamous relationship.
“and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh.”
Mark 10:8 (ESV)
Mark 10:8 echoes the concept of oneness in marriage, reinforcing the idea that a man and a woman becoming one flesh signifies God’s intended design for marital unity.
“But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.”
1 Corinthians 7:2 (ESV)
In 1 Corinthians 7:2, the emphasis is on the exclusivity of the marital relationship, with each man having his own wife and each woman having her own husband. This further discourages the practice of having multiple spouses.
Despite the mistakes made by Adam and Eve, the Bible portrays God’s continuous effort to guide humanity back to faithful and committed marriages. These scriptures collectively emphasize the biblical stance against polygamy and the importance of adhering to God’s original plan for marriage.
Following Christian Rules
When turning to Christianity, adherence to the law (Romans 13:1-7) and fulfilling responsibilities towards wives and children becomes imperative. While the Bible lacks an explicit prohibition against multiple wives, scriptures like 1 Timothy 3:2 suggest a preference for monogamy within the Christian leadership framework.
Let’s explore the scriptures that underscore the importance of following Christian rules in the context of a man with multiple wives:
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”
Romans 13:1 (ESV)
This passage from Romans emphasizes the Christian obligation to submit to governing authorities, highlighting the importance of following the law.
“For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing.”
Romans 13:6 (ESV)
Continuing in Romans 13, this verse reinforces the Christian responsibility to fulfill civic duties, including financial obligations to the authorities.
The Bible’s lack of explicit prohibition against having many wives is acknowledged, but the underlying principle is emphasized:
“…husband of one wife…”
1 Timothy 3:2 (ESV)
This qualification for spiritual leadership, as stated in 1 Timothy 3:2, implies a preference for monogamy within the Christian leadership framework.
Furthermore, the cautionary command in Deuteronomy 17:17 serves as a biblical warning against a king of Israel having many wives, signaling a departure from God’s intended plan for marriage.
Polygamy in Light of Biblical Scriptures
Polygamy is explored through Levitical rules, Paul’s leadership standards, and Jesus’ teachings. Leviticus 18:18 discourages marrying sisters, and Deuteronomy 21:15 addresses challenges associated with having many wives. Paul’s criteria in 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6 explicitly reject polygamy in spiritual leadership.
Levitical Rules
“You shall not take a woman as a rival wife to her sister, uncovering her nakedness while her sister is still alive.”
Leviticus 18:18 (ESV)
This Levitical rule explicitly discourages a man from marrying sisters, emphasizing the potential problems and conflicts within the family that may arise from such relationships. Additionally:
“If a man has two wives, the one loved and the other unloved, and both the loved and the unloved have borne him children, and if the firstborn son belongs to the unloved…”
Deuteronomy 21:15 (ESV)
Deuteronomy 21:15 addresses the challenges associated with having many wives, especially when determining inheritance within the family structure.
Paul’s Leadership Standards
“Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife…”
1 Timothy 3:2 (ESV)
The Apostle Paul explicitly rejects polygamy in the context of spiritual leadership, listing “the husband of one wife” as a crucial requirement for those leading spiritually.
“…if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife…”
Titus 1:6 (ESV)
Titus 1:6 echoes the same sentiment, reinforcing the notion that spiritual leaders should adhere to a monogamous marital relationship. Furthermore:
“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.”
Ephesians 5:22-23 (ESV)
Ephesians 5:22-33 continues to emphasize the individuality of husbands and wives, supporting the idea of one-on-one marriages within the framework of Christian leadership standards.
Jesus’ Teaching Against Polygamy
“He answered, ‘Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?”
Matthew 19:4-5 (ESV)
Jesus, in Matthew 19:4-5, refers to the creation account, affirming God’s intent for marriage as a union between one man and one woman. Collectively, these scriptures form the basis for the biblical perspective on marriage, highlighting its sanctity and oneness intended by God from the beginning.
Handling a Family with Many Wives
In situations with multiple wives, Christian leaders are encouraged to follow principles of love, grace, and fairness. Romans 13:1 emphasizes submission to governing authorities, highlighting the importance of following the law. The cautionary command in Deuteronomy 17:17 warns against a king having many wives, signaling a departure from God’s plan.
What If I Chose More Than One Wife?
1. Stick to Christian Values:
Choosing to have more than one wife goes against Christian principles, as Jesus taught about how special marriage is (Mark 10:9). The Bible encourages a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman, discouraging separation once they’re married.
2. Stay Committed:
The Bible says a man should leave his parents and be joined with his wife (Genesis 2:24), stressing the importance of staying committed in marriage. Separating from a spouse is not encouraged, highlighting the significance of keeping the marriage strong.”
3. Handle Complex Situations:
Dealing with situations involving multiple marriages requires careful thought. Following the law is essential if polygamy is illegal. Making ethical decisions involves thinking about personal beliefs, potentially leading to divorce while still caring for everyone involved.
4. Prioritize Love, Dignity, and Respect:
In places where having many spouses is allowed, Christians should focus on keeping love, dignity, and respect in each marriage. No matter the circumstances, following Christian values is crucial, ensuring fair and just treatment for every spouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section aims to address common inquiries related to polygamy and the biblical perspective on marriage:
1. Does the Bible explicitly forbid polygamy?
While the Bible does not explicitly forbid polygamy, it consistently emphasizes monogamous unions in the biblical perspective on marriage. This preference for one-on-one marriages is evident from Genesis to the teachings of Jesus and qualifications for spiritual leaders.
2. What scriptures indicate a preference for monogamous marriages in the New Testament?
Indications in the New Testament include passages such as ‘the husband of one wife’ in 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6, as well as Ephesians 5:22-33. These passages consistently refer to a husband and wife in singular form, reinforcing the concept of a union between one man and one woman.
3. How does the Bible caution against practices like polygamy?
The scriptures caution against deviating from the divine plan for marriage, discouraging practices like polygamy. While not explicitly forbidden, the consistent biblical theme emphasizes the potential pitfalls associated with having multiple spouses.
4. Is it wrong to be a second wife?
The ethical judgment of being a second wife is subjective and can depend on personal, cultural, and religious perspectives. Some may see it as acceptable if all parties willingly enter the relationship, while others might find it ethically challenging, especially if it contradicts societal norms or religious teachings.
5. Are there instances in the Bible where individuals had multiple wives, and how are these situations portrayed?
Yes, there are instances in the Bible where individuals had multiple wives. These situations are portrayed with complexities, showing the challenges and consequences associated with such relationships within a biblical context.
6. What role do cultural norms play in shaping perspectives on polygamy within Christian communities?
Cultural norms significantly influence perspectives on polygamy within Christian communities. Understanding this impact helps contextualize the interpretation of biblical teachings and how they are applied in diverse cultural settings.
7. Can someone be a second wife and actively participate in Christian ministry and leadership roles?
Examining the qualifications outlined for spiritual leaders in the Bible, the question of whether someone can be a second wife and actively participate in Christian ministry and leadership roles is nuanced. It involves considering the interpretation of relevant biblical passages and the specific beliefs of the Christian community in question.
Conclusion
The biblical perspective on marriage consistently emphasizes the sanctity of a monogamous union, from Genesis to the teachings of Jesus and qualifications for spiritual leaders. While the New Testament doesn’t explicitly address polygamy, indications, such as ‘the husband of one wife’ in 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6, suggest a preference for one-on-one marriages. Ephesians 5:22-33 reinforces this notion.
The scriptures caution against deviating from this divine plan, discouraging practices like polygamy. In situations where polygamy aligns with cultural norms, Christians are guided to prioritize love, dignity, and respect in each marriage. In conclusion, the biblical stance underscores God’s original design for an exclusive, monogamous union, encouraging adherence to Christian values even in complex situations.