12 Bible Verses About Polygamy

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about polygamy

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about polygamy:

1. Exodus 21:10 – “If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.”
2. Deuteronomy 21:15 – “If a man have two wives, one beloved, and another hated, and they have born him children, both the beloved and the hated; and if the firstborn son be hers that was hated.”
3. 1 Kings 11:3 – “And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.”
4. 2 Samuel 12:8 – “And I gave thee thy master’s house, and thy master’s wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.”
5. 1 Corinthians 7:2 – “Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.”
6. 1 Timothy 3:2 – “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach.”

7. Genesis 4:19 – “And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.”
8. Genesis 16:3 – “And Sarai Abram’s wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.”
9. Genesis 29:28 – “And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also.”
10. 2 Chronicles 13:21 – “But Abijah waxed mighty, and married fourteen wives, and begat twenty and two sons, and sixteen daughters.”
11. Deuteronomy 17:17 – “Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.”
12. Leviticus 18:18 – “Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her lifetime.”

What does the bible say about polygamy?

The Bible does not explicitly condemn polygamy, as there are several instances of polygamous relationships among prominent figures in the Old Testament.

However, it also portrays the negative consequences of polygamy, such as jealousy, rivalry, and discord within families.

The ideal relationship according to the Bible is monogamous, as seen in the creation story of Adam and Eve.

Overall, the Bible emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, unity, and mutual respect in marriage, regardless of the number of partners involved.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about polygamy?

1. Genesis 29-30: These chapters describe the story of Jacob and his two wives, Leah and Rachel, as well as their handmaids. This is one of the earliest examples of polygamy in the Bible and provides insight into the cultural and societal norms surrounding the practice at that time.

2. 1 Kings 11: This chapter discusses King Solomon and his many wives, which ultimately led to his downfall. It serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of engaging in polygamous relationships.

3. 1 Corinthians 7: This chapter addresses marriage and relationships in general, including the idea of being content with one’s current situation. While not specifically about polygamy, it provides guidance on how to navigate relationships in a way that honors God and promotes unity.

These chapters are relevant to polygamy as they provide examples and teachings from the Bible that can help individuals understand the complexities and implications of engaging in polygamous relationships. They offer insights into the historical context of polygamy in biblical times and provide guidance on how to approach relationships in a way that aligns with biblical principles.

Ideas and concepts related to polygamy that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Marriage: The Bible discusses the concept of marriage extensively, emphasizing the importance of commitment, love, and faithfulness within the marital relationship. Polygamy, the practice of having multiple spouses, goes against the biblical teaching of a monogamous marriage between one man and one woman.

2. Adultery: The Bible condemns adultery, which is the act of being unfaithful to one’s spouse. Polygamy can lead to adultery as it involves having multiple partners, which can lead to broken trust and infidelity within the marriage.

3. Jealousy: The Bible warns against jealousy and the negative consequences it can have on relationships. In a polygamous marriage, jealousy can arise among the spouses, leading to conflict and discord within the family unit.

4. Unity: The Bible emphasizes the importance of unity within marriage, with the husband and wife becoming one flesh. Polygamy can create division and competition among spouses, undermining the unity and harmony that should exist within a marriage.

Overall, the concepts related to polygamy in the Bible highlight the importance of faithfulness, commitment, and unity within marriage, which are compromised in a polygamous relationship.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.