![]() When referring to a husband (singular), the passage always also refers to a wife (singular). ![]() The phrase could literally be translated “a one-woman man.” However broadly or narrowly that qualification should be applied, in no sense can a polygamist be considered a “one-woman man.” Is the prohibition of polygamy only for elders and deacons, the “example-setters”? No, the standard of monogamy should apply to all Christians.Įphesians 5:22–33 speaks of the relationship between husbands and wives. In the New Testament, 1 Timothy 3:2, 12 and Titus 1:6 list being “the husband of one wife” as a qualification for spiritual leadership in the church. Such problems can be clearly seen in the life of Solomon (1 Kings 11:3–4). While this cannot be interpreted as a command that kings must be monogamous, it does indicate that having multiple wives causes problems. Later, in Deuteronomy 17:14–20, God says that the kings were not to multiply wives (or horses or gold). The consistent use of the singular in this verse should be noted. The Bible says that God’s original intention was for one man to be married to only one woman: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh ” (Genesis 2:24). In addition to the protection/provision factor, polygamy enabled a much faster expansion of humanity, fulfilling God’s command to “be fruitful and increase in number multiply on the earth” (Genesis 9:7).Ģ) How does God view polygamy today? Even while recording cases of polygamy, the Bible presents monogamy as the plan that conforms most closely to God’s ideal for marriage. While definitely not ideal, living in a polygamist household was far better than the alternative of prostitution, slavery, or starvation. A man would take multiple wives and serve as the provider and protector of all of them. So, God may have allowed polygamy to protect and provide for the women who otherwise may have been left destitute. ![]() Unmarried women were often subjected to prostitution and slavery. Women relied on their fathers, brothers, and husbands for provision and protection. Women were often uneducated and untrained. In patriarchal societies, it was nearly impossible for an unmarried woman to provide for herself. As we speculate about God’s permissive silence, there is at least one key factor to consider. 1) Why did God allow polygamy in the Old Testament? The Bible does not specifically say why God allowed polygamy, and we must remember that allowance is not the same as approval.
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