zzzseby :
The Bible does not contain an explicit verse that directly states “a man cannot have more than one wife,” but the principle of monogamy is present and supported in several ways, especially in the New Testament. Here’s how:
1. The original pattern established by God – Genesis 2:24
“Therefore a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.”
This is talking about one woman, not more. It is the pattern that God establishes at creation.
2. Jesus reinforces monogamy – Matthew 19:4-6
“Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh.”
Jesus quotes Genesis and reinforces the idea that the marriage relationship is between two, not between one and more wives.
3. Standard for Spiritual Leaders – 1 Timothy 3:2
“Let a bishop be blameless, the husband of one wife…”
Even though he doesn’t explicitly say that others wouldn’t be allowed, the idea is that monogamy is considered the moral and worthy form to follow, especially for those in spiritual authority.
4. Symbolism between Christ and the Church – Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the Church and gave himself up for her.”
The relationship is one to one: Christ (one) – Church (one). It is a model for marriage.
What happens to polygamy in the Old Testament?
Yes, there are biblical figures (Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon, etc.) who had more than one wife. But:
Always polygamy leads to conflict, jealousy, and family problems.
It was never commanded or recommended by God. It was temporarily tolerated, in a cultural context, not approved as a moral ideal.
Conclusion
The Bible does not give a written prohibition like “it is forbidden to have more than one wife,” but the general message and moral ideal – especially in the New Testament – is clearly monogamy: one man, one woman, one flesh. This is the model of reference for Christians.
2025-08-05 16:53:28