Is it a Sin to Marry Two Wives as a Christian? (Bible Verses)
As a Christian, you may wonder if it is a sin to marry two wives. The Bible provides guidance on marriage and relationships, and it is important to understand what it says about polygamy.
The Bible is no short of characters that married more than one wife. One of the leading patriarchs in the Bible, Jacob, married two wives, Leah and Rachael. Many Godly characters in the Bible like King David and his son Solomon married multiple wives.
Does this mean the Bible supports marrying two wives? Let’s find out what the Bible says about marrying two wives: a sin or not.
What does the Bible say about marriage? (Definition and Purpose)
Marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman that is established and blessed by God. The Bible teaches that marriage is a lifelong commitment that should be entered into with respect, love, and fidelity.
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
This biblical verse emphasizes the importance of a man and woman coming together in marriage to form a new family unit.
Marriage is not just a social institution, but it is also a spiritual one. The Bible teaches that marriage is a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the church.
In Ephesians 5:22-33, it says that husbands should love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Wives should submit to their husbands as the church submits to Christ.
This passage teaches that marriage is a covenant relationship that should be characterized by love, respect, and mutual submission.
Marriage is also designed to be a source of joy, companionship, and intimacy.
“Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of physical intimacy in marriage and encourages couples to enjoy each other’s company.
The Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman that should be characterized by love, respect, and mutual submission. It is a covenant relationship that reflects the relationship between Christ and the church.
Marriage is designed to be a source of joy, companionship, and intimacy. As a Christian, it is important to honor and respect the institution of marriage and to seek God’s guidance in all aspects of your relationship.
Is it a sin to marry two wives as a Christian?
As a Christian, you may wonder if it is a sin to marry two wives. The Bible does not explicitly forbid polygamy, but it also does not endorse it.
The Bible clearly states that God’s original plan was for one husband and one wife. In Genesis 2:24, it says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
In the Old Testament, we see examples of men having multiple wives, such as Jacob, David, and Solomon. However, we also see the negative consequences of polygamy, such as jealousy, strife, and division within families.
“And he shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away, nor shall he acquire for himself excessive silver and gold.”
In the New Testament, polygamy is not explicitly mentioned, but it is clear that the standard for marriage is one man and one woman.
“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;“
This implies that having multiple wives is not acceptable for church leaders.
It is important to note that if you are a Christian and you are considering marrying a second wife, you should carefully consider the potential consequences. It may cause division within your family and could lead to jealousy and strife.
It is also important to consider the emotional and financial needs of both wives and to treat them with love and respect.
What Does the Bible Say About Polygamy?
As a Christian, you may wonder whether it is a sin to marry two wives. The Bible has several references to polygamy, but what does it say about it? Let’s explore some of the relevant verses and themes in the Bible regarding polygamy.
Examples of Polygamy in the Bible
The Bible records several instances of polygamy among its prominent figures, including Abraham, Jacob, and David.
However, it is worth noting that these examples are descriptive rather than prescriptive. In other words, the Bible does not necessarily endorse polygamy as a moral or ideal practice.
God’s Original Plan for Marriage
According to the Bible, God established marriage as a union between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24). This model of marriage is reflected throughout the Bible, including in the New Testament, where Jesus affirms this view (Matthew 19:4-6).
“And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
The Consequences of Polygamy in the Bible
While the Bible does not explicitly condemn polygamy, it does show the negative consequences of polygamous relationships. For example, in the story of Jacob and his two wives, Rachel and Leah, we see jealousy, rivalry, and conflict (Genesis 29-30).
Similarly, in the story of David and his many wives, we see adultery, murder, and family dysfunction (2 Samuel 11-12).
Will God Ever Bless a Second Marriage?
The Bible does allow for divorce and remarriage in certain circumstances (Matthew 19:9), but it is important to note that this is not the same as polygamy.
“And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.“
While divorce and remarriage may be permissible in some cases, polygamy goes against God’s original design for marriage.
God’s original plan for marriage is a union between one man and one woman, and the negative consequences of polygamy are evident in the Bible. As a Christian, it is important to seek God’s wisdom and guidance in all areas of life, including marriage.
What does the New Testament say about marriage?
When it comes to the topic of marriage, the New Testament provides several teachings that can be helpful to understand. In this section, we will take a look at what the New Testament says about marriage, specifically focusing on the teachings of Jesus and Paul.
The teachings of Jesus on marriage
In the New Testament, Jesus is recorded as teaching about marriage in several places. One of the most well-known passages is found in Matthew 19:4-6, where Jesus quotes from Genesis and affirms the creation of male and female and the establishment of marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
Jesus goes on to say that what God has joined together, let no one separate.
Another important teaching of Jesus on marriage is found in Matthew 5:31-32, where he addresses the issue of divorce.
“It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.”
Jesus says that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
The teachings of Paul on marriage
Paul provides teachings on marriage in several of his letters. In Ephesians 5:22-33, Paul compares the relationship between a husband and wife to the relationship between Christ and the church.
“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”
He emphasizes the importance of mutual submission and sacrificial love in the marriage relationship.
In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul addresses questions about marriage and singleness. He encourages those who are married to remain married and those who are single to remain single, but acknowledges that not everyone has the gift of singleness.
Paul also gives instructions on sexual relations within marriage and the importance of fulfilling each other’s needs.
Overall, the New Testament provides a clear picture of God’s design for marriage as a lifelong union between one man and one woman. Both Jesus and Paul emphasize the importance of mutual love and submission in the marriage relationship.
How Many Wives Are Christian Men Permitted to Marry? (What God Says)
As a Christian man, you may wonder how many wives you are permitted to have. The Bible is clear on this matter. According to God’s original plan, one husband plus one wife is the ideal marriage (Genesis 2:24).
In the New Testament, Jesus reaffirms this plan.
“from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
In other words, God intended for marriage to be monogamous, with one man and one woman committing to each other for life.
While the Bible does mention instances of men having multiple wives, it does not condone or encourage this practice. In fact, it often leads to problems and conflicts within families (see Genesis 16:1-6 and 1 Kings 11:1-4).
Furthermore, the New Testament teaches that a Christian man should have only one wife.(1 Timothy 3:2, 12 and Titus 1:6).
“If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.”
This is because marriage is meant to reflect the relationship between Christ and His church, which is a monogamous relationship (Ephesians 5:22-33).
Why Do Most People Say Polygamy is not a Sin?
When it comes to the question of whether or not polygamy is a sin, there are many opinions out there. Some people argue that polygamy is not a sin, while others believe that it is. So why do most people say that polygamy is not a sin?
One reason is that polygamy is not specifically condemned in the Bible. While there are examples of polygamy in the Bible, such as David and Solomon, there is no clear condemnation of the practice.
Some people argue that this means that polygamy is not a sin, since it is not explicitly forbidden.
Another reason why some people argue that polygamy is not a sin is that it is a cultural practice in some parts of the world.
In some cultures, polygamy is seen as a normal and acceptable way of life. Some people argue that if polygamy is culturally accepted, it cannot be a sin. However, it is important to remember that because something is culturally accepted, doesn’t mean that it is right.
Additionally, while the Bible may not explicitly condemn polygamy, it does provide guidance on marriage and relationships. For example, Jesus himself affirmed the importance of monogamous marriage in Matthew 19:4-6.
While some people may argue that polygamy is not a sin, it is important to consider the biblical teachings on marriage and relationships.
While the Bible may not explicitly condemn polygamy, it does provide guidance on how we should approach marriage and relationships.
