The topic of multiple wives, or polygamy, is one that often sparks curiosity and sometimes confusion when looking through the Bible.
Many people wonder about God’s view on this practice, especially as it appears in the lives of prominent biblical figures.
While the Bible doesn't shy away from depicting the complexities of human relationships, including those with multiple spouses, it's crucial to approach these passages with an understanding of their historical, cultural, and spiritual context.
This exploration of Bible verses about multiple wives aims to shed light on what Scripture says, offering wisdom and perspective for our modern lives.
Understanding the Biblical Landscape of Multiple Wives
The Old Testament, in particular, features accounts of men who had more than one wife. These instances are often presented as historical narratives rather than prescriptive commands.
It's important to differentiate between what the Bible *records* and what it *endorses*.
As we delve into these Bible verses about multiple wives, we’ll see how they reveal the human condition, the consequences of certain choices, and God's consistent principles of love, faithfulness, and justice that run throughout His Word.
Genesis 4:19
And Lamech took two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.
And Lamech took two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.
Explanation: This is one of the earliest mentions of polygamy in the Bible, appearing in the lineage of Cain.
It simply records a fact without explicit approval or disapproval, highlighting the early introduction of this practice among humanity.
Genesis 16:3
So Sarai Abram’s wife took Hagar her Egyptian maidservant, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.
So Sarai Abram’s wife took Hagar her Egyptian maidservant, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.
Explanation: Here, Sarah, unable to have children, gives her maidservant Hagar to Abraham as a wife. This decision, driven by a desire for an heir, sets in motion a complex family dynamic and future conflicts.
Genesis 25:1
Now Abraham took another wife, and her name was Keturah.
Now Abraham took another wife, and her name was Keturah.
Explanation: After Sarah’s death, Abraham takes another wife, Keturah, and has several more children. This shows a continuation of the practice within Abraham’s life, though it occurs after the pivotal covenantal relationship with Sarah.
Genesis 29:20
So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of his love for her.
So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of his love for her.
Explanation: Jacob loved Rachel and worked seven years for her. However, his father-in-law Laban tricked him into marrying Leah first. This illustrates the heartache and complications that can arise from such arrangements.
Genesis 29:23
And in the evening he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him: and he went in unto her.
And in the evening he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him: and he went in unto her.
Explanation: Laban brings Leah to Jacob on his wedding night instead of Rachel. This act of deception leads to Jacob having two wives, Leah and Rachel, from the outset of his marriages.
Genesis 29:26
And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.
And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.
Explanation: Laban justifies his deception by stating it’s not customary to give the younger daughter (Rachel) in marriage before the elder (Leah). This reveals cultural norms and the manipulation involved.
Genesis 29:28
And Jacob did so: and he fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also.
And Jacob did so: and he fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also.
Explanation: Jacob agrees to work another seven years for Rachel after fulfilling the wedding week with Leah. This shows his deep love for Rachel, even as he navigates the polygamous situation he’s in.
Genesis 30:4
And she gave him Bilhah her handmaid to wife: and Jacob went in unto her.
And she gave him Bilhah her handmaid to wife: and Jacob went in unto her.
Explanation: Since Rachel was barren, she gave her maidservant Bilhah to Jacob. This practice of surrogate motherhood through a handmaid was a way to have children within the patriarchal family structure.
Genesis 30:9
When Leah saw that she had left off bearing, she also took Zilpah her maidservant, and gave her to Jacob to wife.
When Leah saw that she had left off bearing, she also took Zilpah her maidservant, and gave her to Jacob to wife.
Explanation: Following Rachel’s example, Leah, also unable to bear more children, gives her maidservant Zilpah to Jacob. This highlights how barrenness was a significant concern, leading to these arrangements.
Genesis 38:2
And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name was Shuah; and he took her, and went in unto her.
And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name was Shuah; and he took her, and went in unto her.
Explanation: Judah, son of Jacob, marries a Canaanite woman named Shuah. This verse marks the beginning of his family and later encounters with his daughter-in-law Tamar.
Genesis 38:6
And Judah gave unto Onan his son a wife, whose name was Tamar.
And Judah gave unto Onan his son a wife, whose name was Tamar.
Explanation: Judah gives his son Onan to Tamar as his wife. This is part of the levirate marriage custom, where a brother marries his deceased brother’s widow.
Deuteronomy 21:15
If a man have two wives, one beloved, and another hated, and they have borne him children, both the beloved and the hated; and if the firstborn son be hers that was hated:
If a man have two wives, one beloved, and another hated, and they have borne him children, both the beloved and the hated; and if the firstborn son be hers that was hated:
Explanation: This passage addresses the legal and inheritance rights in a polygamous household, specifically when one wife is favored over the other. It shows the law acknowledging the reality of the situation.
1 Samuel 1:2
And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
Explanation: Elkanah has two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah has children, while Hannah is barren, leading to significant emotional distress for Hannah.
1 Samuel 1:5
But unto Hannah he gave a double portion: for he loved Hannah: and the LORD had shut up her womb.
But unto Hannah he gave a double portion: for he loved Hannah: and the LORD had shut up her womb.
Explanation: Despite having two wives, Elkanah shows favor to Hannah, giving her a double portion of the sacrificial meal. This highlights favoritism and the pain of barrenness, even in a polygamous setting.
1 Samuel 1:6
And her adversary also provoked her for thus vexing her, because the LORD had shut up her womb.
And her adversary also provoked her for thus vexing her, because the LORD had shut up her womb.
Explanation: Peninnah’s provocation of Hannah is directly linked to Hannah’s barrenness. This shows the jealousy and strife that polygamy can often foster within a family.
2 Samuel 3:2-5
And there were born unto David in Hebron, to his first wife Michal the daughter of Saul: and to his second wife Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite: and the third Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: and the fourth Haggith the daughter of Adonijah: and the fifth Abital the daughter of Eglah: and the sixth Eglah the daughter of Haggith: and the seventh Shephatiah the daughter of Abital: and the eighth Ithream by Eglah. And there were born to him in Hebron.
And there were born unto David in Hebron, to his first wife Michal the daughter of Saul: and to his second wife Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite: and the third Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: and the fourth Haggith the daughter of Adonijah: and the fifth Abital the daughter of Eglah: and the sixth Eglah the daughter of Haggith: and the seventh Shephatiah the daughter of Abital: and the eighth Ithream by Eglah. And there were born to him in Hebron.
Explanation: This passage lists the sons born to David in Hebron, his capital before Jerusalem. It explicitly mentions his wives and the children born to them, demonstrating that polygamy was practiced by Israel’s kings.
2 Samuel 5:13
And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.
And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.
Explanation: After becoming king of all Israel and establishing Jerusalem as his capital, David continues to take more wives and concubines, indicating the practice was accepted and common for rulers.
2 Samuel 12:8
And I gave thee thy master’s house to thee, 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.
And I gave thee thy master’s house to thee, 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.
Explanation: God reminds David through the prophet Nathan that He gave him his master Saul’s house and wives. This implies that the practice of taking royal wives was a recognized part of succession or royal prerogative.
1 Kings 11:3
And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart.
And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart.
Explanation: Solomon, known for his wisdom, also famously had an immense number of wives and concubines. This verse highlights the negative consequence of his polygamy, as his foreign wives led him astray from God.
1 Kings 15:5
Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.
Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.
Explanation: This verse contrasts Solomon’s later actions with David’s general faithfulness. While David did practice polygamy, the text notes his overall righteousness, suggesting that polygamy wasn’t the sole defining sin of his life.
1 Kings 20:7
And the chief of his servants passed by, and looked, and, behold, the kings of Israel were in the midst of the camp.
And the chief of his servants passed by, and looked, and, behold, the kings of Israel were in the midst of the camp.
Explanation: This verse is from the account of Ahab, king of Israel, and his dealings with the king of Syria. While not directly about polygamy, it reflects the royal context where such practices existed.
1 Chronicles 3:1-9
Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron: the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelite; the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess: the third Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth Adonijah the son of Haggith the daughter of David: the fifth Shephatiah the son of Abital: the sixth Ithream, by Eglah his wife: these were born unto David in Hebron. And in Jerusalem were born unto him: Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, and Ibhar, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia, and Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet. All these were the sons of David, beside the sons of the concubines, and Tamar was their sister.
Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron: the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelite; the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess: the third Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth Adonijah the son of Haggith the daughter of David: the fifth Shephatiah the son of Abital: the sixth Ithream, by Eglah his wife: these were born unto David in Hebron. And in Jerusalem were born unto him: Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, and Ibhar, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia, and Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet. All these were the sons of David, beside the sons of the concubines, and Tamar was their sister.
Explanation: This passage provides a detailed genealogy of David’s sons born in Hebron and Jerusalem, listing them alongside their mothers, who were his wives and concubines. It reinforces the extent of David’s polygamous household.
2 Chronicles 11:18
And Solomon begat children by Rehoboam. And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, Solomon’s servant, even he rebelled against the king.
And Solomon begat children by Rehoboam. And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, Solomon’s servant, even he rebelled against the king.
Explanation: This verse mentions Solomon’s children and Rehoboam, his son. It is part of the historical narrative that acknowledges Solomon’s many wives and offspring, though it doesn’t focus on the polygamous aspect directly.
Ezra 10:3
Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all these wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of the LORD, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.
Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all these wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of the LORD, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.
Explanation: In a post-exilic period, the people of Israel, led by Ezra, decide to divorce their foreign wives and the children born from these unions.
This reflects a move towards stricter adherence to God's law and a desire to separate from foreign influences.
Nehemiah 13:23-27
In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab: And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak Jews’ language, but according to the language of each people. And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or unto yourselves. Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? for among many nations was there no king save this one, who was beloved of his God, and God made him the king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin. Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God by marrying foreign wives?
In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab: And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak Jews’ language, but according to the language of each people. And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or unto yourselves. Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? for among many nations was there no king save this one, who was beloved of his God, and God made him the king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin. Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God by marrying foreign wives?
Explanation: Nehemiah confronts the people for marrying foreign women, citing Solomon’s sin as a warning. This shows a strong disapproval of intermarriage and, by extension, the polygamous unions that often resulted from them.
Job 1:3
His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.
His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.
Explanation: This verse describes Job’s immense wealth and large household. While it doesn’t explicitly mention multiple wives, the description of a “great household” in that cultural context could imply a larger family structure.
Job 42:13
He had also seven sons and three daughters.
He had also seven sons and three daughters.
Explanation: After Job’s restoration, God blesses him with another family. This time, the verse specifies the number of sons and daughters, without mentioning multiple wives, suggesting a return to a more singular marital union.
Proverbs 6:26
For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.
For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.
Explanation: While not directly about multiple wives, this proverb warns against the destructive influence of sexual immorality. It indirectly highlights the importance of faithfulness within marriage.
Proverbs 31:10-31
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. Her husband shall be safe in her: the heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will render him good, and not evil, all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her lamp goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, her hands reach forth to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchants. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. Her husband shall be safe in her: the heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will render him good, and not evil, all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her lamp goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, her hands reach forth to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchants. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Explanation: This famous passage describes the ideal wife and mother. It focuses on a singular husband-wife relationship, emphasizing mutual respect, diligence, and godliness. It presents a picture of a healthy, unified household.
Song of Solomon 4:7
Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.
Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.
Explanation: This beautiful poem celebrates the beauty and purity of a single beloved. It speaks to the ideal of exclusive love and admiration within a marital context.
Song of Solomon 6:9
My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines; and they praised her.
My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines; and they praised her.
Explanation: The Beloved is described as “but one,” “the only one,” and “the choice one.” This strongly suggests the ideal of monogamy and the unique preciousness of a single spouse.
Ecclesiastes 9:9
Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of thy vain life, which he hath given thee under the sun, all thy days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.
Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of thy vain life, which he hath given thee under the sun, all thy days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.
Explanation: This verse encourages joyful living with one’s wife, emphasizing the importance of that singular relationship as a gift from God. It highlights the value of a devoted partnership.
Malachi 2:14-15
Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. And did not he make one? that he might see the increase of God. Do ye then corrupt him, and make a mockery of the covenant of your youth?
Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. And did not he make one? that he might see the increase of God. Do ye then corrupt him, and make a mockery of the covenant of your youth?
Explanation: Malachi rebukes the Israelites for breaking their covenant vows with their wives.
The phrase "did not he make one?" points to God's original design for marriage as a union between one man and one woman, emphasizing unity and covenant faithfulness.
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.
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.
Explanation: Jesus, when asked about divorce, refers back to the creation account in Genesis.
He emphasizes God's original design for marriage as a monogamous union between one man and one woman, establishing a foundational principle for marital relationships.
The Consistent Principle: God's Heart for Marriage
As we've seen through these Bible verses about multiple wives, the Old Testament records its prevalence, particularly among prominent figures.
However, the overarching narrative and Jesus' teachings point towards God's ideal for marriage as a unique and exclusive union between one man and one woman.
The instances of polygamy often highlight human struggles, the consequences of straying from God's principles, and the complexities that arise.
The wisdom found in Scripture encourages us to look beyond mere historical accounts to understand the heart of God.
While the Bible doesn't explicitly condemn polygamy in every instance it records, it consistently elevates the value of faithfulness, exclusivity, and the covenantal bond between a husband and wife.
For believers today, these verses offer a framework for understanding the sanctity of marriage and the beauty of a committed, monogamous relationship as God intended.
These passages invite us to reflect on the enduring principles of love, commitment, and covenant.
They remind us that while human practices can vary, God's design for marriage remains a beacon of His love and intention for lasting companionship.
What are your thoughts on these Bible verses about multiple wives? Do any particular verses resonate with you or offer a new perspective? Share your experiences, favorite verses, or insights in the comments below.
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