“But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female.” – Mark 10:6
Bible Verses About Multiple Wives
God’s Design for Marriage
When we think about marriage, we are reminded that God’s design is for one man to unite with one woman. The Bible clearly outlines this divine plan, illustrating the special bond and responsibilities that come with the marriage relationship. It is a commitment built on love, trust, and mutual respect, reflecting the relationship between Christ and His Church. As we reflect on God’s purpose for marriage, we recognize how multiple wives can stray from that original intention, complicating relationships and responsibilities.
Genesis 2:24
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” – Genesis 2:24
Matthew 19:5
“And said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?” – Matthew 19:5
1 Corinthians 7:2
“But because of immoralities, each man is to have his own wife, and each woman is to have her own husband.” – 1 Corinthians 7:2
Ephesians 5:31
“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” – Ephesians 5:31
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” – Proverbs 18:22
The Consequences of Multiple Wives
As we delve deeper into the topic of multiple wives, we see that the Bible does not shy away from addressing the consequences that arise from such arrangements. While some instances in the scriptures reference men having multiple wives, we often find turmoil and strife following those choices. It reminds us that God’s plan for marriage aims for unity and harmony, and straying from that can lead to complicated relationships and emotional pain. We can learn valuable lessons from the stories of those who veered from God’s design.
1 Timothy 3:2
“An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.” – 1 Timothy 3:2
Titus 1:6
“If any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.” – Titus 1:6
Deuteronomy 17:17
“Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly multiply silver and gold for himself.” – Deuteronomy 17:17
2 Samuel 5:13
“And David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, after he had come from Hebron; and more sons and daughters were born to David.” – 2 Samuel 5:13
Malachi 2:15
“But did He not make them one, having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring.” – Malachi 2:15
The Biblical Examples
Throughout scripture, we encounter various characters who had multiple wives, each serving as a lesson on the challenges this can bring. For instance, figures like Abraham, Jacob, and Solomon had multiple wives, and their stories reveal the heartache and division that often resulted from those choices. By studying their lives, we can see the repercussions they faced and learn from their decisions. We must view these examples not just as historical accounts but as cautionary tales that guide us in our understanding of God’s design for marriage.
Genesis 16:3
“So after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Abram’s wife Sarai took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, and gave her to Abram as his wife.” – Genesis 16:3
Genesis 29:30
“So Jacob went in to Rachel also, and indeed he loved Rachel more than Leah, and he served Laban for another seven years.” – Genesis 29:30
1 Kings 11:3
“He had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned his heart away.” – 1 Kings 11:3
Genesis 25:6
“But to the sons of his concubines, Abraham gave gifts while he was still living, and sent them away from his son Isaac, eastward, to the land of the east.” – Genesis 25:6
2 Chronicles 11:21
“Rehoboam loved Maacah the daughter of Absalom more than all his wives and concubines, for he took eighteen wives and sixty concubines and fathered twenty-eight sons and sixty daughters.” – 2 Chronicles 11:21
Lessons on Faithfulness
In viewing marriage through the lens of faithfulness, we understand that God’s intention is for us to be committed to one partner. The scriptures encourage us to strive for loyalty in our relationships. When we reflect on the heart of God, we see His longing for fidelity, both in our relationships with one another and in our relationship with Him. Staying true to our vows leads to deeper connections and a life filled with mutual love and respect. Faithfulness is not just a command; it is a beautiful gift to ourselves and our spouses.
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” – Hebrews 13:4
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
Matthew 5:27-28
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” – Matthew 5:27-28
Colossians 3:18
“Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” – Colossians 3:18
Ephesians 5:22-24
“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.” – Ephesians 5:22-24
Marriage as a Covenant
Marriage is not just a contract; it’s a covenant. A covenant reflects a solemn promise, one that God has established. Through marriage, we make a commitment not just to our spouse but to God as well. When we acknowledge this covenant, we recognize that it requires our dedication, respect, and the willingness to grow together. Multiple wives may blur this sanctity of the covenant, as it dilutes the bond that is established between two individuals. Let’s cherish the beauty of marriage as a sacred covenant that deserves our utmost commitment.
Malachi 2:14
“Yet you say, ‘For what reason?’ Because the Lord has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously; yet she is your companion and your wife by covenant.” – Malachi 2:14
Proverbs 2:17
“Who forsakes the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God.” – Proverbs 2:17
Romans 7:2
“For the married woman is bound by law to her husband while he is living; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law concerning her husband.” – Romans 7:2
Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” – Matthew 19:6
1 Timothy 5:14
“Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach.” – 1 Timothy 5:14
God’s Grace and Redemption
Even amidst our mistakes, we serve a God who offers grace and redemption. No matter the choices we’ve made regarding relationships, we can find forgiveness and a fresh start through Christ. Multiple wives may have been a practice in Biblical times, but it’s never too late to seek God’s guidance and align our lives with His perfect will. God’s grace covers all aspects of our lives, allowing us to grow and transform into the people He desires us to be. Let’s walk forward in faith and embrace the hope that comes from His redeeming love.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
Romans 8:1
“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1
Isaiah 43:25
“I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” – Isaiah 43:25
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the topic of multiple wives, we can see how God intended marriage to be a sacred union between one man and one woman. It’s a relationship that embodies love, commitment, and mutual respect. The stories from the Bible reveal the struggles that can arise when this divine design is overlooked. We should strive to embrace faithfulness, understanding our marriages as covenants. Even if we have made mistakes, God’s grace offers us redemption and a path to healing. Let us seek to honor God in our relationships and recognize the beauty He created in the bond between husband and wife.
It is essential to explore what God’s Word says about relationships. If you want to learn more about wives in the light of scripture, check out these Bible verses about wives. For a deeper understanding of marital fidelity, consider reading Bible verses about adultery.