“Let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.” – 1 Corinthians 7:2
God’s Design for Marriage
As we reflect on the Bible’s teachings about marriage, we can see that God’s design is for one man and one woman to come together as husband and wife. This sacred union is described in Genesis, where God created Adam and Eve, highlighting the beauty of their partnership. Within this context, we recognize that having multiple wives was never the original intent behind marriage.
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 19:4-6
“And He answered and said to them, ‘Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female, 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”? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.'” – Matthew 19:4-6
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
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 5:18
“Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth.” – Proverbs 5:18
Consequences of Multiple Marriages
Having multiple wives can lead to various challenges and complications in relationships. The Bible illustrates stories of polygamous families, showcasing conflicts, jealousy, and strife that often arose. As believers, we learn that God’s blessing follows His commands, and straying from His design can lead to emotional and relational difficulties.
Genesis 30:1-2
“Now when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister, and said to Jacob, ‘Give me children, or else I die!’ And Jacob’s anger was aroused against Rachel, and he said, ‘Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?'” – Genesis 30:1-2
1 Samuel 1:6-7
“And her rival also provoked her severely, to make her miserable, because the Lord had closed her womb.” – 1 Samuel 1:6-7
2 Samuel 13:13
“And I, where could I take my shame? And as for you, you would be like one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you.” – 2 Samuel 13:13
1 Kings 11:3
“And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart.” – 1 Kings 11:3
Proverbs 21:9
“Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop than in a house shared with a contentious woman.” – Proverbs 21:9
Unity in Marriage
In marriage, unity is paramount. God’s vision for a husband and wife is one that cherishes and encourages partnership, love, and respect. The call to become “one flesh” emphasizes the bond that should exist, which can be compromised in polygamous arrangements. As we explore unity in God’s design, we can strive to cultivate a strong relationship based on His principles.
1 Peter 3:7
“Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.” – 1 Peter 3:7
Philippians 2:2
“Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” – Philippians 2:2
Colossians 3:14
“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” – Colossians 3:14
Matthew 5:32
“But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.” – Matthew 5:32
Ecclesiastes 4:9
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9
Faithfulness in Marriage
Faithfulness is a key principle in the biblical understanding of marriage. God calls us to be true and devoted to our spouse, reflecting His unwavering love for His people. Jealousy and heartache can arise in situations where faithfulness is compromised, which can be exacerbated in relationships built on multiple marriages. Our commitment to one another is a reflection of our faithfulness towards God.
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” – Hebrews 13:4
Malachi 2:15
“But did He not make them one, having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth.” – Malachi 2:15
Proverbs 2:17
“Who forsakes the companion of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her God.” – Proverbs 2:17
1 Timothy 3:2
“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach.” – 1 Timothy 3:2
Proverbs 12:4
“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.” – Proverbs 12:4
Grace in Relationships
As we seek to live according to God’s word, it’s essential to extend grace and understanding in our relationships. Life is filled with challenges, and even those who have strayed may find redemption and healing through God’s grace. We must include kindness and compassion towards each other as we work through the complexities of our earthly relationships.
Colossians 3:13
“Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” – Colossians 3:13
Romans 15:7
“Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.” – Romans 15:7
James 1:19
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” – James 1:19
Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
1 John 4:19
“We love Him because He first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
Seeking God’s Will in Marriage
In all areas of our lives, including marriage, we desire to seek God’s will. We understand that God’s intention is for us to reflect His character in our relationships. By focusing on Him and His plan, we choose to honor our commitment to our spouse. Seeking His wisdom helps guide us in aligning our relationships with His teachings.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” – James 1:5
Matthew 7:7
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
1 Thessalonians 4:3
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:3
Ephesians 5:33
“Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” – Ephesians 5:33
Final Thoughts
As we explore the teachings of the Bible about having multiple wives, we gain insights into God’s original design for marriage. Our reflection shows that the divine plan encourages unity, faithfulness, and grace between one husband and one wife. While the scriptures highlight examples of polygamous relationships, we also see the challenges and consequences that often arose from them.
Embracing God’s will for our marriages enables us to foster loving and meaningful connections with our spouses. Seeking wisdom and understanding helps to guide us through the intricacies of our relationships. It’s essential to remain committed, faithful, and gracious towards one another as we grow together.
We are reminded that our purpose is to mirror God’s love in our lives and relationships. Let us explore more about God’s principles of relationships by checking out Bible verses about fornication and Bible verses about adultery.