Christian Cyclopedia

(from Gk.; “multiple marriage”). Forms of polygamy include polygyny (marriage of 2 or more women to the same man at the same time) and polyandry (marriage of 2 or more men to the same woman at the same time). The fact that polygamy was (e.g., in the OT) and is practiced does not justify it. Scripture does not present it as God's intent, or as God-pleasing, or as an example to follow. God made 1 man and 1 woman to live together in wedlock. That pattern is underscored by the singular “a man” and “his wife” (Gn 2:24) and by the reference to “the beginning” (cf. Mt 19:4–9). Man (Lamech, Gn 4:19) departed from God's pattern. Cf. Mk 10:2–12 (v. 8 “they twain”); Eph 5:22–33 (v. 31 “they two”); 1 Th 4:4; 1 Ti 3:2, 12; 5:9; 1 Ptr 3:1–7.