The earliest recorded evidence of polygamy dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, specifically the Code of Hammurabi (1792-1750 BCE). This code allowed men to marry multiple women if they could support each wife equally.

In Ancient Egypt, polygamy was practiced among the ruling classes, with Pharaohs marrying siblings and relatives (endogamy) to preserve royal bloodlines. Examples include Pharaoh Tutankhamen marrying his half-sister Ankhesenamun, Ramses II marrying his daughters and sisters, and Ptolemy II marrying his full sister Arsinoe II.

Polygamy still exists in modern-day Africa, where polygyny (multiple wives) is more common than polyandry. Several ethnic groups, including the Maale of Ethiopia, the Nyarika of Kenya, and the Maasai of East Africa, practice polygyny to ensure family continuity and community well-being.

In Nigeria, the Igbo practiced polygyny as a symbol of wealth and status, whereas the Yoruba did so among the nobility. Polygamy was also practiced by the Zulus of South Africa and the Swazis of Swaziland, where the king frequently had multiple wives. Additionally, polygamy was practiced among the Hausa and Fulani people, particularly in Muslim and nomadic communities.

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Polygamy has also been practiced around the world for various reasons. Wealthy men in ancient China used strategic polygamy to build alliances and consolidate power, as seen with emperors and warlords like General Cao Cao. Some Native American tribes, like the Sioux and Cheyenne, used polygamy to unite clans and tribes.

In Pacific Island cultures like Hawaii and Tahiti, polygamy signified status, while in Mongolia and Tibet, it preserved family lines and wealth. India’s nobility and upper castes practiced polygamy as a symbol of wealth, as depicted in the Mahabharata. Islamic law in some Middle Eastern cultures allows up to four wives, emphasizing equal treatment and protection.

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon Church) practiced polygamy in the 19th century, but officially renounced it in 1890. While some Mormon splinter groups still practice polygamy, mainstream Christianity, including the Catholic Church, categorically condemns the practice.

The Bible doesn’t specifically forbid polygamy; in fact, a number of Old Testament characters, such as David, Jacob, and Abraham, engaged in polygamy. This begs the question: can polygamy be considered sinful if God permitted it in some of His prophets?

Why Polygamy is not a sin before God

The term “polygamy” may not appear in the Bible, but the practice is addressed. Exodus 21:9-11 and Deuteronomy 21:15-17 explain how polygamy was regulated in ancient Israel.

These passages show that polygamy was recognized and governed by Mosaic Law, implying that it was socially acceptable. Polygamy is only forbidden for certain people in the Bible, such as bishops and elders (1 Timothy 3:2), implying that it was not universally prohibited.

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Even before the flood, polygamy existed. Cain, Adam’s step-son, had multiple wives (Book of Jasher, Chapter 5). Cain’s descendant, Lamech, practiced polygamy with Adah and Zillah (Book of Jasher, Chapter 4; Book of Enoch, Chapter 85). Similarly, Cain’s descendants, Jabal, Jubal, and Tubal-Cain, had several wives.

After the flood, polygamy continued among Seth’s descendants. Noah had two wives, Naamah and Emzara (Book of Jasher, Chapter 5). Esau married Judith, Basemath, and Mahalath (Genesis 26:34, 28:9). Jacob also practiced polygamy, marrying Rachel and Leah, and taking Bilhah and Zilpah as concubines (Genesis 29-30).

Abraham took Hagar as a second wife with Sarah’s permission (Genesis 16:1-4) and later married Keturah, having six sons (Genesis 25:1-6). King David had multiple wives, including Michal, Abigail, Ahinoam, Maacah, Haggith, Abital, Eglah, and Bathsheba (1 Samuel 18:20-27, 2 Samuel 3:2-5). Gideon had 70 sons and multiple wives (Judges 8:30-31). Abijah, a righteous king of Judah, practiced polygamy (2 Chronicles 13:10-11, 21). King Joash, who did what was right, also had two wives (2 Chronicles 24:2-3).

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I understand that some may argue that polygamy only existed in the Old Testament and was abolished in the New Testament by quoting Christ’s words in Matthew 19:5 as condemning polygamy:

For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined inseparably to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh

(Matthew 19:5)

However, to understand Matthew 19:5, it is necessary to recognize Christ’s phrase ‘the two shall become one flesh‘ as a metaphor rather than a physical union. The Apostle Paul also used the same statement in 1 Corinthians 6:16, where he quoted:

Do you not know that the one who joins himself to a prostitute is one body with her? For He says, “The two shall be one flesh

(1 Corinthians 6:16)

Paul’s use of “one flesh” in 1 Corinthians 6:16 refers to any physical union, not just marriage. This clarifies that “one flesh” refers to intimate connections, not just marriage. This is why I always advise believers to first understand the original meaning and context of a Bible verse before jumping to conclusions.

My Take

Every Bible passage mentioned in this article implies that God did not regard polygamy as a sin. He instead allowed it to help man fulfill His mandate of procreation.

Ironically, while Christian institutions such as the Catholic Church and others oppose polygamy, they continue to accept homosexuality and lesbianism, even though the Bible condemns them as grave sin (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-27).

While I am not a polygamist and have no plans to become one, I believe that a man should marry multiple wives rather than engage in adultery or homosexuality. According to biblical teachings, if polygamy is legalized and all parties provide informed consent, it is not sinful in God’s eyes.

Finally, I understand that this article may not appeal to everyone. But please set aside your emotions and think for a moment. Did the ban on polygamy in most countries improve men’s character? Aren’t men still showing their polygamous nature by having multiple partners after they marry?