How many wifes can a man marry?
Asked by: Erick Kutch | Last update: May 20, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (39 votes)
A man can legally have only one wife at a time in the United States, as bigamy (marrying more than one person) is illegal, though some fundamentalist religious groups practice polygamy culturally, not legally, and Utah recently reduced penalties for cohabitation. Globally, in many Muslim-majority countries, men can have up to four wives under Islamic law, provided they can treat them equally, while other nations have varying laws or traditions, with some supporting polygamy and most Western nations only recognizing monogamous marriages.
How many marriages can a man have?
No state permits its citizens to enter into more than one concurrent, legally-licensed marriage. People who attempt to, or are able to, secure a second marriage license are generally prosecuted for bigamy. The terms "bigamy" and "polygamy" are sometimes confused or used interchangeably.
Which country allows multiple wives?
Polygamy (specifically polygyny, one man with multiple wives) is legal and practiced in many countries, primarily in the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia, often under Islamic or customary law, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Pakistan, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Malaysia, and Indonesia (with regional/religious exceptions). While often legal under religious/customary laws (like Sharia), civil law may restrict it or allow recognition of foreign polygamous marriages, creating complex situations in countries like India, Singapore, and some African nations where it's common but not fully civil-recognized.
Why did God allow Solomon to have many wives?
God didn't necessarily approve of Solomon's 700 wives and 300 concubines; rather, He allowed it as part of the unfolding narrative, demonstrating the consequences of Solomon's disobedience, which ultimately turned his heart away from God towards idolatry, violating His command against marrying foreign women who led him to false gods. The practice of polygamy existed in ancient cultures for political alliances and lineage, but Solomon's extensive marriages, especially to non-Israelites, directly contravened God's law and led to his downfall and the division of Israel.
Can a man marry two wives?
A Muslim can keep four wives at the same time but we will discuss in detail later in this article. Under Indian law, a person cannot marry or keep two wives at the same time. Such practice is illegal and liable to punishment.
In Islam how many Women can a Man Marry and why? - Dr Zakir Naik
What is the 2 2 2 2 rule in marriage?
The 2-2-2 rule in marriage is a relationship guideline suggesting couples schedule regular, dedicated time together to maintain connection and prevent drifting apart, specifically: a date night every two weeks, a weekend getaway every two months, and a week-long vacation every two years. It provides a framework for consistent connection, communication, and fun, helping couples prioritize their relationship amidst busy lives by breaking routine and creating shared memories, with variations like staycations or at-home fun often suggested.
What did Jesus say about marrying two wives?
Jesus said that “a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” Jesus spoke of one man and one woman marrying. He said that marriage is made up of one man and one woman. The two make one flesh. When a man has more than one wife he is sinning.
Did God allow polygamy?
Marriage is between two people: one man, and one woman. Polygamy—whether tolerated or condemned in previous generations—is not part of God's ultimate design.
Who has 1000 wives in the Bible?
Source: Dorotheum, via Wikimedia Commons. The hundreds of women said to have married King Solomon or reside in his harem described in the Book of Kings included the daughter of Pharaoh and women of Moabite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite origins.
How many wives did Moses have?
Moses had at least two wives, primarily Zipporah, the Midianite daughter of Jethro, with whom he had two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, and a second, unnamed Cushite (Ethiopian) woman, mentioned in Numbers 12, sparking controversy among his siblings. While some traditions mention an Ethiopian princess named Tharbis, the Bible itself only names Zipporah, leaving the identity and status of the second wife open to interpretation.
Where in the US is polygamy illegal?
The United States Supreme Court ruled that polygamy, or the practice of having more than one spouse at a time was illegal in 1878. Bigamy is a criminal offense in all 50 states in the United States. Bigamy laws by state will vary as to whether it is considered a felony or a misdemeanor.
How many wives can a Mormon have in Utah?
In Utah, a Mormon man can legally have only one wife, as the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) ended the practice of polygamy (plural marriage) in 1890, and it remains illegal under Utah state law. While some fundamentalist groups still practice it, the mainstream Church excommunicates members who do, though they still perform temple sealings for multiple partners in the afterlife.
Where is polygamy most common in the world?
Polygamy (taking the form of polygyny) is most common in a region known as the "polygamy belt" in West Africa and Central Africa, with the countries estimated to have the highest polygamy prevalence in the world being Burkina Faso, Mali, Gambia, Niger and Nigeria.
What is the 7 7 7 rule for marriage?
The 777 rule for marriage is a relationship guideline for consistent quality time: a date night every 7 days, a weekend getaway (or night away) every 7 weeks, and a romantic holiday (vacation) every 7 months, designed to keep couples connected, break routines, and foster emotional intimacy by intentionally scheduling fun and reconnection, not just fancy outings.
What is husband's second wife called?
A husband's second wife, in a polygamous marriage (specifically polygyny), is often called a co-wife or sister wife, terms that acknowledge she shares the same husband; the first wife typically holds a special status, while subsequent wives are sometimes called secondary wives or concubines, depending on cultural traditions, though these terms carry different connotations.
What is the 3 3 3 rule for marriage?
The "3 3 3 rule" in marriage typically refers to a couples' strategy for balance and connection: three hours of individual alone time, three hours of uninterrupted time together, and sometimes a variation involving three chances to try something new before giving up, all scheduled weekly to reduce resentment and improve intimacy by ensuring both personal space and quality time are met. It's about proactively creating dedicated time for self-care and shared experiences to strengthen the relationship, preventing burnout and fostering closeness.
Why did God allow David to have multiple wives?
God allowed polygamy then for the same reason that He allows fornication now. Although our sin has consequences, He doesn't prevent us from committing it. Even though David was "a man after God's own heart", he was still a sinner. Just like his son Solomon, who was the wisest man who ever lived but still went astray.
Did Solomon have a black wife?
Solomon had multiple wives, including an unnamed Egyptian Pharaoh's daughter, who is often considered African, and the beloved in the Song of Songs (the Shulammite), who describes herself as "black and beautiful" due to sun exposure from working in vineyards, suggesting a darker complexion. While the Pharaoh's daughter represents a political alliance with Africa, the Shulammite's description in the Song of Songs, often linked to her as a potential wife, highlights a non-pale, darker-skinned woman, leading to interpretations of her as Black, especially in later traditions.
Who was the richest man in the Bible?
According to the Hebrew Bible, the ancient Kingdom of Israel reached its greatest splendour and wealth during Solomon's 40-year reign. In a single year, according to 1 Kings 10:14, Solomon collected tribute amounting to 666 talents (18,125 kilograms) of gold.
Who was King David's favorite wife?
Bathsheba (/bæθˈʃiːbə, ˈbæθʃɪbə/; Hebrew: בַּת־שֶׁבַע Baṯ-šeḇaʿ, lit. 'Daughter of Sheba' or 'Daughter of the Oath') was an Israelite queen consort. According to the Hebrew Bible, she was the wife of Uriah the Hittite and later of David, with whom she had all of her five children.
Does God recognize a second marriage?
Yes, many faiths, including Christianity (Protestant/Evangelical), Judaism, and Hinduism, recognize and validate second marriages, viewing them as legitimate covenants, especially after a prior spouse's death or with biblical grounds like adultery, though interpretations vary on specific conditions and forgiveness, with God often seen as honoring present commitments, not condemning remarried individuals. While some traditions emphasize marriage permanence (e.g., Catholicism), most acknowledge God's grace for those in remarriage, treating them as fully part of the community.
What does Jesus say about multiple wives?
Jesus criticized polygamy as a warped version of the lifelong committed relationship of a one-plus-one marriage. Our society recognizes that this is a very special relationship, and we strive toward it, but in many cases, we fail.
Does the Bible say a man should have one wife?
Yes, the Bible points towards monogamy (one wife) as God's ideal, established in Genesis with one man and one woman becoming "one flesh," a principle Jesus reaffirmed, though Old Testament figures practiced polygamy with negative consequences, and the New Testament emphasizes a husband being the "husband of one wife," advocating for fidelity to one spouse.
Did Jesus say divorce and remarriage is adultery?
In the first, Matthew quotes Jesus as saying: “It was also said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, except on the grounds of porneia (sexual immorality), makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” (Matthew 5:31-32).
When you marry a second wife in the Bible?
Exodus 21:10-11 King James Version (KJV)
If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish. And if he do not these three unto her, then shall she go out free without money.