How many wives does the Bible say you can have?
Asked by: Dr. Abbey Tremblay II | Last update: February 18, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (5 votes)
The Bible doesn't give a single number for all people but shows God's ideal is one wife for one man, as seen in Genesis and Jesus' teachings (Matthew 19:4-6). While Old Testament figures had multiple wives (polygamy), and laws addressed managing them (Exodus 21:10, Deuteronomy 21:15-17), the New Testament emphasizes monogamy, requiring church leaders to be "husband of one wife" (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:6) and promoting the one-flesh union.
Does the Bible allow multiple wives?
The Old Testament allows polygamy but doesn't encourage it. Great men such as Abraham, Israel, Judah, Gideon, Samson, David, and Solomon had multiple wives, though the Old Testament records many problems that resulted.
Does the Bible say we should only have one wife?
Yes, the Bible establishes the principle of a man having one wife, even though polygamy existed in the Old Testament, with Jesus referencing Genesis's "one flesh" concept (Matthew 19:4-6) and the New Testament emphasizing monogamy for leaders (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:6) and promoting "one man, one wife" for all as the ideal, reflecting Christ and the Church.
What does God say about second wives?
The Bible presents a complex view on "second wives," showing both instances of polygamy (like Abraham and King David) and later teachings, especially from Jesus and Paul, emphasizing a one-man, one-woman model as God's ideal, with remarriage after divorce often viewed as adultery unless for sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9). While the Old Testament regulated polygamy (Exodus 21:10), New Testament leaders like bishops were limited to one wife (1 Timothy 3:2), shifting the expectation towards monogamy as the standard for godly marriage.
Is marrying two wives a sin before God?
Though the Bible does not specifically forbid having multiple wives or husbands, it is not God's original plan. The Lord's expectation for marriage is that it be held as a sacred covenant between one man and one woman.
Pastor Chris Answers - Should I keep my 2 wives after being saved?
Does God accept second marriages?
Yes, many religious traditions, especially Christianity, teach that God recognizes and validates second marriages, viewing them as legitimate covenants, particularly after the death of a spouse or in cases of divorce for specific biblical grounds like adultery or desertion, with the emphasis on honoring the new commitment. While the Bible upholds the ideal of lifelong marriage, it also acknowledges the reality of broken covenants and offers grace for remarriage, treating new unions with the same spiritual significance as first marriages when entered into honorably.
What are the forbidden marriages in the Bible?
The Bible forbids marriages between close relatives (incest) like parent-child, siblings, aunt-niece, and uncle-nephew, detailed in Leviticus 18. It also prohibits interfaith marriages, particularly for Israelites with certain foreign groups (Ammonites, Moabites) and generally with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14), and strongly condemns sexual relations with in-laws like a father's wife or daughter-in-law (Leviticus 18, Mark 6).
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.
Does the Bible say a man must have one wife?
Yes, the Bible establishes the principle of a man having one wife, even though polygamy existed in the Old Testament, with Jesus referencing Genesis's "one flesh" concept (Matthew 19:4-6) and the New Testament emphasizing monogamy for leaders (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:6) and promoting "one man, one wife" for all as the ideal, reflecting Christ and the Church.
What did Jesus say on polygamy?
Jesus didn't directly address polygamy but taught that God's original intent for marriage, established at creation, was between one man and one woman becoming "one flesh," a standard he upheld when questioned about divorce, implying that additional partners constitute adultery and deviate from God's ideal of lifelong monogamy. He pointed back to Genesis 2:24, emphasizing permanence and unity (one-plus-one), contrasting it with the complex marital arrangements (like polygamy) permitted under Moses but not God's original design.
Who had 14 wives in the Bible?
Abijah married fourteen wives, and had 22 sons and 16 daughters. No attempted harmonization has found acceptance with scholars.
Does the Bible support monogamy or polygamy?
' Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:22-24). As these verses show very clearly, monogamy was inherent to God's plan for humanity from the moment of creation.
Is the Bible ok with multiple wives?
Polygamy has been practiced by many cultures throughout history. Although the Old Testament describes numerous examples of polygyny (one male, one wife with multiple concubines) among devotees to God, most Christian groups have historically rejected the practice of polygamy and have upheld monogamy alone as normative.
Is it God's will for a man to have more than one wife?
Conclusion Though polygamy occurred in the Old Testament, it was never God's original design and often led to conflict and suffering. From the beginning, God intended marriage to be between one man and one woman, as affirmed by Genesis 2:24, Jesus' teaching in Matthew 19, and Paul's instructions in the New Testament.
Is it a sin to not get married?
Having said that, there is no compulsion to be married - singleness is just as honorable as marriage. 1 Cor 7:8-10 - Now to the unmarried and widows I say this: It is good for them to remain unmarried, as I am. But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry.
Who had 500 wives in the Bible?
Solomon, third king of Israel (reigned c. 968–928 B.C.E.), is said to have had a harem that included 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kgs 11:3).
Is polygamy a sin in the Old Testament?
A careful exploration of the relevant passages shows that Old Testament law doesn't provide any evidence of God endorsing polygamy and actually legislates against it. This supports the view that monogamy is presented as God's plan for marriage.
What does the Bible say about second wives?
The Bible presents a complex view on "second wives," showing both instances of polygamy (like Abraham and King David) and later teachings, especially from Jesus and Paul, emphasizing a one-man, one-woman model as God's ideal, with remarriage after divorce often viewed as adultery unless for sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9). While the Old Testament regulated polygamy (Exodus 21:10), New Testament leaders like bishops were limited to one wife (1 Timothy 3:2), shifting the expectation towards monogamy as the standard for godly marriage.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for marriage?
The "3 3 3 rule" in marriage typically refers to a couple dedicating 3 hours of uninterrupted alone time for each partner weekly, plus 3 hours of focused couple time weekly, aiming to reduce resentment, increase connection, and ensure both personal space and shared intimacy, often broken into smaller segments for flexibility. It's a tactic to create balance and intentional connection, combating the disconnect that often happens with busy lives and children, allowing partners to recharge individually while also nurturing the relationship.
What constitutes a marriage in God's eyes?
In the eyes of God, marriage is generally seen as a sacred, lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, established through public commitment, exclusivity, and becoming "one flesh," often mirroring Christ and the Church, though specifics vary by faith, with many emphasizing vows, commitment, and community recognition over just legal paperwork. Key elements include a lasting bond, mutual love, sacrificial living, and public declaration, rooted in scripture like Genesis 2.
Is it a sin to marry a divorced woman according to the Bible?
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).
Will God forgive a remarriage?
... but nowhere in Scripture do we read explicitly that God hates remarriage. And this is really important: The Bible does not command one who has committed adultery to once again divorce. Deuteronomy 24:1-4 does not describe the remarriage as invalid.
What happens if you marry twice without divorce?
Bigamy Laws - Jail Time and Fines
It can be classified as either a felony or misdemeanor, but both carry severe penalties such as imprisonment for up to 5 years and criminal fines. If accused of bigamy, evidence will be sought that shows you were legally married when entering into another marriage.
What are the three biblical reasons for divorce?
The Bible provides adultery (sexual immorality), abandonment by an unbeliever, and often abuse (physical/emotional) as the primary grounds for divorce, though interpretations vary, with some focusing heavily on sexual sin (Matthew 5:32, 19:9) and Paul's allowance for believers left by unbelievers (1 Corinthians 7:15). While divorce is a last resort, these exceptions acknowledge severe breaches of the marriage covenant, though God emphasizes forgiveness and restoration first, as Malachi 2:16 states, "I hate divorce".
Did God ever command polygamy?
Scripture records this historical fact without condemnation. Abraham, David, Solomon, Jacob—they are polygamous, and God and his prophets don't speak out against their marital habits. And not only are they silent, but at one point, Moses appears to command polygamy in the practice of Levirate marriage.