Is Polygamy Wrong?
Polygamy is the practice of having more than one spouse. It has existed for centuries. While some justify it as part of their culture or religion, its roots and consequences tell a much darker story. Polygamy was never God’s plan for marriage. It’s a practice that started in rebellion against God, and it brings harm to families and society. Let’s explore why polygamy is wrong, its origins, and the groups that continue to promote it today.
When Did Polygamy Begin?
The first polygamist in history was a man named Lamech. His story is mentioned in Genesis 4:19:
“Lamech married two women, one named Adah and the other Zillah.”
But Lamech wasn’t just known for having multiple wives. He was also a violent and arrogant man. He was a descendant of Cain, the man who murdered hs brother Abel. In Genesis 4:23-24, Lamech bragged to his wives about killing someone for merely wounding him:
“I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me. If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times.”
Here we see a man consumed by pride, vengeance, and a complete disregard for God’s authority. His choice to take multiple wives wasn’t a sign of righteousness or divine favor; it was another example of his rebellion against God. Polygamy, in this context, became a symbol of human corruption—a breaking of God’s sacred design for marriage as a monogamous union.
God’s Plan for Marriage
From the beginning, God made it clear that marriage was meant to be between one man and one woman. In Genesis 2:24, He said:
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
The phrase “one flesh” shows the deep unity and partnership God intended for marriage between a man and a woman, not a man and multiple women. When people practice polygamy, they break that unity, dishonour the God who instituted marriage and treat it as something less sacred.
The Problem of Polygamy
Lamech’s polygamy set a precedent, and humanity has been grappling with the consequences ever since. Throughout the Bible, polygamy is never endorsed or blessed by God. Instead, it is consistently shown to bring strife and suffering:
- Abraham’s Household: Sarah and Hagar’s rivalry led to bitterness and division that impacted generations (Genesis 16).
- Jacob’s Family: Leah and Rachel’s jealousy turned their marriage into a battleground, while their children’s infighting nearly destroyed the family (Genesis 29-37).
- Solomon’s Downfall: Despite his wisdom, Solomon’s many wives led him into idolatry and ultimately caused the kingdom of Israel to fracture (1 Kings 11).
Polygamy isn’t just a deviation from God’s plan; it’s a breeding ground for jealousy, betrayal, and heartbreak. Those who support it are either blind to these consequences or willfully ignoring them. Polygamy always leads to spiritual problems. It’s not a blessing—it’s a burden.
Who Practices Polygamy Today?
While polygamy might seem like a relic of the past, it is still actively promoted by certain cults and religions today. These groups often cloak their practices in religious justification, claiming divine approval for what is clearly a human perversion of God’s will.
Some cults use polygamy as a means of control, exploiting vulnerable individuals in the name of faith. Meanwhile, certain religious traditions treat women as commodities, diminishing their God-given value and dignity. These practices are not only immoral but also a direct insult to the sanctity of marriage.
By supporting polygamy, these groups align themselves with the legacy of Lamech—a legacy of pride, rebellion, and violence. They perpetuate the sin that God intended to eradicate and twist Scripture to suit their own agendas.
Polygamy isn’t just a thing of the past. These are some of the cults that still promote it.
- Islam: In Islam, men are allowed to have up to four wives. (Quran 4:3). This often results in unequal treatment and strained relationships. In the same chapter, Muslim men are allowed to beat their wives. (4:34). The sole prophet of Islam gave himself special permission to marry any number of women he fancied. He had no 4-women limit like other Muslim men. Of course he claimed that it was a divine decree “only for him.” How convenienly self-seving.
- The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS): This is a breakaway sect of Mormonism, a cult that practices polygamy, claiming it brings them closer to God. In reality, it has led to abuse, forced marriages, and the exploitation of women and children.
- African Traditional Religions: In some African cultures, polygamy is practiced to show wealth or to ensure many children. Yet, it frequently leads to jealousy and conflicts among wives and children.
- Some Fringe Cults: Certain cults in the U.S. and other countries justify polygamy by twisting Scripture. They claim it’s God’s will, but their practices are often rooted in control and abuse.
What Did Jesus Say About Marriage?
Jesus reaffirmed God’s original plan for marriage in Matthew 19:4-6:
“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 they are no longer two, but one flesh.”
Notice how Jesus clearly says, “The TWO shall become one flesh.” Jesus emphasized that marriage is meant for two people, not three or four or any other number. Anything else is wrong. Polygamy goes against divine design and creates division, not unity.
Why Polygamy Is Dangerous
Polygamy isn’t just a personal choice; it’s a practice that causes harm. People who promote polygamy often have selfish reasons.
- Power and Control: Some cult leaders use polygamy to dominate their followers and exploit women.
- Wealth and Status: In some cultures, having multiple wives is seen as a sign of success.
- Misinterpretation of Religion: Many claim that polygamy is approved by God, but they ignore the harm it causes.
- Destroys Families: It creates jealousy and competition among spouses and children.
- Exploits Women: In many cases, women are treated as property, not equals.
- Defies God: It breaks the sacred covenant of marriage as God intended.
Rejecting Polygamy and Its Advocates
Polygamy is rooted in rebellion against God and causes pain and division wherever it’s practiced. Those who support it—whether in cults, religions, or cultural traditions—are following in the footsteps of Lamech, a man defined by pride and sin. Indeed Muhammad and indeed, all Muslims, have chosen to follow Lamech as their role model.
As Christians, we must stand firm in honouring God’s plan for marriage by rejecting polygamy and its harmful legacy, honoring instead the sacred union of one man and one woman just as God designed.