by Abe Sullivan

Created on: November 12, 2009

Polygyny in the Bible

Western law and custom is primarily influenced by Greco-Roman thought. Often westerners confuse Roman tradition with Christian tradition. This confusion is further aggravated with political declarations which describe our nation as being a Christian nations or a nation which adheres to Judeo Christian values. When laws are codified into the constitution of our governments many citizens mistakenly assume that legal or social parallels can be found in the canonical works of Judaism and Christianity, namely the Bible.

The issue of polygyny is often approached from this standpoint. Polygyny is the practice of a man having two or more wives. This is distinct from the practice of Polygamy which is not gender specific, and polyandry, in which women has two or more husbands.

Most Christians who are not avid readers of the Bible are aware of the instances of the practice of polygyny found amongst Prophet Moses, David, Abraham, Jacob and Solomon. However on further search the earliest references to the legislation of polygyny can be found in the Old Testament.

Exodus 21:10 If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.

Deuteronomy 21:15 If a man have two wives, one beloved, and another hated, and they have born him children, both the beloved and the hated; and if the firstborn son be hers that was hated:

Polygyny was not only sanctioned in the Bible but the man who refuses to participate under specific circumstances is taken to task by the religious authorities.

Deuteronomy 25 1-13 deals with the obligations a man has in the community. Should his brother die and leave his wife a widow he is commanded by the God to marry his former sister in law.

25:5 If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother unto her.

In the Old Testament polygyny in this case is not only permitted and recommended but should the man refuse to participate he is condemned in the strongest way.

It is interesting to note that the threat to comply with a polygynous marriage is not directed toward the woman but the man. If the widow is refused she is advised to subpoena her husband before a council of elders

25:7 And if the man like not to take his brother's wife, then let his brother's wife go up to

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