You're referring to the biblical teaching on marriage and divorce. The relevant Bible verse is:
"Whosoever separateth himself, seeketh his own desire; he breaketh out his ways unto God, and dieth in his own sin. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Be not deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortionists shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Corinthians 6:16-11 KJV)
However, I think you're actually referring to this Bible verse:
"Whosoever marrieth her that is divorced from her husband doth commit adultery." (Matthew 5:32 KJV)
This verse is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and emphasizes the importance of commitment in marriage. The verse teaches that remarriage after a divorce, except for cases of adultery or abandonment, constitutes adultery.
Another relevant Bible verse is:
"Then Pharisees came to him, testing him. They asked, 'Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause?' And he answered them, 'What did Moses command you?'" (Matthew 19:3-4 KJV)
Jesus then went on to quote from Genesis 2:24 and emphasized that marriage is a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman.
Finally, here's another Bible verse that reinforces the idea of monogamy in marriage:
"For I do not permit myself to be preached to like those who are already condemned. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? As it is written, 'The one who is without sin, let him throw the first stone'?" (Romans 14:4-6 KJV)
In this passage, Paul emphasizes that we should focus on our own spiritual lives rather than judging others. This applies to marriage as well - instead of looking at what others are doing, we should focus on our own commitment and loyalty to our spouse.
In the Bible, there are multiple instances where polygamy (marrying more than one person at the same time) is described or condoned. Here's what you need to know:
1. **Genesis 4:19-24**: The text describes Lamech, a descendant of Cain, as having two wives: Adah and Zillah. There's no moral judgment made about his polygamous relationship.
2. **Genesis 16:3; 21:9; 25:6**: Abraham is described as having multiple wives: Sarah, Hagar (who was given to him by Pharaoh), and Keturah (after Sarah's death). The Bible portrays these relationships without moral condemnation.
3. **Deuteronomy 17:17**: When Moses gives instructions for the future king of Israel, he says that this king should not have many wives, implying that having multiple wives was not uncommon in ancient Israel.
4. **1 Kings 11:3; 16:31**: King Solomon is said to have had numerous wives and concubines, which were considered a sign of wealth and power at the time.
However, it's important to note that while polygamy is described or condoned in these instances, there are also passages that suggest that monogamy (one man, one woman) is ideal:
1. **Ephesians 5:25-33**: Paul uses the analogy of Christ and the church to describe the husband-wife relationship, emphasizing their unity and intimacy.
2. **Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-9**: Jesus quotes Genesis 2:24, which emphasizes the oneness and unity of a man and his wife.
In these passages, polygamy is not directly condemned, but monogamy is emphasized as a desirable model for Christian marriage. The Bible's stance on polygamy is complex and nuanced:
* While it acknowledges that polygamy was practiced in biblical times, the idealized relationship between a husband and wife is portrayed as one of unity, intimacy, and exclusivity.
* Some scholars believe that the emphasis on monogamy in later Christian tradition may have been influenced by cultural and societal changes rather than explicit biblical teaching.
In summary, while polygamy is described or condoned in certain passages, the Bible's overall emphasis on marriage is on the unity and exclusivity of a husband and wife.
A great topic!
The concept of "one wife, one husband" is often associated with biblical teachings on marriage and sexuality. While it's true that the Bible does teach monogamy as the ideal form of marriage, let's examine the biblical texts that support this idea:
1. **Genesis 2:24**: This passage says, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." While it doesn't explicitly state "one wife," this verse sets the stage for a lifelong commitment between two people.
2. **Matthew 19:4-6**: Jesus refers back to Genesis 2:24 and emphasizes that marriage is between one man and one woman, stating, "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 hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.'"
3. **Ephesians 5:31**: This passage says, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." Like Genesis 2:24, it emphasizes unity between husband and wife.
Now, let's address some possible counterarguments:
* **Polygamy in the Old Testament**: Some might argue that since polygamy (multiple wives) was practiced in the Old Testament (e.g., Jacob, David), it's okay to have multiple spouses. However:
+ Polygamy was often a product of war, conquest, or economic necessity.
+ The biblical authors didn't seem to idealize polygamy; rather, they highlighted its challenges and consequences (e.g., the conflicts between co-wives in Genesis 30:1-24).
+ Jesus and the New Testament writers emphasized monogamy as a higher ideal.
* **The exception of David**: Some argue that since King David had multiple wives, polygamy must be acceptable. However:
+ David's case was unique, given his position as king and the cultural context of ancient Israel.
+ The biblical authors didn't present David's polygamy as an ideal or a model for followers.
In conclusion, while the Bible does allow for polygamy in certain contexts (Old Testament), it also emphasizes monogamy as the ideal form of marriage. Jesus' teachings and the New Testament writers' emphasis on unity between husband and wife further solidify this point. The biblical authors likely saw polygamy as a cultural or historical compromise, rather than an ideal model for followers.
So, to answer your question: Yes, the Bible teaches "one wife, one husband" as the ideal form of marriage, with monogamy being the preferred arrangement.
A great topic!
The practice of marrying multiple wives, also known as polygamy or polygyny, is addressed in the Bible. Here's a breakdown:
**Old Testament:**
In the Old Testament, polygamy was not only allowed but was also practiced by many patriarchs and leaders. For example:
* Abraham had two wives, Sarah ( Genesis 11:29-30) and Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2).
* Jacob had two wives, Leah and Rachel (Genesis 29:15-30).
* David, King of Israel, had multiple wives, including Michal (1 Samuel 18:27), Abigail (1 Samuel 25:3), Ahinoam (1 Samuel 25:43), and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 5:13).
* Solomon, King of Israel, had many wives, including Pharaoh's daughter (1 Kings 3:1) and women from the nations he conquered (1 Kings 11:1-8).
The Bible does not condemn polygamy outright. In fact, God seems to accept it as a common practice among His people.
**New Testament:**
However, with the coming of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the New Covenant, the situation changes. While polygamy is still not explicitly condemned in the New Testament, there are some hints that suggest a shift towards monogamy:
* Paul's instructions to Christians emphasize the importance of mutual respect and submission within marriage (Ephesians 5:21-33; Colossians 3:18-19). This emphasis on unity and harmony may imply a move away from polygamy.
* Jesus' teaching on divorce and remarriage also implies a focus on monogamy. While He allows for divorce in certain circumstances (Matthew 5:31-32; Matthew 19:9), His teachings emphasize the importance of honoring one's spouse and not marrying multiple times.
**The New Testament's perspective on polygamy:**
In summary, while polygamy is still allowed in the Old Testament, the New Testament seems to lean towards monogamy. The emphasis on unity, mutual respect, and harmony within marriage may suggest a preference for one wife per husband. Additionally, Jesus' teachings on divorce and remarriage hint at a move away from polygamy.
**Polygamy today:**
In modern times, polygamy is often practiced in certain cultural or religious contexts, such as among some fundamentalist Mormon groups. However, it remains illegal in many countries, including the United States (except for the Utah-based Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has been recognized by the courts).
It's essential to note that while polygamy was practiced in the Old Testament and allowed by God, it is not explicitly condoned in the New Testament. Christians are encouraged to follow the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, which emphasize unity, respect, and harmony within marriage.
How do you think this topic relates to your understanding of marriage and relationships?
You're referring to the biblical passage where Jesus teaches on marriage and divorce. Here's what you asked about:
**Matthew 19:4-6**
Jesus was asked by some Pharisees, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause?" And he answered, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate."
**Mark 10:2-9**
Jesus was asked by some Pharisees, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" And he answered, "What did Moses command you? 'Man shall give to his neighbor the papers of divorce and shall divorce her.' But from the beginning it has not been so. For God made them male and female, and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate."
In these passages, Jesus teaches that marriage is a union between one man and one woman, created by God Himself (Genesis 2:24). He also affirms the importance of fidelity in marriage, stating that what God has joined together should not be separated by humans.
Now, some key points to note:
1. **Jesus' understanding of marriage**: Jesus emphasizes that marriage is a union between two people, one man and one woman, created by God. This is consistent with the biblical account of creation (Genesis 2:24).
2. **Divorce**: While Jesus doesn't explicitly condemn divorce in these passages, He does emphasize the importance of preserving the unity of the marriage bond. In Matthew 19:8-9, He allows for divorce due to adultery (a specific circumstance where a spouse is unfaithful), but stresses that this should only happen with a certificate of divorce.
3. **No exceptions**: Jesus' teaching does not provide room for multiple marriages or polygamy (the practice of having more than one wife or husband). His emphasis on the unity and oneness of the couple in marriage suggests that such arrangements would contradict God's original intention.
In summary, Jesus taught that marriage is a union between one man and one woman, created by God, and that what God has joined together should not be separated by humans. While He allows for divorce due to adultery, His teaching emphasizes the importance of preserving the unity of the marriage bond.
You're referring to a specific type of marriage!
In many cultures and societies, the union between one man and one woman is commonly referred to as "monogamous" marriage. This term emphasizes that each partner has only one spouse during their lifetime.
More specifically, this type of marriage is also known as:
1. **Monogamy**: The practice or custom of marrying one person at a time.
2. **Heterosexual marriage**: A marriage between two people of different gender (man and woman).
3. **Endogamy**: Marriage within one's own social group, family, or culture.
In some contexts, this type of marriage is also referred to as "traditional" or "conventional" marriage, emphasizing its widespread acceptance and long history in many cultures.
Of course, it's essential to recognize that different societies and individuals may have varying perspectives on what constitutes a valid and fulfilling marriage.
The phrase "husband of one wife" is a translation of the Greek phrase μιᾶς γυναικός ἀνὴρ (miaēs gynaikos aner) in 1 Timothy 5:9 and Titus 1:6.
In these passages, Paul is giving instructions for qualifications to be considered a suitable elder or overseer in the early Christian church. One of the requirements is that they must be "the husband of one wife" (miâs gynaikos aner).
The Greek phrase miâs gynaikos aner is often translated as "husband of one wife," but it's important to note that this translation can be misleading if taken literally. In ancient Greek culture, polygamy was not uncommon, especially among the wealthy and powerful.
A more accurate translation would be "one-woman man" or "faithful husband." The phrase is emphasizing that an elder must be faithful to his one wife and not have multiple wives or engage in adultery.
In this context, the phrase is likely referring to the idea that an elder should be a model of faithfulness and monogamy for the Christian community. It's not necessarily saying that polygamy is wrong, but rather that an elder should demonstrate a commitment to their one wife and not engage in behaviors that would undermine the integrity of their marriage.
It's worth noting that this phrase has been the subject of much debate throughout church history, with some interpreters arguing that it prohibits any kind of remarriage after divorce or the death of a spouse. However, many modern interpreters understand this passage as emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and commitment in marriage, rather than prohibiting all forms of remarriage.
You're likely thinking of Jacob, who married both Leah and Rachel, two sisters, in Genesis 29:1-30. This is often referred to as a unique arrangement in the biblical record.
According to Genesis 29:1-14, Jacob fell in love with Rachel, but Laban, her father, tricked him into marrying Leah instead. Leah was Rachel's older sister, and it was customary for a man to marry both sisters if he wanted to marry only one of them (Gen. 29:15). So, when Jacob realized he had married the wrong sister, he agreed to work seven years to earn the right to marry Rachel as well.
This arrangement is not necessarily polygamy, as both wives were sisters and part of a traditional Middle Eastern practice called "levirate marriage." This meant that if one brother died without children, his widow would marry his surviving brother to continue the family line. In Jacob's case, he was essentially marrying two sisters to fulfill this cultural tradition.
It's important to note that polygamy was practiced in biblical times and is mentioned in various passages (e.g., Gen. 4:19; 16:3; 25:6; 30:9-13; Ex. 21:10). However, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of monogamous relationships and warns against the problems that can arise from polygamy (e.g., 1 Cor. 7:2; Eph. 5:31).
In Jacob's case, his marriage to both Leah and Rachel was not necessarily a polygamous arrangement in the classical sense, but rather an extension of traditional cultural practices and family obligations.