Monogamy is a fundamental concept in the Bible, analyzed and stressed throughout various texts regardless of the Old or New Testament. It is characterized by a man and a woman’s solid commitment to each other in a lifelong partnership. This article discusses the emphasis the Bible places on monogamy and its spiritual implications.
What Does the Bible Say About Monogamy?
The teachings of the Bible strongly endorse monogamy as the norm for marriage relationships. This view is consistent across both the Old and New Testaments, underscored by the story of Adam and Eve, the first human couple. When God made Eve from Adam’s rib, he created a single woman, not several. This original marital relationship set the pattern for all future human relationships, implying a call to a committed, monogamous relationship.
Why Does the Bible Advocate for Monogamy?
The Bible’s emphasis on monogamy springs from various grounds. Foremost is its regard for marriage as a divine institution symbolizing the relationship between God and His people. As God is faithful to His people, so a husband and wife must be faithful to one another. Monogamy demonstrates this fidelity, reflecting God’s faithfulness and love in human relationships.
Where Are Themes of Monogamy Central in the Bible?
The bond and commitment of monogamy are fundamental to several biblical teachings. For instance, in the New Testament, Jesus Christ’s parables frequently depicted the kingdom of heaven as a wedding feast, signifying the great celebration of the unification of Christ (The Bridegroom) and the church (His Bride). The writer of Ephesians also viewed marriage as a symbol of the unique, unchangeable relationship between Christ and His people, demonstrating why monogamy is an integral part of Christian life and faith.
Who Are the Figureheads Promoting Monogamy in the Bible?
Jesus Christ, as the greatest proponent of love, peace, and unity, advocates for monogamy in the New Testament. Christ emphasized the singular nature of the marriage relationship, highlighting it as a lifelong commitment that should not be broken. In the Old Testament, despite several narratives describing polygamous relationships, the original plan of God as seen in Genesis was one of monogamy. Additionally, Paul the Apostle in his letters in the New Testament clarifies that church leaders should be the husband of one wife, underscoring that monogamy was the recommended practice in leading a Christ-centered life.
When Does the Bible Emphasize The Virtue of Fidelity in Monogamy?
The Bible underscores fidelity in a monogamous relationship at multiple junctures. In the Ten Commandments, one finds the foundation for marital fidelity, where it is stated not to covet another man’s wife. That law illustrates that God’s design for human sexuality is exclusive and monogamous. The New Testament, through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, also frequently discusses this virtue, pointing out that husbands and wives owe each other loyalty and fidelity, reinforcing the concept of monogamy.
How Does Monogamy Reflect The Nature of God in the Bible?
Monogamy, according to the Bible, mirrors God’s character and how He interacts with His people. Just as God commits to His people, He expects a husband and wife to commit to each other. The unchanging and faithful nature of God is mirrored in the steadfast and loyal relationship within a monogamous marriage. This distinct relational aspect of God’s nature and His expectation for His people elevates monogamy as not only an accepted societal practice but also as a spiritual model within biblical teaching.
Below is the full list of bible verses on monogamy (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Monogamy
1 Corinthians 7:2
“2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.”
Related Themes: Dating Adultery Marriage Lust Abstinence
Deuteronomy 17:17
“17 Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.”
Related Themes: Gold
Genesis 2:24
“24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
Related Themes: Marriage Dating Respecting Your Parents Fidelity Family
1 Timothy 3:2
“2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;”
Related Themes: Strangers Reputation Arguing Reputation Marriage
Hebrews 13:4
“4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
Genesis 2:18
“18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”
Related Themes: Dating Loneliness Marriage Dating Fidelity
Proverbs 18:22
“22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.”
1 Peter 4:8
“8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”
Related Themes: Love Criticism Dating Marriage Friendship
Mark 10:8
“8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.”
Related Themes: Marriage Engagement
Proverbs 12:4
“4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.”
Mark 10:9
“9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Related Themes: Marriage Love Engagement
Proverbs 31:10
“10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.”
Ecclesiastes 4:12
“12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
Related Themes: Dating Marriage Friendship Teamwork Love
Genesis 1:27-28
“27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”
Related Themes: Creativity Earth Identity Equality Self-Esteem
Mark 10:7
“7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;”
Matthew 19:9
“9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.”
1 Peter 3:7
“7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”
Related Themes: Dating Marriage Respecting Your Parents Benevolence Respect
Colossians 3:18-19
“18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.”
Ephesians 4:2-3
“2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Related Themes: Humility Patience Love Bitterness Attitude
Ephesians 5:33
“33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”
Related Themes: Dating Respecting Your Parents Marriage Love Adultery
Isaiah 54:5
“5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.”
Ephesians 5:25
“25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”
Ephesians 4:32
“32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Forgiveness Kindness Bitterness Reconciliation
Matthew 19:4-6
“4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Related Themes: Earth Marriage Abomination Fidelity Marriage
Leviticus 18:18
“18 Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time.”
Related Themes: Abomination
Genesis 2:22-24
“22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
Related Themes: Marriage
Jeremiah 29:11
“11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Related Themes: Hope New Beginnings Patience Frustration Life
Mark 10:6-9
“6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Related Themes: Earth Marriage Abomination Creativity Family
Ephesians 4:2
“2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;”
Related Themes: Humility Patience Love Bitterness Attitude
Colossians 3:14
“14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”
