Bible Dictionary
Polygamy
Polygamy is the practice of one man having multiple wives. Although it appears in Old Testament history, Scripture’s foundational marriage pattern is the union of one man and one woman, and the practice brought serious family and spiritual troubles.
Biblical Usage
Polygamy appears in the histories of Abraham, Jacob, David, and Solomon. The material portrays it as bringing family conflict, sorrow, moral trouble, and national consequences, while presenting the original marriage pattern as monogamous.