In the tradition of Netzarim Judaism, we seek to restore and honor the authentic teachings and practices of the Hebrew Bible, free from later Talmudic innovations and cultural distortions. One such practice, often misunderstood or outright rejected in modern Judaism, is that of polygyny—a man having more than one wife. Within Netzarim Judaism, we recognize that there are no restrictions in Torah against polygyny, and we affirm the freedom of conscience for each Jew to form families that reflect both biblical precedent and personal calling.
Polygamy in the Hebrew Bible
Polygyny is not only present but often normative in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible). Many of the most revered figures of our faith had multiple wives or concubines:
- Abraham, our patriarch, had Sarah and Hagar (Genesis 16).
- Jacob, later named Israel, had four wives: Leah, Rachel, Bilhah, and Zilpah (Genesis 29–30).
- Moses, the great lawgiver, is described as having at least two wives (Exodus 2:21; Numbers 12:1).
- David, Israel’s beloved king, had many wives and concubines (2 Samuel 5:13).
- Solomon, famously, had hundreds (1 Kings 11:3), though his excesses were a warning against abuse rather than an indictment of the practice itself.
Nowhere in Torah is polygyny prohibited. In fact, Deuteronomy 21:15–17 provides legal protections for the children of polygynous marriages, indicating that such unions were both expected and subject to just regulation.
Rabbinic Rejection and Cultural Shift
The shift away from polygyny in mainstream Judaism is largely due to Talmudic and post-Talmudic innovations, particularly under the influence of surrounding Christian and Muslim cultures. The ban on polygyny issued by Rabbeinu Gershom around the 10th century CE was not based on Torah but on sociocultural pressures. This edict was never universal and remains a rabbinic prohibition, not a biblical one.
Netzarim Judaism, like our Karaite predecessors, does not accept the oral law as binding. We uphold the primacy of Torah and affirm that the mitzvot therein are the only authoritative source of halakhah. While polygyny is no longer widely practiced due to social norms, we affirm that it is not forbidden by God and therefore remains a valid form of marriage for those who choose it with conscience, integrity, and mutual consent.
Ethical Considerations
It is essential to distinguish between biblical polygyny and the distortions seen in other cultures or abusive situations. True Torah-based polygyny is built upon the same values as all Jewish marriages: justice (tzedek), kindness (chesed), and humility (anavah). A man who takes multiple wives must care for each with equal dignity, providing for them emotionally, physically, and materially (Exodus 21:10). Abuse or neglect violates Torah and disqualifies any man from the sanctity of such a union.
In Netzarim Judaism, we uphold that each Jew is responsible for their own halakhic decisions, guided by conscience and Torah. Polygyny, practiced with love, consent, and righteousness, is a valid expression of Jewish family life.
Conclusion
Netzarim Judaism does not shy away from uncomfortable or countercultural truths. Rather, we return to the source—Torah itself—and walk in its light, even when it contradicts modern norms. The practice of polygyny, when entered into with spiritual integrity and in accordance with the commandments, remains a legitimate and biblically sanctioned form of marriage. We encourage study, prayer, and dialogue for those who are called to walk this path.
