Polygyny: Polygamy vs Polyandry vs Polygyny

Polygyny, polygamy, etc. We see and hear these terms thrown around in common use and often used interchangeably. Yet, they do not mean the same thing. And in today’s day and age, it is very important to know the difference.

Using dictionary.com let us find out the definition of polygamy, polygyny and polyandry.

Polygamy: the practice of having more than one wife or husband at the same time.

Polyandry: the practice or condition of having more than one husband at one time.

Polygyny: the practice or condition of having more than one wife at one time.

Now that we have a basic definition of each, let us gain some spiritual insight.

Polyandry is unlawful because if a man is married to another man (let alone multiple ones) it is homosexuality/ sodomy.

Leviticus 20:13 KJVS

[13] If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

Now, if a woman decides that she wants more than one husband at the same time. And they say within themselves, “that we avoid being in error according to this scripture because the men do not engage sexually with each other. Each man takes turns with the same woman.” This, although in a seemingly better direction is still unlawful.

Leviticus 20:10 KJVS

[10] And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.

Once that man and woman lay together they are married. If another man decides to lay with that woman or if that woman decides now she will take on another husband it is adultery. Which would put you in violation.

What about polygamy? Can we switch it up? Can a man have a husband and a wife? Well we covered that it would be unlawful for a man to have a husband (especially more than one). What if a woman decides to have more than one wife? Let alone just one wife.

Leviticus 20:13 KJVS

[13] If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

Firstly, our people understood when God said this in Leviticus the reverse was also true. It wasn’t a “oh that’s just the men.” A woman could not lay with a woman either. As it goes against the natural order of man and woman. But to be more specific, this is why the scriptures say this in Romans.

Romans 1:26-27 KJVS

[26] For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: [27] And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

Notice the word choice… The women changed the natural use and relationship of man to that which is against nature. How? Basic shapes, a rod and a rod don’t go together, neither does a hole and a hole. The rod and the hole go together and fit. It goes against Genesis 1:28 “Be fruitful and multiply”. And homosexuality bears no fruit. This is why Roman’s gives a colon and continues to explain in verse 27 that not only the women but the men “likewise” burned in their lust toward one another as well. And this was said because it was a growing problem from Greek to Roman times.

Now a side or perspective of polygamy is true, a man may choose to have more than one wife. But this definition, or word rather, is confusion as it opens up the door to mix and match and have other outcomes. For example, he cannot have a wife and a husband. Nor can a woman have a wife and a husband. As we covered in detail above. Because this definition has an ambiguous or duel meaning and can lead others to believe you can mix and match it, it must be thrown out as unlawful. As you cannot mix righteousness and wickedness.

1 Corinthians 14:33,40 KJVS

[33] For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. [40] Let all things be done decently and in order.

Polygyny is the only definition that complies with what is lawful and we see righteous examples of in the scriptures.

Deuteronomy 21:15 KJVS

[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:

Remember “if” is the word. If it were wicked or sinful God would not have included laws to govern it and regulate it. Nor does “if” mean mandatory. But rather gives way to a choice. Please see article on “Polygyny: lawful or unlawful” for a thorough breakdown on is polygyny lawful.

Proverbs 4:5 KJVS

[5] Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.