Does the new testament forbid polygamy

The New Testament does not explicitly forbid polygamy, but it does present a different understanding of marriage and relationships compared to the Old Testament.

In the Old Testament, polygamy was allowed and even condoned in certain circumstances (e.g., Genesis 4:19, 16:1-4, 30:1-4, 1 Kings 11:3). However, the New Testament presents a new understanding of marriage and relationships, which is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

In the New Testament, marriage is described as a union between one man and one woman (Matthew 19:4-6, Mark 10:6-9, Ephesians 5:31). Jesus taught that marriage is a lifelong commitment between two people, and that divorce is only permissible in cases of adultery or abandonment (Matthew 5:32, 19:9, Mark 10:11-12).

While the New Testament does not explicitly forbid polygamy, it does present a different understanding of marriage and relationships that is incompatible with polygamy. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of monogamy, unity, and exclusivity in marriage, which is difficult to reconcile with the practice of polygamy.

In addition, the New Testament teaches that Christians are to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21), and that husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25-33). This emphasis on mutual submission and love is difficult to reconcile with the practice of polygamy, which often involves multiple wives competing for the attention and affection of one husband.

In summary, while the New Testament does not explicitly forbid polygamy, it presents a different understanding of marriage and relationships that is incompatible with polygamy. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of monogamy, unity, and exclusivity in marriage, and teaches that Christians are to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.