Marriage in the Bible

Monogamy, Polygamy, and the Many Forms of Biblical Marriage

Does the Bible teach only one form of marriage, or does it reveal a much more complicated history?

Throughout the Old and New Testaments, marriage appears in many forms. Some men had one wife, while others had several. Some marriages were arranged by families, others involved love, duty, inheritance, political alliances, or the responsibility to continue a family line.

In Marriage in the Bible, Darren R. Kelley takes readers on an eye-opening journey through biblical history, examining the different types of marriage, the people involved, why they married, and how their relationships turned out.

From Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar to Jacob, Leah, and Rachel, from King David and Solomon to the teachings of Jesus and the Apostle Paul, this book explores what the Scriptures actually say about marriage.

Rather than telling readers what to believe, the author presents biblical examples and teachings so they can examine the evidence and reach their own conclusions.

Inside this book, discover:

• The different types of marriage described in the Bible.
• Monogamy, polygamy, concubinage, and arranged marriages.
• Why marriage often involved property, inheritance, family duty, and survival.
• The experiences of biblical husbands and wives.
• What Jesus actually taught about marriage and divorce.
• How New Testament teachings compare with Old Testament practices.
• The difference between what the Bible describes and what it commands.

This book is not about defending or condemning one form of marriage. It is about understanding what is actually written.

Before accepting what tradition teaches about biblical marriage, take a closer look at the Scriptures for yourself.

Read the history. Examine the Scriptures. Draw your own conclusions.

By Darren R. Kelley | The Age of Numbers