Asking a Jewish Rabbi About Polygamy and Leviticus 18:18
Leviticus 18.18, often cited to support polygamy, actually bans it through an idiomatic Hebrew phrase. In this episode, Jewish scholar Rabbi Naftali ben Avraham joins me to unpack the true meaning of this controversial verse—and how ancient Jewish traditions, from the Dead Sea Scrolls to the Mishnah, understood it differently.We break down multiple historical sources, illustrating how Jewish thought from the Second Temple period to the Middle Ages viewed polygamy, often condemning it.We also examine how rabbinic opinions and mystical texts like the Zohar shed light on the divine design of marriage and the inherent issues with polygyny, including rivalry, emotional harm, and social chaos. Most importantly, you'll learn why a straightforward reading of Leviticus 18.18 aligns with a consistent biblical ethic that forbids polygamy altogether, reinforcing that the practice contradicts the core message of love, faithfulness, and the unity of souls taught by Yeshua.This episode is perfect for believers deeply committed to biblical integrity, Jews and Christians wrestling with the implications of Scripture, and anyone interested in the social and theological impact of marriage practices across history. If you're seeking clarity amidst centuries of conflicting interpretations, this episode will challenge assumptions and deepen your understanding of God's design for marriage—rooted in truth, not tradition.Join us to see how biblical language, ancient wisdom, and modern insights converge to reveal that polygamy is not only culturally discouraged but biblically forbidden—empowering you to approach this hot-button issue with confidence and biblical clarity.
Verses with the feminine form:
1. Exodus 26:3,
2. Exodus 26:5,
3. Exodus 26:6,
4. Exodus 26:17,
5. Ezekiel 1:9,
6. Ezekiel 1:23,
7. Ezekiel 3:13
Verses with the masculine form:
1. Genesis 37:19
2. Genesis 42:21
3. Genesis 42:28
4. Exodus 16:15
5. Exodus 25:20
6. Exodus 37:9
7. Numbers 14:4
8. 2 Kings 7:6
9. Jeremiah 13:14
10. Jeremiah 25:26
11. Ezekiel 24:23
12. Ezekiel 33:30