By Idris Muhammed Abdullahi*
In recent times, a curious cultural and moral irony has taken root in parts of Nigerian society, especially among many Christian adherents: a deep aversion to polygamy even though the Bible, their sacred scripture, does not categorically forbid it. Meanwhile, adultery, which is expressly prohibited by the seventh commandment “Thou shall not commit adultery” appears to enjoy an uncomfortable tolerance cloaked in silence, secrecy, or selective morality.
Let us ask the pressing question: Is “Thou shall not commit polygamy” found in any scripture?
The simple answer is no. Neither in the Ten Commandments given to Moses in the Book of Exodus nor in the teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament do we find a command that explicitly forbids polygamy. What is clearly stated and repeatedly so , is the command against adultery. In Exodus 20:14, it reads: “Thou shall not commit adultery.” That’s the command. Not polygamy. Not multiple marriages. But sexual unfaithfulness and betrayal within a covenant.
It is important to note that many of the revered patriarchs in the Bible men after God’s own heart practiced polygamy. Abraham had multiple wives and concubines. Jacob had two wives and two concubines, the mothers of the twelve tribes of Israel. David, the beloved king and psalmist, had multiple wives. And Solomon, though an extreme case, ruled with hundreds. At no point were these men condemned solely for practicing polygamy. When they sinned, it was for other reasons which is more of pride, idolatry, murder, or indeed, adultery.
Why then, in today’s Nigerian Christian communities, is polygamy more frowned upon than adultery? Why do some churches refuse to wed or ordain polygamists, but look the other way when members , even clergy , are caught in adulterous affairs, covered up by money, influence, or social standing?
This hypocrisy must be called out.
We have constructed a culture where having multiple wives , often with transparency, responsibility, and care , is demonized, while having multiple mistresses, secret affairs, and broken marital vows is tolerated, even celebrated in hush tones. This isn’t just a spiritual contradiction, it is a social crisis.
Polygamy, as practiced in African and biblical traditions, was often about family, duty, and covenant. Adultery, on the other hand, is about deception, betrayal, and self-indulgence. Yet in our Christianized society, many are more “comfortable” with the latter, hiding behind grace and forgiveness, while condemning the former with a fury that Scripture does not support.
Let it be clear: this is not a campaign to promote polygamy. It is, rather, a call to honest theology and moral consistency. If we must hold up the Bible as our guide, then let us do so with integrity, not convenience. If we must defend the faith, let it be rooted in truth, not selective cultural prejudice.
Perhaps it is time for Nigerian Christians to return to the scriptures or better still practice Islam or traditional religion which seems to obey Gods commands not the imported Victorian ideals that have crept into African Christianity and to reassess our values. Polygamy may be a personal choice. But adultery is, without question, a sin.
So, to those who preach against polygamy, I ask respectfully: where is the commandment?
Until then, let us remember the one that is written in stone: Thou shall not commit adultery.
Idris Muhammed Abdullahi is a public intellectual, anti-corruption specialist, and commentator on moral and cultural issues in Africa.
