Here’s a clear and accurate list of groups and individuals in the King James Version (KJV) who practiced polygamy.

Since this is strictly biblical content, no web search is required — the information is stable, ancient, and not time‑sensitive.

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📖 Groups & People in the Bible Who Practiced Polygamy (KJV)

 

The Bible contains many examples of polygamy, especially in the Old Testament. These fall into two categories:

1. Individuals who practiced polygamy

2. Groups/nations where polygamy was common

 

Let’s list them.

 

🧔‍♂️ 1. Patriarchs Who Practiced Polygamy

 

✔ Abraham

• Married Sarah, then took Hagar as a secondary wife (Genesis 16).

✔ Jacob (Israel)

• Had four wives: Leah, Rachel, Bilhah, and Zilpah (Genesis 29–30).

✔ Esau

• Had multiple wives including Judith, Bashemath, Mahalath, and others (Genesis 26:34; 28:9; 36).

 

👑 2. Kings of Israel & Judah Who Practiced Polygamy

 

✔ David

• Married multiple wives, including Michal, Abigail, Bathsheba, and others (2 Samuel 5:13).

✔ Solomon

• Had 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3).

✔ Rehoboam

• Had 18 wives and 60 concubines (2 Chronicles 11:21).

✔ Joash (Jehoash)

• Had two wives (2 Chronicles 24:3).

 

👥 3. General Groups or Classes Who Practiced or Allowed Polygamy

 

✔ Early Israelites under Mosaic Law

 

While the law didn’t command polygamy, it regulated it:

• Exodus 21:10 – If a man takes another wife, he must not reduce the first wife’s rights.

• Deuteronomy 21:15 – Laws assume a man may have “two wives.”

 

This shows polygamy was socially and legally accepted among the Israelites.

 

✔ Levite men in certain narratives

 

Polygamy appears within Levitical families (e.g., Elkanah).

 

🕍 4. Priestly Families / Religious Figures

 

✔ Elkanah (Hannah’s husband)

• Had two wives: Hannah and Peninnah (1 Samuel 1:2).

 

While not a priest, Elkanah was part of a religiously active Levite family.

 

🌍 5. Non‑Israelite Nations Practicing Polygamy

 

The Bible also references other cultures that practiced polygamy:

 

✔ Kings and nobles of surrounding nations

• Pharaohs and other rulers took multiple wives (implied in various passages).

• Solomon’s wives included women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, Zidon, and Hittites (1 Kings 11:1).

 

✔ Canaanite and Near Eastern cultures

 

Polygamy was common in the ancient Near East; Israel was not unusual in this practice.

 

📌 Summary of Groups Who Practiced Polygamy in the KJV

 

Individuals

• Abraham

• Jacob

• Esau

• Elkanah

• David

• Solomon

• Rehoboam

• Joash

 

Groups

• Early Israelites under Mosaic Law

• Royal families of Israel & Judah

• Various pagan nations in the ancient Near East

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