THE MEANING OF “HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE” IN THE PASTORAL EPISTLES

Abstract

In view of the diverging views about the import of Paul’s statement concerning the expression “husband of one wife” in the Pastoral Epistles, several interpretations have been given to the statement. This study, through an exegetical study on the meaning of the phrase “husband of one wife” in the context of the Pastoral Epistles, made several observations in connection with the meaning of “husband of one wife.” The study in the Pastoral Epistles reveals that “husband of one wife” points to the quality of the marriage institution and not the number of wives one has. Therefore, the phrase may be understood as not the marriage to only one wife per se. If this is clearly established, a better reading of the phrase in the Pastoral Epistles is attained.