Why did God permit concubines in the Bible?

Definition and Historical Context

Concubines, in the biblical context, were women who lawfully cohabited with a man but held a status distinct from that of a primary wife. Under ancient Near Eastern customs attested by documents such as the Code of Hammurabi (circa 18th century BC), concubinage was widely practiced. In Scripture, key figures (e.g., Abraham, Jacob, Gideon, David, and Solomon) are noted as having concubines (Genesis 16; Genesis 30; Judges 8:30–31; 2 Samuel 5:13; 1 Kings 11:3).

Archaeological studies confirm that polygamous customs and various forms of legal cohabitation were common in many ancient cultures neighboring Israel. Although the biblical accounts accurately depict this reality, it does not necessarily imply divine endorsement. Instead, it shows a record of human practices in a fallen context.

Key Scriptural Passages

1. Abraham and Hagar (Genesis 16): “Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children, but she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, ‘Look now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.’ And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.”.

2. Jacob with Bilhah and Zilpah (Genesis 30): “When Rachel saw that she was not bearing children for Jacob, she envied her sister and said to Jacob, ‘Give me children, or I will die!’ … Then she said, ‘Here is my maidservant Bilhah. Sleep with her so that she can bear children for me and I too can build a family through her.’”.

3. David’s Concubines (2 Samuel 5:13): “And David took more concubines and wives in Jerusalem after he had come from Hebron, and more sons and daughters were born to him.”.

4. Solomon’s Concubines (1 Kings 11:3): “He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines—and his wives turned his heart away.”.

From these passages, we see that concubinage is a repeated phenomenon throughout Israel’s history. Scripture, while documenting these events, provides no illusion that such arrangements were free of complications or spiritual pitfalls.

God’s Original Design for Marriage

Despite the biblical descriptions of concubines, the foundational blueprint for marriage in Scripture is monogamous, lifelong union between a man and a woman. Genesis 2:24 states, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” This principle is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 19:4–6. From the beginning, the Creator intended a single, unified relationship—one man and one woman.

Permissive Will Versus Prescriptive Will

The presence of concubines in Scripture reflects what many refer to as the “permissive will” of God, where the Lord allows human choices that deviate from His original design, yet He works through these circumstances in the unfolding of redemptive history.

• Permissive Will: Humanity, marred by sin (Genesis 3), often engages in practices that are not in full alignment with God’s moral standards. Instead of immediately eradicating all sinful customs, God sometimes allows them while gradually revealing His perfect will across the timeline of redemptive history.

• Prescriptive Will: This encompasses God’s clear moral standard—monogamous marriage that mirrors the covenant between the Lord and His people (cf. Ephesians 5:31–32). Scripture teaches that when believers follow God’s design, the marriage bond thrives as an expression of fidelity and unity.

Practical and Cultural Considerations

In the ancient world, social and economic factors significantly shaped the practice of concubinage. Women without protection or means of livelihood often depended on marriage or concubinage for security. Cultural norms of inheritance, alliances, and progeny also boosted the acceptance of multiple wives or concubines.

Yet, throughout the historical narratives, the Bible consistently illustrates the interpersonal conflict and spiritual consequences springing from these arrangements. Even Abraham’s relationship with Hagar fostered jealousy and division within his household (Genesis 16:4–6), and Solomon’s many wives and concubines ultimately turned his heart away from the Lord (1 Kings 11:3–4).

Moral and Spiritual Consequences

The fact that these arrangements brought strife does not go unnoticed in Scripture. Jealousy, rivalry, and heartbreak frequently accompanied such unions (Genesis 30:1; 1 Samuel 1:6–7). Furthermore, we see how polygamy among the kings often led to idolatry and the weakening of faithfulness toward God.

• Relational Strife: In every instance of concubinage, we find discord and rivalry. This pattern underscores that deviating from God’s ideal creates harm.

• Spiritual Lesson: These narratives highlight humanity’s propensity to rely on cultural norms or personal desires instead of fully trusting the Lord’s provision.

The Fulfillment in Christ and the Restoration of God’s Design

Under the New Covenant, Christ clarified and reinforced the monogamous ideal (Matthew 19:4–6). The relationship between a husband and wife is likened to Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:25–32), emphasizing sacrificial love and unbreakable union. The New Testament does not commend concubinage; church leaders, for instance, are prudently instructed to be “the husband of but one wife” (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6).

This teaching points directly back to God’s original purpose and highlights that the faithful, loving bond between one husband and one wife most accurately reflects God’s heart. In doing so, Scripture underlines that although concubinage appears in biblical history, it was never the Creator’s permanent prescription for marriage.

Summation and Teaching Points

1. Biblical Reporting Versus Endorsement: Scripture often records cultural practices, including those that deviate from divine ideals. The existence of concubines does not equal the Bible’s approval.

2. God’s Mercy in a Fallen World: God, in His mercy, tolerates human shortcomings to accomplish His redemptive purposes without endorsing every human action.

3. Progressive Revelation: Over time, Scripture clarifies God’s design for marriage and reveals that monogamy best reflects His covenant love.

4. Practical Reminders: Even within accounts of concubinage, the relational and spiritual costs highlight the superiority of following God’s intended pattern.

In all, while the biblical record acknowledges the realities of concubinage in the patriarchal and monarchic eras, the consistent testimony of Scripture upholds monogamous marriage as the ideal. God’s permission was neither an endorsement nor an ultimate command; instead, it demonstrated His forbearance and the complexity of working His sovereign purposes through imperfect humanity. As believers examine these passages, they can find instruction, caution, and renewed appreciation for the restored design and saving grace revealed through Jesus Christ.