In the context of the Bible, the term "consort" typically refers to a spouse or companion, often in the context of royalty or significant figures. The role and influence of consorts in biblical narratives can be seen in various accounts, where they often play pivotal roles in the unfolding of events, both positively and negatively.

Old Testament Examples

1. Sarah and Abraham: Sarah, the wife of Abraham, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament. Her role as a consort is significant in the narrative of God's covenant with Abraham. Despite her initial barrenness, Sarah becomes the mother of Isaac, through whom the covenantal promises are continued. Her account is marked by faith and occasional doubt, as seen in Genesis 18:12-14 : "So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, 'After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?' Then the LORD said to Abraham, 'Why did Sarah laugh and say, "Will I really bear a child, now that I am old?" Is anything too difficult for the LORD?'"

2. Jezebel and Ahab: Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab of Israel, is often cited as a negative example of a consort. Her influence over Ahab led to the promotion of Baal worship and the persecution of the prophets of Yahweh. Her actions are condemned in 1 Kings 21:25 : "There was never anyone like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, incited by his wife Jezebel."

3. Esther and Xerxes: Esther, a Jewish woman who became the queen of Persia, is a positive example of a consort who used her position to save her people. Her courage and wisdom are celebrated in the Book of Esther, where she risks her life to approach King Xerxes and plead for the salvation of the Jews (Esther 4:16): "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not focus extensively on the concept of consorts in the same way as the Old Testament, the role of women as companions and supporters in the early church is evident. For instance, Priscilla, along with her husband Aquila, is noted for her significant role in the early Christian community. Acts 18:26 highlights her involvement in teaching Apollos: "He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him in and explained to him the way of God more accurately."

Theological Implications

The role of consorts in the Bible often reflects broader themes of influence, partnership, and the impact of personal relationships on spiritual and national destinies. The narratives of consorts like Sarah, Jezebel, and Esther illustrate the diverse ways in which these figures can shape the course of events, for better or worse. The Bible presents these accounts as lessons in faithfulness, the dangers of idolatry, and the power of righteous influence.

In summary, the concept of consorts in the Bible encompasses a range of roles and influences, from the supportive and faithful to the manipulative and destructive. These narratives serve as a reflection of the complex dynamics of human relationships and their spiritual significance.

The Deceitful Arts and Nefarious Practices of Marcus.
... judge. And then she immediately catches them up, conducts them into the
bridal chamber, and hands them over to their consorts. 7 ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xiii the deceitful arts and.htm

The Best of the Best
... If princes were to look for consorts among beggars, that would be after all but
a small stoop, for God hath made of one blood all nations of men that dwell ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the best of the best.htm

section i.
... Anatomy of my self, I am delineated and naturally framed to such a piece of virtue;
for I am of a constitution so general, that it consorts and symphathiseth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/religio medici/section i 2.htm

section ii.
... in a Wilderness, a man is never alone, not only because he is with himself and his
own thoughts, but because he is with the Devil, who ever consorts with our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/religio medici/section ii 2.htm

St. Paul's Teaching on the Subject.
... 658] is not the fact that there will be no restitution of the conjugal relation
a reason why we shall not be bound to our departed consorts?" Nay, but the more ...
/.../tertullian/on monogamy/chapter x st pauls teaching on.htm

Refutation of the views of the Heretics as to the Future Destiny ...
... consort; that they themselves, as being spiritual, when they have got rid of their
animal souls, and become intellectual spirits, will be the consorts of the ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxix refutation of the views.htm

Doctrines of Various Other Gnostic Sects, and Especially of the ...
... [2966] He then, perceiving that all the others had consorts, while he himself was
destitute of one, searched after a being to whom he might be united; and not ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxix doctrines of various other.htm

The Doctrines of the Followers of Ptolemy and Colorbasus.
... 1. But the followers of Ptolemy say [2805] that he [Bythus] has two consorts, which
they also name Diatheses (affections), viz., Ennoea and Thelesis. ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xii the doctrines of the.htm

How the Married and the Single are to be Admonished.
... who are bound in wedlock are to be admonished that, while they take thought for
each other's good, they study, both of them, so to please their consorts as not ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxvii how the married.htm

Letter clxix. To Leo Augustus.
... And hence, even if in his profession of faith he neglects nothing, and deceives
us in nothing, it best consorts with your glory absolutely to exclude him from ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter clxix to leo augustus.htm

Consorts (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Consorts (3 Occurrences). Daniel 5:2 Belshazzar,
while he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden ...
/c/consorts.htm - 7k

Conspicuous (11 Occurrences)

/c/conspicuous.htm - 10k

Mistress (20 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) A woman filling the place, but without the rights, of a wife; a
concubine; a loose woman with whom one consorts habitually. ...
/m/mistress.htm - 14k

Consorted (1 Occurrence)

/c/consorted.htm - 6k

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