Concubinage in the biblical context refers to a recognized relationship between a man and a woman that is similar to marriage but lacks the full status and rights of a marital union. Concubines were often women who, for various reasons, did not have the status of a wife but were nonetheless part of the household and had certain rights and responsibilities.

Biblical Context and Examples

In the Old Testament, concubinage was a common practice among the Israelites and other ancient Near Eastern cultures. Concubines were often taken by men of wealth and status, including patriarchs and kings. Notable examples include Abraham, who took Hagar as a concubine (Genesis 16:1-4), and King Solomon, who had numerous concubines (1 Kings 11:3).

Legal and Social Status

Concubines held a distinct legal and social status. They were not considered wives and did not have the same legal rights as a wife would. However, they were more than mere servants and were often provided for by the head of the household. The children of concubines could be recognized as legitimate heirs, although their status might be secondary to that of the children of wives.

Dismissal of Concubines

The dismissal of concubines is a topic that arises in the context of their lesser status compared to wives. While the Bible does not provide explicit laws regarding the dismissal of concubines, there are instances and implications that suggest this was a possibility.

In Genesis 21:10, Sarah demands that Abraham send away Hagar and her son Ishmael: "Therefore she said to Abraham, 'Drive out this slave woman and her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be an heir with my son Isaac.'" . This passage illustrates that a concubine could be dismissed from the household, especially if her presence or her offspring posed a threat to the inheritance or status of the legitimate heirs.

The dismissal of a concubine could be influenced by various factors, including the wishes of the primary wife, the behavior of the concubine, or changes in the household dynamics. The patriarchal nature of ancient Israelite society meant that the head of the household had significant authority over such decisions.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

From a moral and ethical standpoint, the treatment of concubines reflects the broader cultural and societal norms of the time. The Bible records these practices without necessarily endorsing them, and the narratives often highlight the complexities and challenges associated with concubinage.

The New Testament does not address concubinage directly, as the practice had largely fallen out of favor by the time of its writing. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize the sanctity of marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman, as seen in passages like Matthew 19:4-6 and Ephesians 5:31.

In summary, while concubinage was a recognized institution in the Old Testament, the dismissal of concubines was a reality that reflected their secondary status within the household. The biblical narratives provide insight into the social and familial dynamics of the time, offering a window into the complexities of ancient life.Genesis 21:9-14
And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born to Abraham, mocking.
Nave's Topical Index

What is a concubine? Why did God allow men to have concubines in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

How many wives did Abraham have? | GotQuestions.org

Concubinage: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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