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 marriage. Concubines were often women who did not have the same social standing as wives, and their children typically did not have the same inheritance rights. The practice of concubinage is documented throughout the Old Testament, and while it was culturally accepted in ancient times, it is important to understand the biblical laws and narratives that address this practice.

Old Testament Context

Concubinage is first mentioned in the patriarchal narratives. Abraham, for instance, took Hagar as a concubine at the behest of his wife Sarah (Genesis 16:1-4). This arrangement was made to produce an heir, illustrating one of the primary reasons for concubinage: the continuation of a family line when a wife was barren.

The Mosaic Law provided certain protections for concubines, although it did not explicitly endorse the practice. For example, Exodus 21:7-11 outlines the rights of a female servant who might become a concubine. If a man took another wife, he was not to diminish the food, clothing, or marital rights of the first. If he failed to provide these, she was to be set free without payment.

In Deuteronomy 21:10-14, the law addresses the treatment of female captives taken as concubines. A man who desired a captive woman was to allow her a month to mourn her family before taking her as a concubine. If he later found no delight in her, he was to let her go free and not sell her for money.

Narratives Involving Concubinage

Several biblical figures had concubines, and these relationships often led to familial strife and conflict. Jacob had two concubines, Bilhah and Zilpah, who bore him sons (Genesis 30:3-13). These sons became part of the twelve tribes of Israel, indicating the significant role concubines could play in the family structure.

King David had concubines, and the narrative of Absalom's rebellion highlights the political implications of these relationships. Absalom's public appropriation of David's concubines was a declaration of his claim to the throne (2 Samuel 16:21-22).

Solomon, known for his wisdom, had 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3). His many marriages and concubines were a factor in his spiritual downfall, as they led him to idolatry, turning his heart away from God.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament does not explicitly address concubinage, but it emphasizes the sanctity and exclusivity of marriage. Jesus' teachings on marriage, as seen in Matthew 19:4-6, underscore the original divine intention for marriage to be a union between one man and one woman. The Apostle Paul also speaks to the importance of marital fidelity and the responsibilities of husbands and wives in passages such as Ephesians 5:22-33.

Cultural and Theological Considerations

While concubinage was a part of the social fabric in ancient Israel, it is not presented as an ideal in Scripture. The narratives often highlight the complications and moral challenges associated with these relationships. The biblical text reflects a progression toward the ideal of monogamous marriage, as seen in the creation account and the teachings of Jesus and Paul.

In summary, while concubinage was a recognized practice in biblical times, it was regulated by laws that sought to protect the rights of women involved. The biblical narrative, however, points toward a higher standard of marital fidelity and the sanctity of the marriage covenant.Exodus 21:7-11
And if a man sell his daughter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out as the menservants do.
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 19:20-22
And whoever lies carnally with a woman, that is a female slave, betrothed to an husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free.
Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 21:10-14
When you go forth to war against your enemies, and the LORD your God has delivered them into your hands, and you have taken them captive,
Nave's Topical Index

On the Government of God
... Commands of God disobeyed by Christians 82 f. Concubinage, 107 f., 194 f.; laws
concerning, 107n. Constans, Emperor, 144n, 170n. Constantine, Emperor, 107n, 160n ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/index 2.htm

Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
... argues in the contrary direction, and concerning a far ... a marriage as merely legalised
concubinage (Cheth. ... two heads"as farther extending the laws of kindred ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 9 mothers daughters and.htm

Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects.
... of Christ: He the Head, [840]375; an heretical notion concerning, [841]389 ... Concubinage,
for offspring's sake unlawful, [904]406; was lawful among the ancient ...
/.../on care to be had for the dead /doctrinal and moral treatises index.htm

The Counter-Reformation
... people to maintain their old laws and constitutions ... It made useful regulations
concerning those who should ... of their sacred office, condemned concubinage in the ...
/.../chapter iv the counter-reformation.htm

Causes of the Reformation
... ideas of the Middle Ages concerning the supernatural ... should modify the old laws
regarding exemption ... charges of ignorance, indifference, concubinage, and simony ...
/.../chapter i causes of the.htm

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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