What is a Concubine? Unpacking a Biblical Term

The term “concubine” appears throughout the Old Testament, often puzzling modern readers due to its unfamiliar social and legal implications. To understand “what is a concubine” in a biblical context requires careful attention to the original Hebrew terms and the cultural norms of the Ancient Near East. Far from a simple mistress, a concubine held a recognized, though subordinate, legal status within the patriarchal family structure, distinct from a primary wife but with more rights than a slave. This word study explores the linguistic and cultural dimensions of this historical practice.

The primary Hebrew word for concubine is pilegesh (פִּילֶגֶשׁ). This term denotes a woman who lived with a man as a secondary wife but without the full legal or social standing of a primary wife (isha). While a pilegesh did not typically bring a dowry or establish a lineage for her husband in the same way a isha would, her relationship was legally recognized and provided a framework for legitimacy for her children.

Key aspects of the pilegesh status:

  • Secondary Wife: She was not merely a sexual partner but a permanent member of the household.
  • Children’s Legitimacy: Children born to a concubine were considered legitimate heirs, though often with a lesser inheritance or status compared to children of the primary wife. For example, Abraham’s concubine Hagar bore Ishmael, and his concubine Keturah bore him several sons (Genesis 25:1-6). Jacob’s concubines Bilhah and Zilpah bore him children who became tribal heads of Israel (Genesis 30).
  • Protection: As a recognized member of the household, a concubine was under the protection of the patriarch, and harming her was considered a serious offense against the family. The horrific incident in Judges 19 illustrates the violation of a concubine’s status and protection.

The practice of taking concubines was often tied to dynastic concerns, particularly when the primary wife was barren, or for solidifying political alliances.

Concubines in Cultural Context

The concept of a concubine must be viewed through the lens of ancient patriarchal societies, where family lineage, inheritance, and tribal strength were paramount. Polygamy, though not universally practiced, was accepted, and concubinage existed within this broader framework. It was a societal convention, not an individual deviation.

Examples from the Bible illuminate their role:

  • Abraham and Hagar: Hagar, an Egyptian servant, was given to Abraham by Sarah to bear children, as Sarah was barren (Genesis 16:1-3).
  • Jacob’s Wives and Concubines: Jacob married Leah and Rachel, but also had children through their handmaids, Bilhah and Zilpah, who functioned as concubines.
  • King David’s Concubines: David had numerous wives and concubines, reflecting royal practice (2 Samuel 5:13). The taking of a king’s concubines by a successor (e.g., Absalom’s public act in 2 Samuel 16:21-22) symbolized a claim to the throne.

It is crucial to understand that these biblical accounts describe cultural practices of the time; they do not necessarily endorse them as God’s ideal for marriage, which is presented as monogamous from creation (Genesis 2:24). The Bible often narrates human actions and societal norms without explicit divine approval, allowing the reader to observe the consequences.

Distinguishing from Modern Concepts

When asking “what is a concubine,” it is vital to avoid superimposing modern Western understandings of relationships onto ancient texts. A concubine was not a “mistress” in the modern clandestine sense, nor was her status purely illicit. She was part of a recognized, albeit hierarchical, familial structure. Her children were legitimate, and she held a distinct social position.

Understanding the pilegesh helps us grasp the social complexities of biblical narratives and appreciate the progressive revelation of God’s perfect design for marriage and family. The New Testament consistently presents monogamous marriage as the divine standard (Mark 10:6-9, Ephesians 5:31-33). Read more about biblical marriage.