The word concubine appears many times in the Bible. It refers to a woman who lived with a man as a wife but held a lower status than his official wife or wives. While this may sound strange today, it was a common part of family and tribal life in the ancient world.
In the Bible, concubines were often taken for many reasons—cultural, political, or practical. But their stories help us see both the brokenness of humanity and God’s greater plan.
What Is a Concubine?
In biblical terms, a concubine was a legal partner in a marriage-like relationship but did not have the full rights of a wife. She was often treated as part of the household, and her children could be considered legitimate. However, the concubine herself didn’t always have the same protection or status.
In short:
A concubine was a secondary wife, often used to grow a family line, especially if the primary wife could not have children.
Exodus 21:10 — If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.
Why Were Concubines Allowed?
In ancient times, especially in the Old Testament, marriage customs were different. Some reasons men took concubines included:
- Infertility of a wife – as with Sarah and Hagar
- Desire for more children
- Political alliances – Solomon had many foreign concubines for this reason
- Wealth and status – Kings often had harems of wives and concubines
Though the Bible records these practices, it does not mean God approved of them.
Genesis 16:3 — And Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.
Deuteronomy 21:15 — If a man have two wives, one beloved, and another hated, and they have born him children... he may not make the son of the beloved firstborn before the son of the hated.
Examples of Concubines in the Bible
Here are some key examples:
| Concubine | Associated Man | Bible Reference | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hagar | Abraham | Genesis 16 | Bore Ishmael |
| Keturah | Abraham (later) | Genesis 25:1; 1 Chronicles 1:32 | Called a concubine by the Chronicler |
| Bilhah | Jacob | Genesis 30:3–5 | Rachel’s servant, mother of Dan and Naphtali |
| Zilpah | Jacob | Genesis 30:9–10 | Leah’s servant, mother of Gad and Asher |
| A concubine from Bethlehem | A Levite | Judges 19 | Her tragic death sparked civil war |
| Solomon’s concubines | Solomon | 1 Kings 11:3 | Had 300 concubines |
Genesis 25:6 — But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son...
God’s Original Design Was One Man and One Woman
Even though concubines were accepted in Bible times, this wasn’t God’s perfect design. From the beginning, God made marriage to be between one man and one woman.
Genesis 2:24 — Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Deuteronomy 17:17 — Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away...
Matthew 19:4–6 — And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female... Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Problems That Came from Taking Concubines
While many men in the Bible had concubines, their stories often show the trouble that came from straying from God’s design.
- Abraham and Hagar – Sarah became jealous, and Hagar was mistreated.
- Jacob and his wives’ servants – Their family was filled with rivalry and bitterness.
- Solomon – His many wives and concubines turned his heart away from God.
Genesis 21:10 — Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.
1 Kings 11:4 — For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods...
Judges 19:25–27 — But the men would not hearken to him: so the man took his concubine, and brought her forth unto them... And the woman came at the dawning of the day, and fell down at the door...
How Should We View This Today?
Today, the idea of a concubine seems outdated. In most cultures, it is no longer practiced or allowed. The New Testament teaches that marriage is meant to be:
- Between one man and one woman
- A lifelong commitment
- A reflection of Christ and the Church
1 Timothy 3:2 — A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife...
Titus 1:6 — If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
Ephesians 5:31–32 — For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Summary Table
| Point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Definition | A woman in a marriage-like role without full wife status |
| Cultural Reason | Infertility, alliances, social status |
| Biblical Examples | Hagar, Bilhah, Solomon’s concubines |
| God’s Plan | One man and one woman in lifelong union |
| Modern View | No longer practiced or supported by Scripture today |
| New Testament Standard | “Husband of one wife” in leadership and personal life |
