The query “what bible verses tell a man to take a concubine” centers on biblical texts that describe or regulate the practice of concubinage, rather than explicitly commanding it. Concubinage, understood as a marital relationship of lower status than primary marriage, appears in various narratives and legal contexts throughout the Old Testament. Examples include Abraham’s relationship with Hagar (Genesis 16), Jacob’s relationships with Bilhah and Zilpah (Genesis 30), and the Levite’s concubine in Judges 19. These accounts often depict concubines as women lacking the full rights and social standing of wives, frequently acquired to provide offspring when the primary wife was barren.
Understanding the role of these relationships requires examining ancient Near Eastern societal norms, where such unions were sometimes used to ensure lineage and provide security for women in societies lacking robust social safety nets. While these relationships are present, the Bible does not explicitly endorse or command concubinage universally. Instead, specific passages provide regulations concerning the treatment of concubines within the Israelite legal framework. These regulations, such as those found in Exodus 21:7-11 regarding female slaves who might become concubines, aim to mitigate the potential for abuse and injustice. The prevalence of these arrangements indicates a complex social reality rather than a divinely mandated instruction.
