Boyfriends, Girlfriends, and Concubines

Concubines in the Bible and Michaelic Judaism: A Commentary Introduction Few words in the Bible carry as much cultural misunderstanding today as the word concubine. In modern ears, the term often suggests exploitation or inequality. Yet in the Scriptures, concubines were recognized relationships, acknowledged within Israel’s history. Michaelic Judaism does not erase or override what the Bible teaches. Instead, it provides a commentary for today’s world — reframing “concubine” to mean an official partner (girlfriend or boyfriend) while honoring biblical headship and the wisdom of the elders. ⸻ Concubines in the Bible In the Hebrew Bible, a concubine (pilegesh, פִּילֶגֶשׁ) was a woman who lived with a man in a marital-like relationship but held lower status than a wife. She was protected and her children could be recognized, but she was not regarded as equal to the wife. Examples in Scripture • Abraham had concubines whose children received gifts (Genesis 25:6). • Jacob had Bilhah and Zilpah, concubines of his wives, who bore him sons (Genesis 35:22). • A Levite’s concubine suffered tragic abuse (Judges 19:1–2). • King David took wives and concubines in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:13). • Solomon amassed 700 wives and 300 concubines, a practice that turned his heart from God (1 Kings 11:3). The biblical picture is honest: concubines were recognized, but their position was vulnerable and unequal. ⸻ Michaelic Judaism’s Commentary Michaelic Judaism retains respect for the biblical definition but re-frames the word for today’s relationships: • Official partner: “Concubine” is used to describe a recognized girlfriend or boyfriend — not casual, but official. • Headship remains: The biblical principle of headship is not erased (Genesis 3:16; Ephesians 5:23). Authority structures are acknowledged. • Equality of dignity: Even with roles, both partners bear the image of God and deserve mutual honor and respect. • Protection emphasized: Where the biblical record shows vulnerability, Michaelic Judaism insists upon dignity and care for both partners. Conclusion Concubines in the Bible were real, and their status was complicated — acknowledged but not equal to wives. Michaelic Judaism does not deny this history. Instead, it provides a respectful commentary for today: when the word “concubine” is used now, it points to an official, recognized partnership grounded in honor, protection, and dignity — while leaving headship in place as the elders and the Scriptures affirm.