# concubine, concubines

## Definition:

A concubine is a woman who is a secondary wife for a man who already has a wife. Usually a concubine is not legally married to the man.

* In the Old Testament, concubines were often female slaves.
* A concubine could be acquired by purchase, through military conquest, or in payment of a debt.
* For a king, having many concubines was a sign of power. 
* The New Testament teaches that the practice of having a concubine is against God's will.

## Bible References:

* [2 Samuel 03:07](rc://en/tn/help/2sa/03/07)
* [Genesis 22:24](rc://en/tn/help/gen/22/24)
* [Genesis 25:5-6](rc://en/tn/help/gen/25/05)
* [Genesis 35:21-22](rc://en/tn/help/gen/35/21)
* [Genesis 36:12](rc://en/tn/help/gen/36/12)
* [Judges 19:1-2](rc://en/tn/help/jdg/19/01)

## Word Data:

* Strong's: H3904, H6370