Concubine

CONCUBINE. This term in Latin Authors signifies commonly a Woman, who tho’ she be not married with a Man, yet lives with him as his Wife. But in the sacred Writers, the word Concubine is understood in another sense; it means a lawful פלגש Pilgesch, Pellex, Concubina.Wife, who has not been wedded with the common Ceremonies and Solemnities; a Wife of the second rank, inferior to the Matron and Mistress of the House. The Children of Concubines did not inherit their Father’s Fortune; but the Father in his life-time might provide for them, and make presents to them. Thus Sarah was Abraham’s Wife, of her he had Isaac, the Heir of all his Wealth: But he had besides two Concubines, namely Hagar, and Keturah; of these he had other Children, whom he distinguished from Isaac, and made presents to them. As Polygamy was tolerated among the Jews, it was a common thing to see one, two, or many lawful Wives in every Family; and besides these, several Concubines. David had seven Wives, and ten Concubines. Solomon had seven hundred Wives, who all lived in the quality of Queens, and three hundred Concubines. Rehoboam his Son had eighteen Wives, and sixty Concubines. 2 Sam. i. 2, 3. xx. 3. 1 Kings xi. 3.Ever since the Abrogation of Polygamy by Jesus Christ, and the reduction of Marriage to its primitive Institution, the abuse of Concubines 2 Chr. xi. 21.has been concondemned and forbidden among Christians; notwithstanding which clandestine Marriages were a long time tolerated, and the Women so married were frequently called Concubines.

Read this article in its place on the printed pages