Concubines in the new testament

The concept of concubines is not explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, but there are some references to marriage and relationships that can be interpreted in the context of ancient Near Eastern cultures, where concubinage was a common practice.

In the New Testament, the concept of marriage is primarily understood through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, who emphasized the importance of monogamy and the equality of husband and wife (Matthew 19:4-6, Ephesians 5:21-33). However, there are some passages that may be relevant to the topic of concubines:

1. 1 Corinthians 7:2-5: In this passage, Paul advises husbands to fulfill their marital duties to their wives, implying that some husbands may have multiple wives or concubines. However, Paul's emphasis on the husband's responsibility to love and cherish his wife suggests that he may be addressing a situation where a husband has multiple wives or concubines, rather than condoning the practice.
2. Matthew 8:5-13: In this passage, Jesus heals a centurion's servant, who is described as being "belonging to his household" (Matthew 8:6). Some interpreters have suggested that this servant may have been a concubine or a slave, but the text does not provide clear evidence for this interpretation.
3. Luke 12:42-46: In this passage, Jesus describes a faithful and wise steward who is entrusted with the master's property. Some interpreters have suggested that this steward may have been a concubine or a slave, but the text does not provide clear evidence for this interpretation.

It is important to note that the New Testament does not explicitly condone or condemn the practice of concubinage. However, the emphasis on monogamy and the equality of husband and wife in the New Testament suggests that the early Christian community may have viewed concubinage as incompatible with Christian values.

In the context of ancient Near Eastern cultures, concubinage was a common practice, particularly among the wealthy and powerful. Concubines were often slaves or foreigners who were taken as sexual partners by their masters. However, the New Testament does not provide any explicit evidence for the practice of concubinage, and the emphasis on monogamy and the equality of husband and wife suggests that the early Christian community may have viewed concubinage as incompatible with Christian values.

In summary, while the New Testament does not explicitly mention concubines, there are some passages that may be relevant to the topic. However, the emphasis on monogamy and the equality of husband and wife in the New Testament suggests that the early Christian community may have viewed concubinage as incompatible with Christian values.