### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **pîylegesh**, represented by `{{H6370}}`, defines a **concubine** or, in its masculine form, a **paramour**. It appears 37 times in 35 verses and describes a woman in a marital relationship who is secondary to a wife. While having a recognized status and bearing legitimate children, a concubine did not typically hold the same rights or social standing as a primary wife.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H6370}}` illustrates social structures, lineage, and political power. Patriarchs like Abraham had **concubines** whose sons were part of the household but received gifts and were sent away to distinguish them from the heir, Isaac [[Genesis 25:6]]. The status of a **concubine** is evident in royal courts, where kings such as David [[2 Samuel 5:13]], Rehoboam [[2 Chronicles 11:21]], and Solomon [[1 Kings 11:3]] had numerous wives and **concubines**. Taking a king's **concubine** was a significant political statement, as when Ahithophel advised Absalom to go in unto his father David's **concubines** to solidify his claim to the throne [[2 Samuel 16:21]]. The tragic account in Judges 19 details the abuse and death of a Levite's **concubine**, an event that led to national outrage and civil war [[Judges 19:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the social position of a concubine:
* `{{H802}}` **'ishshâh** (wife, woman): This is the primary term for a wife. **Concubines** are frequently mentioned alongside wives, highlighting a distinction in status within a household ([[2 Samuel 5:13]], [[1 Kings 11:3]]).
* `{{H4436}}` **malkâh** (queen): A woman of the highest royal rank. In royal harems, **queens** are listed separately from **concubines**, indicating a clear hierarchy [[Song of Solomon 6:8]].
* `{{H3205}}` **yâlad** (to bear, beget): A primary function for both wives and concubines was procreation. The scriptures often note that a **concubine** "bare" children for a man, securing his lineage ([[1 Chronicles 1:32]], [[Judges 8:31]]).
* `{{H2181}}` **zânâh** (to play the harlot): The Levite's **concubine** is said to have "played the whore" against him [[Judges 19:2]], showing a behavioral line that could jeopardize her position, though her status as a concubine was distinct from that of a harlot.
### Theological Significance
The social and thematic weight of `{{H6370}}` is significant, revealing key aspects of Israelite society.
* **Social Hierarchy:** The term defines a specific, subordinate class within the family structure. **Concubines** and their children were part of the family, but distinct from wives and their children, particularly concerning inheritance and status ([[Genesis 25:6]], [[1 Chronicles 3:9]]).
* **Vulnerability and Justice:** The story of the Levite’s concubine exposes the extreme vulnerability of women in this role. Her rape is described as being "abused" `{{H5953}}` and "forced" `{{H6031}}`, and the act is condemned as "lewdness" `{{H2154}}` and "folly" `{{H5039}}` in Israel ([[Judges 19:25]], [[Judges 20:5-6]]).
* **Political Instruments:** A king’s concubines were considered his property, and taking them was an act of rebellion and usurpation. This is seen when Ishbosheth confronts Abner over Saul's **concubine** [[2 Samuel 3:7]] and in Absalom's public actions with David's **concubines** [[2 Samuel 16:22]].
* **Figurative Condemnation:** In a rare masculine usage, Ezekiel uses the word for **paramours** to condemn Judah's idolatrous political alliances, portraying spiritual unfaithfulness as doting on foreign lovers [[Ezekiel 23:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6370}}` is not merely a label for a secondary partner but a term that encapsulates a complex social reality in ancient Israel. A **pîylegesh** was integral to patriarchal lineage, a symbol of wealth and power for kings, and, at times, a figure of profound vulnerability. From the household of Abraham to the figurative language of the prophets, the word provides a crucial lens for understanding family dynamics, political maneuvering, and social justice in the biblical world.
TRV