Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "servant-wives" refers to women who were given to a husband by his wife, often due to the wife's inability to bear children. These women, typically servants or handmaids, were considered secondary wives and their children were often regarded as legitimate heirs. This practice is primarily documented in the Old Testament and reflects the cultural and social norms of ancient Near Eastern societies.Hagar and Sarah One of the most notable examples of a servant-wife in the Bible is Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarah, Abraham's wife. In Genesis 16, Sarah, who was barren, gave Hagar to Abraham as a wife to bear a child on her behalf. Genesis 16:2 states, "So Sarai said to Abram, 'Look now, the LORD has prevented me from having children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.' And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai." Hagar bore Abraham a son, Ishmael, who became the ancestor of many nations. Bilhah and Zilpah Another example is found in the account of Jacob, who had two servant-wives, Bilhah and Zilpah. Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife, was initially barren and gave her maidservant Bilhah to Jacob as a wife. Genesis 30:3 records Rachel's words: "Here is my maidservant Bilhah. Go and sleep with her, so that she can bear children for me and I too can build a family through her." Bilhah bore Jacob two sons, Dan and Naphtali. Similarly, Leah, Jacob's first wife, gave her maidservant Zilpah to Jacob as a wife when she stopped bearing children. Zilpah bore Jacob two sons, Gad and Asher (Genesis 30:9-13). Cultural and Legal Context The practice of taking servant-wives was not unique to the Hebrew people but was common in the ancient Near East. It was a socially accepted solution for childlessness, which was often seen as a misfortune or divine disfavor. The children born to servant-wives were considered legitimate and could inherit alongside the children of the primary wife. The legal and social status of servant-wives was distinct from that of the primary wife. While they were given the status of a wife, they remained servants and were subject to the authority of the primary wife. This hierarchical structure is evident in the interactions between Sarah and Hagar, as well as between Rachel, Leah, and their maidservants. Theological Implications The narratives involving servant-wives highlight themes of faith, divine promise, and human agency. In the case of Sarah and Hagar, the account underscores the tension between human attempts to fulfill divine promises and God's sovereign plan. Despite Sarah's initiative, God's covenant promise was ultimately fulfilled through Isaac, the son born to Sarah in her old age (Genesis 21:1-3). These accounts also reflect the complexities of family dynamics and the consequences of human actions. The rivalry and strife between Sarah and Hagar, as well as between Rachel and Leah, illustrate the challenges and conflicts that arose from these arrangements. Conclusion The concept of servant-wives in the Bible provides insight into the cultural practices and familial structures of the ancient world. While these practices are not prescribed for contemporary believers, they offer valuable lessons on faith, patience, and reliance on God's timing and promises. Concordance Servant-wives (4 Occurrences)1 Chronicles 3:9 2 Chronicles 11:21 Song of Songs 6:8 Song of Songs 6:9 Thesaurus Servant-wives (4 Occurrences)Servant-wives. Servant-wife, Servant-wives. Servant-woman . Multi-Version Concordance Servant-wives (4 Occurrences). ... /s/servant-wives.htm - 7k Fathered (4 Occurrences) Dearer (4 Occurrences) Servant-woman (7 Occurrences) Servant-wife (12 Occurrences) Flawless (7 Occurrences) Dearest (2 Occurrences) Darling (13 Occurrences) Girls (27 Occurrences) Maidens (40 Occurrences) Resources How many wives did Abraham have? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible truly teach monogamy / monogamous relationships? | GotQuestions.org How many wives did King David have? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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