Paramour
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Paramour in the Bible?
The Hebrew term for 'paramour' appears in Ezekiel 23:20 to describe a male lover, while in other biblical contexts it is translated as 'concubine,' generally denoting an extramarital romantic or sexual relationship.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this term clarifies the specific nature of the idolatrous alliances condemned in Ezekiel, helping readers distinguish between the metaphorical 'lovers' representing foreign nations and the literal sexual immorality associated with covenant violation.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Paramour. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Paramour in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Paramour clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Ezekiel 23:20
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Paramour." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/paramour/