Wench
TextsWhat is the meaning of Wench in the Bible?
In the King James Version of 2 Samuel 17:17, the word 'wench' translates the Hebrew noun shiphchah, referring to a female servant or slave. This lexical choice reflects early modern English usage rather than contemporary semantic conventions, and the term is now considered obsolete in modern biblical scholarship.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing that 'wench' denotes a female servant or slave clarifies the social status of the individuals involved in the narrative. This distinction separates them from free women, providing accurate historical context for the events described in the biblical text.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Wench in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Wench clarify?
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.