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Bilah and Zilpah are referred to as the נְשֵׁי of Yaakov (Bereshis 37:2). Did he ever technically, formally marry them?

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Ramban, Yayeishev posuk 2, says he married them after the deaths of Rochel and Leah

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thank you, is there a source that he married them before that? Otherwise how does the Ramban explain the word n'shei (referenced in the question)? – not-vram Dec 3 '12 at 17:25
Ramban explains that whilst Rochel and Leah were alive, they were maid servants to them and are referred to as shvochos (37:2)and pilagshim (concubines) (35:22) and only after their deaths did he take them as proper wives. – Raffy Van der Vaart Dec 4 '12 at 10:45
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perhaps this answer is dependent on the answer to this question judaism.stackexchange.com/questions/22576/when-did-leah-die – not-vram Dec 4 '12 at 11:01
per this answer judaism.stackexchange.com/a/22578/2110 it would appear that Leah was alive because Yosef wasn't yet sold. And the pasuk still calls the shefachos "wives". – nikmasi Dec 4 '12 at 14:48

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