This paper outlines an investigation into three instances within the Babylonian Talmud where biblical stories of sexual encounters are interpreted as multi-coital events involving figures like King David, Bathsheba, Zimri, Cozbi, Sisera, and Jael. Despite the absence of explicit descriptions of sexual encounters in the Bible, the Talmud confidently asserts the occurrence of multiple acts of coitus in each case, without explaining how this interpretation contributes to understanding the narratives. The study aims to elucidate a common theme across these episodes, positing that the motif of “sex as power” underpins the Talmud’s unconventional assertions. It argues that male biblical characters utilized their supposed multi-coital abilities as a means of showcasing dominance and power over others, circumventing physiological constraints to assert control. The concept of “sex as power” frames sexual activity as a tool for asserting dominance, control, or influence, with individuals leveraging their sexual prowess to achieve specific objectives. In these instances, women serve as passive recipients, while men use sexual performance as a strategic display of status and dominance.
By contextualizing these episodes within their broader biblical and rabbinic discourse, the study examines the background of each narrative, introduces Talmudic interpretations of multiple coital acts, and explores their alignment with the motif of “sex as power.” It concludes by addressing the inflated nature of the Talmud’s assertions within the literary convention of “stock” numbers, providing insight into the interpretive lens through which these stories are understood.