The breakdown of the relationship between a Levite and his concubine sets the stage for one of the most tragic episodes in biblical history. Their separation is far from a routine departure; it is driven by a deep conflict that fundamentally fractures their household, though the exact nature of the woman's offense is a matter of significant discussion.
The primary approach among commentators is that her departure did not involve sexual immorality or a legal violation. Instead, her action was simply one of turning away and leaving. She removed herself from her husband's presence, abandoning his home to return to her father's house ([מצודת דוד], [מצודת ציון], [אברבנאל], [שטיינזלץ]). This perspective is supported by her subsequent actions: had she been seeking illicit relationships, she would have pursued other men, yet she chose only the refuge of her father's home ([מלבי״ם]).
On the other hand, some suggest a more literal betrayal, arguing that she actually did leave to pursue other relationships ([רש״י], [רד״ק]). Because she was a concubine without formal marriage contracts, she acted unfaithfully. This betrayal was brazen; she acted openly and disrespectfully right in front of him, perhaps even while still living under his roof ([רד״ק]).
A third perspective views her actions primarily as an expression of contempt and rebellion against her husband's will ([רד״ק], [מלבי״ם], [חומת אנך]). According to early tradition, the rift grew from a harsh domestic dispute sparked by the husband's extreme strictness. He reportedly found a minor flaw in his food, such as a fly or a hair, and reacted with intense anger. Driven away by his fury, she rebelled against him and left ([מצודת ציון]).
After leaving, she remained at her father's house for a specific period, though the exact length of her stay is debated. Some commentators calculate the time as a full year and four months, interpreting the biblical phrasing of "days" to mean a complete year ([מצודת ציון], [רד״ק]). Others understand the timeframe more simply, concluding that she stayed with her father for exactly four months before the narrative continues ([רד״ק], [שטיינזלץ]).