Bilhah
Bilhah in the Bible — maid of Laban given to Rachel (GEN 29:29) and wife of Jacob (GEN 30:4). Referenced in 5 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “Bilhan, who is old or confused”
Profile
- Gender
- female
- Scripture References
- 5 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 4 connections
Biography
Bilhah was a female servant of Laban given to Rachel, who later became a wife of Jacob. She played a significant role as a concubine to Jacob, through whom Rachel bore children. Her position highlights the customs and family dynamics in the patriarchal period.
Names & Titles
The name Bilhah may mean simplicity, modesty, or to be without concern, reflecting a possible character trait or status. This proper name is not indicated as given by God and is first mentioned in Genesis 29:29.
Family
Bilhah was the servant of Rachel and became Jacob's wife. She was the mother of Dan and Naphtali, two of Jacob's sons who later became heads of Israelite tribes. These relationships are directly recorded or inferred from Genesis 29:28, 29:29, and 30:4-7.
Significance
Bilhah's role was crucial in the fulfillment of God's promise to Jacob by bearing two sons, Dan and Naphtali, who became tribal patriarchs in Israel. Through her, Rachel was able to have children by proxy, demonstrating the biblical practice of surrogacy within the covenant family. Additionally, the violation of Bilhah by Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, had significant consequences for the birthright, underscoring the importance of family honor and divine blessing in the narrative.
Key Events
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- בִּלְהָה
- Transliteration
- biləhah
- Meaning
- [perhaps] simplicity or modesty or to be without concern
- Greek
- Βαλλαν
- Reference
- GEN 29:29
- Strong's
- H1090a
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bilhah in the Bible?
Bilhah was a female servant of Laban given to Rachel, who later became a wife of Jacob. She played a significant role as a concubine to Jacob, through whom Rachel bore children. Her position highlights the customs and family dynamics in the patriarchal period.
What does the name Bilhah mean?
The name Bilhah means “Bilhan, who is old or confused” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.