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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

Rachel's handmaid, given to Jacob as a concubine to bear children on Rachel's behalf. Through Bilhah, Rachel obtained two sons: Dan and Naphtali. Later, Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, violated her, which resulted in Reuben losing his birthright.

Significance

Bilhah's sons Dan and Naphtali became two of the twelve tribes of Israel, demonstrating God's inclusion of all Jacob's sons in His covenant promises.

Key Events

Given to Jacob by Rachel(Genesis 30:3-4)
Bore Dan to Jacob(Genesis 30:5-6)
Bore Naphtali to Jacob(Genesis 30:7-8)
Violated by Reuben(Genesis 35:22)

Names & Labels (1)

Bilhahproper name
Hebrew
בִּלְהָה
Transliteration
biləhah
Meaning
[perhaps] simplicity or modesty or to be without concern
Greek
Βαλλαν
Reference
GEN 29:29
Strong's
H1090a

Family & Relationships (4)

servant

Rachel(GEN 29:28)

wife

Jacob(GEN 30:4)

mother

Dan(GEN 30:6)
Naphtali(GEN 30:7)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Bilhah in the Bible?

Bilhah is described in the Bible as maid of Laban given to Rachel (GEN 29:29) and wife of Jacob (GEN 30:4).

What does the name Bilhah mean?

The name Bilhah means “Bilhan, who is old or confused” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.

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