Bilhah
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Bilhah in the Bible?
Bilhah was a handmaid given by Rachel to her husband, Jacob, to serve as a surrogate mother. She is credited in the Book of Genesis as the mother of Dan and Naphtali.
SIGNIFICANCE
Her narrative clarifies the complex family dynamics and legal mechanisms of lineage inheritance in the Genesis account, showing how concubinage functioned to expand the patriarch's household and secure his legacy.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Bilhah reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Bilhah in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Bilhah clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Bilhah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/bilhah/