Lilith
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Lilith in the Bible?
Lilith appears in Isaiah 34:14 as a desert creature, likely an owl or night monster, and in later Jewish tradition as a female demon associated with Adam's first wife.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Lilith clarifies the evolution of ancient Hebrew cosmology and distinguishes between literal biblical descriptions of wilderness spirits and later midrashic expansions on Genesis.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Lilith. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Lilith in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Lilith clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Isaiah 34:14
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
"Lilith." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/lilith/