Bible Dictionary
Bilhah
Bilhah was Rachel’s handmaid and Jacob’s concubine. She bore Dan and Naphtali, and later became involved in Reuben’s serious offense against his father.
Definition
Bilhah was Rachel’s handmaid and Jacob’s concubine. She became the mother of Dan and Naphtali. Her name is explained as “faltering,” “bashful,” or “timid.”
Biblical Usage
Rachel gave Bilhah to Jacob, and Bilhah bore Dan and Naphtali. Later, Reuben’s adultery with Bilhah brought his father’s curse and was connected with his loss of the birthright.
Historical Background
Bilhah belonged to the household of Rachel and Jacob. The supplied material places her in the patriarchal period and identifies her descendants through Dan and Naphtali.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Faltering; bashful, Rachel’s handmaid, whom she gave to Jacob (Gen. 29:29). She was the mother of Dan and Naphtali (Gen. 30:3-8). Reuben was cursed by his father for committing adultry with her (35:22; 49:4). He was deprived of the birth-right, which was given to the sons of Joseph.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(timid, bashful), handmaid of Rachel, (Genesis 29:29) and concubine of Jacob, to whom she bore Dan and Naphtali. (Genesis 30:3-8; 35:25; 46:25; 1 Chronicles 7:13) (B.C 53.)