### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Bilhâh**, represented by `{{H1090}}`, is defined as **timid**. It appears **11 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible. The name is primarily known as that of one of Jacob's concubines, but it is also used to identify a place in Palestine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Bilhâh** is introduced as the **handmaid** `{{H8198}}` that Laban gave to his daughter Rachel [[Genesis 29:29]]. When Rachel was unable to conceive, she gave **Bilhâh** to her husband Jacob as a wife to bear children on her behalf [[Genesis 30:3-4]]. **Bilhâh** conceived and bore two sons for Jacob: Dan and Naphtali ([[Genesis 30:5]], [[Genesis 35:25]]). A significant event in her story is when Jacob's firstborn son, Reuben, lay with **Bilhâh**, his father's **concubine** `{{H6370}}` [[Genesis 35:22]]. Her sons are later mentioned with the sons of Zilpah, who were with Joseph as he fed his father's flock [[Genesis 37:2]]. The name also appears once as a location [[1 Chronicles 4:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words define **Bilhâh's** social and familial status:
* `{{H519}}` **ʼâmâh** (maidservant or female slave): Rachel refers to **Bilhâh** as her **maid** [[Genesis 30:3]]. This term denotes a female servant, as seen when Sarah speaks of casting out the **bondwoman** `{{H519}}` and her son [[Genesis 21:10]].
* `{{H6370}}` **pîylegesh** (a concubine): **Bilhâh** is explicitly identified as Jacob's **concubine** [[Genesis 35:22]]. This status is also seen with Abraham, who gave gifts to the sons of the **concubines** he had [[Genesis 25:6]].
* `{{H802}}` **ʼishshâh** (a woman... wife): Though a handmaid, **Bilhâh** was given to Jacob "to **wife**" [[Genesis 30:4]] and her sons were grouped with the sons of Jacob's other **wives** [[Genesis 37:2]].
* `{{H8198}}` **shiphchâh** (a female slave): This is the term used when Laban gives **Bilhâh** to Rachel as her **handmaid** [[Genesis 29:29]]. It signifies a female slave who is a member of the household, a status referenced in the psalm describing the eyes of a **maiden** looking to her mistress [[Psalms 123:2]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative of `{{H1090}}` **Bilhâh** carries several significant themes related to the patriarchal era.
* **Maternal Surrogacy:** **Bilhâh's** primary role was to bear children for her mistress, Rachel. This is explicitly stated when Rachel says "she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her" [[Genesis 30:3]]. Through this, the tribes of Dan and Naphtali were founded [[Genesis 35:25]].
* **Continuation of the Patriarchal Line:** The sons born to **Bilhâh**, Dan and Naphtali, were counted among the twelve sons of Jacob [[Genesis 35:22]]. Their lineage is recorded as the "sons of **Bilhâh**" ([[Genesis 46:25]], [[1 Chronicles 7:13]]), ensuring their place in the nation of Israel.
* **Familial Status and Tension:** Her story reveals the intricate social dynamics of Jacob's household. She is simultaneously a **handmaid** `{{H8198}}`, a **wife** `{{H802}}`, and a **concubine** `{{H6370}}`. The transgression of Reuben with **Bilhâh** underscores the internal conflicts within the family [[Genesis 35:22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1090}}` **Bilhâh** represents more than just a name meaning **timid**. She is a pivotal, though often quiet, figure in the establishment of Israel. Through her role as Rachel's **handmaid** `{{H8198}}` and Jacob's **concubine** `{{H6370}}`, she became the mother of two of the twelve patriarchs, securing a foundational place in the nation's history. Her story provides insight into the customs of surrogacy and the complex family structures of the patriarchal age, and her name is also recorded as a place in Palestine [[1 Chronicles 4:29]].
TRV