### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Zilpâh**, represented by `{{H2153}}`, is a personal name meaning "fragrant dropping." It is derived from a root that suggests trickling, like myrrh. The name appears **7 times** in **7 unique verses**, exclusively identifying **Zilpah**, the maid of Leah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2153}}` is central to the account of Jacob's family. Zilpah is first introduced when Laban gives her to his daughter Leah as a **maid** [[Genesis 29:24]]. When Leah believed she could no longer have children, she gave **Zilpah** to Jacob as a **wife** to bear children on her behalf [[Genesis 30:9]]. Following this, **Zilpah** bore Jacob two sons ([[Genesis 30:10]], [[Genesis 30:12]]). These sons, Gad and Asher, are listed among the sons of Jacob born in Padanaram [[Genesis 35:26]]. A later census confirms that **Zilpah** was given to Leah by Laban and that her descendants numbered sixteen souls [[Genesis 46:18]]. Her sons are also mentioned as being with Joseph while he tended the flocks [[Genesis 37:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for Zilpah's identity and role:
* `{{H3812}}` **Lêʼâh** (weary; Leah, a wife of Jacob): Zilpah's story is inextricably linked to **Leah**, her mistress. **Leah** received Zilpah from her father [[Genesis 29:24]] and later gave her to Jacob to ensure the continuation of her line [[Genesis 30:9]].
* `{{H8198}}` **shiphchâh** (a female slave... handmaid): This term defines Zilpah's social standing. She is consistently referred to as Leah's **handmaid** or **maid** ([[Genesis 29:24]], [[Genesis 35:26]]), a status that dictated her life and actions within the household.
* `{{H802}}` **ʼishshâh** (a woman... wife): While beginning as a handmaid, Zilpah's status changed when she was given to Jacob to be his **wife** [[Genesis 30:9]]. The narrative later acknowledges her sons as being from one of Jacob's **wives** [[Genesis 37:2]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative surrounding `{{H2153}}` carries significant weight in understanding the formation of Israel.
* **Building the House of Israel:** Zilpah's role was instrumental in fulfilling the promise of a great nation. Through her, two of the patriarchs of Israel's tribes, Gad and Asher, were born to Jacob [[Genesis 35:26]]. This demonstrates how individuals in subservient roles were used to accomplish a divine plan.
* **Patriarchal Family Structure:** The account highlights the complex family dynamics and social customs of the time. Zilpah, as a **handmaid** `{{H8198}}`, becomes a surrogate for her mistress, **Leah** `{{H3812}}`, an action initiated by Leah herself [[Genesis 30:9]].
* **Inclusion in the Covenant Line:** Despite her status as a handmaid, Zilpah's sons are fully counted as sons of Jacob [[Genesis 35:26]] and their descendants are included in the census of those who came to Jacob [[Genesis 46:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2153}}` represents more than a name; it signifies a pivotal figure in the Genesis narrative. As **Zilpah**, Leah's handmaid, her story is one of servitude and surrogacy, yet she becomes a matriarch of two tribes of Israel. Her life illustrates the intricate and often unconventional ways through which the lineage of Jacob was established, showing her essential role in the foundation of the Israelite nation.
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