זִלְפָּה (zil.pah)
zil.pah
Zilpah
N:N-F-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-F-P
Word Overview
The name Zilpah appears seven times in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively within the narrative of Genesis. It identifies a specific woman who served as a handmaid to Leah, one of Jacob’s wives. The sources indicate her name means "a trickling," likely referring to water or perhaps tears, though the text itself does not elaborate on this etymology beyond the definition.
Zilpah is introduced in Genesis 29:24 when Laban gives her to Leah as part of the marriage arrangement. Later, she becomes a concubine to Jacob. Her primary role in the genealogical record is as the mother of two sons, Gad and Asher, who become tribes of Israel. The text mentions her primarily in lists of descendants or when describing the movement of Jacob’s household.
Her presence highlights the complex family dynamics of the patriarchal period. As a handmaid given to Leah, she represents the social structures of fertility and status in that era. The sources note her as a Syrian, connecting her origin to Laban’s household. Her story is brief but significant for establishing the lineage of two Israelite tribes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Zilpah’s name means "trickling," a quiet image that might suggest water or perhaps tears. In the complex family of Jacob, she was given as a servant to Leah, yet she became a mother to two tribes, Gad and Asher. Her story reminds us that God sees those who often stand in the background of history.
Even when social structures seem rigid, God weaves unexpected hope into every life. Zilpah’s sons are listed among the twelve tribes, showing that no one is overlooked in God’s plan. We can take comfort knowing that our own quiet faithfulness matters deeply to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zilpah7×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זִלְפָּ֛ה2×
- זִלְפָּ֖ה2×
- זִלְפָּה֙1×
- זִלְפָּ֣ה1×
- זִלְפָּ֔ה1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 29:24
Laban gave Zilpah his servant to his daughter Leah for a servant.
This verse introduces Zilpah into the narrative, showing her initial role as a servant given in marriage.
-
Genesis 30:10
Zilpah, Leah’s servant, bore Jacob a son.
Here Zilpah bears a son, marking her transition from servant to mother of a future tribe.
-
Genesis 35:26
The sons of Zilpah (Leah’s servant): Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan Aram.
This summary confirms Gad and Asher as her sons, solidifying her place in Israel’s lineage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Zilpah in the Bible?
What does the name Zilpah mean?
Why is Zilpah important in Genesis?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 1 books)
Genesis 7 verses
Laban gave Zilpah his servant to his daughter Leah for a servant.
Genesis 30:9When Leah saw that she had finished bearing, she took Zilpah, her servant, and gave her to Jacob as a wife.
Genesis 30:10Zilpah, Leah’s servant, bore Jacob a son.
Genesis 30:12Zilpah, Leah’s servant, bore Jacob a second son.
Genesis 35:26The sons of Zilpah (Leah’s servant): Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan Aram.
Genesis 37:2This is the history of the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his…
Genesis 46:18These are the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leah, his daughter, and these she bore to Jacob, even sixteen souls.