Zilpah
femalePatriarchalMeaning: “A trickling; fragrant drop”
Leah’s handmaid, given to Jacob as a wife; she bore Gad and Asher, founders of two of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Biography
Zilpah was Leah's handmaid, given to Jacob during the sisters' contest for sons. Through her came two more of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Given to Jacob
When Leah paused from bearing, she gave Zilpah to Jacob as a wife (Genesis 30:9). Zilpah bore Gad — "a troop cometh" — and Asher — "happy am I" (Genesis 30:10–13).
Mother of two tribes
Gad and Asher each became a full tribe of Israel, receiving their inheritance among Jacob's sons. Like Bilhah, Zilpah — a servant woman — was drawn into the founding of God's covenant nation, her sons numbered among the twelve forever.
Life Timeline
Given to Jacob; bears Gad
Bears Asher
On the Bible timeline
Zilpah belongs to the The Patriarchs era (c. 2100 – 1800 BC).
- c. 2091 BCThe Call of Abraham
- c. 1898 BCJoseph Sold into Egypt
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Zilpah
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Zilpah appears.
People they appear with
Places in their story
Scripture Appearances
7 verses in 1 bookGenesis7 verses
Genesis 29:24
And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid.
Genesis 30:9
When Leah saw that she had left bearing, she took Zilpah her maid, and gave her Jacob to wife.
Genesis 30:10
And Zilpah Leah's maid bare Jacob a son.
Genesis 30:12
And Zilpah Leah's maid bare Jacob a second son.
Genesis 35:26
And the sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid; Gad, and Asher: these are the sons of Jacob, which were born to him in Padanaram.
Genesis 37:2
These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.
Genesis 46:18
These are the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leah his daughter, and these she bare unto Jacob, even sixteen souls.
Frequently asked about Zilpah
Who was Zilpah in the Bible?
Leah’s handmaid, given to Jacob as a wife; she bore Gad and Asher, founders of two of the twelve tribes of Israel.
What does the name Zilpah mean?
The name Zilpah means “A trickling; fragrant drop”.
Who were Zilpah's children?
Zilpah's children include Gad, Asher.
Where does Zilpah appear in the Bible?
Zilpah is mentioned 7 times across 1 book: Genesis.
What can we learn from Zilpah?
The story of Zilpah touches on themes of zilpah, jacob, leah, betrothal — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Zilpah's life.
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