bilhah: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely RareFormal / Archaic / Biblical
Quick answer
What does “bilhah” mean?
A proper noun, primarily a female given name of Hebrew origin, appearing in the Hebrew Bible as the name of a handmaid of Rachel.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun, primarily a female given name of Hebrew origin, appearing in the Hebrew Bible as the name of a handmaid of Rachel.
In modern usage, it is an extremely rare given name, occasionally used in religious or historical contexts. It has no established extended or metaphorical meanings in contemporary English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage, spelling, or pronunciation. The name is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Biblical, historical, archaic.
Frequency
Virtually never encountered in everyday language in either variety.
Grammar
How to Use “bilhah” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] (subject/object of sentence)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological, biblical studies, or historical onomastics (study of names).
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bilhah”
- Misspelling as 'Billa', 'Bilhahh'.
- Attempting to use it as a common noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is an English transliteration of a Hebrew proper name, used in English-language biblical and historical texts.
While possible, it is extremely rare as a contemporary given name outside specific religious communities.
In Hebrew, it is often interpreted as meaning 'timid' or 'bashful', though etymologies for ancient names can be uncertain.
The standard anglicized pronunciation is /ˈbɪlhɑː/, with stress on the first syllable and a long 'a' sound at the end.
A proper noun, primarily a female given name of Hebrew origin, appearing in the Hebrew Bible as the name of a handmaid of Rachel.
Bilhah is usually formal / archaic / biblical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Bill' paid for a 'ha' (laugh) from his biblical handmaid, Bilhah.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Proper noun).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the name 'Bilhah' most likely to be encountered?