זילפה

Zilpah is an ancient and fascinating feminine name, deeply woven into the history of the people of Israel and the patriarchal narratives. The name appears in the Book of Genesis as the name of Leah's maidservant, who was given to Jacob as a wife and became the mother of two of the twelve tribes of Israel - Gad and Asher. Zilpah represents an important figure in the family history of the Jewish people, and despite her status as a maidservant, her children were considered an integral part of Jacob's sons and became leaders of entire tribes. Linguistically, the origin of the name Zilpah is subject to debate among biblical and linguistic scholars. According to one approach, the name derives from the Aramaic root "zalaf" meaning "to drip" or "to flow," and some connect it to the concept of a drop, dripping, and abundance. Another interpretation links the name to the word "zalaf" in the sense of "weakness" or "delicacy," expressing feminine softness and gentleness. Some also see a connection to the Aramaic word "zalaf" meaning "nose" or "nostril," perhaps referring to a physical appearance or characteristic trait. The name carries a nuance of modesty and service, but also of tremendous historical significance, as Zilpah is one of the four matriarchs from whom all the tribes of Israel descended. In Jewish tradition, Zilpah's character receives additional validation and great appreciation. The Midrashic sages tell that Zilpah and Bilhah, the two maidservants, were daughters of Laban from his concubine, and therefore were actually half-sisters to Rachel and Leah. Thus, even when given as maidservants, they had close family blood ties. Zilpah bore Gad and Asher, and the names of her sons reflect her joy and the sense of fortune that accompanied their births. The tribe of Gad became famous for its military valor and strength, while the tribe of Asher was blessed with abundance and wealth, especially in olive oil and the fruits of its land. Through her sons, Zilpah influenced the history of the people of Israel and left an indelible mark on national and spiritual history. The name Zilpah evokes feelings of modesty, dedication, and quiet yet significant contribution to building the nation.

זִילְפָּה

Zilpah | Zilpa | Zilpha

Girl

No

Genesis 30:4-13 - And she gave him Bilhah her maid as a wife, and Jacob went in to her. And Bilhah conceived and bore Jacob a son. Then Rachel said, 'God has judged me, and has also heard my voice and given me a son.' Therefore she called his name Dan. And Bilhah, Rachel's maid, conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. Then Rachel said, 'With mighty wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister and have prevailed.' So she called his name Naphtali. When Leah saw that she had ceased bearing, she took Zilpah her maid and gave her to Jacob as a wife. Then Zilpah, Leah's maid, bore Jacob a son. And Leah said, 'Good fortune has come!' so she called his name Gad. Zilpah, Leah's maid, bore Jacob a second son. And Leah said, 'Happy am I! For women have called me happy.' So she called his name Asher.

In Kabbalah, the name Zilpah symbolizes hidden fertility and spiritual power operating behind the scenes. Zilpah represents quiet and profound influence, the modesty from which both spiritual and physical abundance flows. Through her sons, Gad and Asher, she brings blessing and fortune to the world, and the name carries energy of self-sacrifice and service to a higher purpose.

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בלהה | לאה | רחל | צילה | זלפה | צפורה