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H1083 · Hebrew · Old Testament
בִּלְגָּה
Bilgah
Proper Noun
brightness, cheerfulness; a priestly name

Definition

Bilgah (בִּלְגָּה) is a Hebrew name meaning 'brightness,' 'cheerfulness,' or 'gleam of joy,' derived from a root related to gladness and shining. It appears as the name of a priestly division in 1 Chronicles 24:14 — the fifteenth of the twenty-four divisions of priests established by David for temple service. A priest named Bilgah also returned with Zerubbabel from the Babylonian exile (Nehemiah 12:5,18), and the name recurs in Nehemiah's priestly register.

Usage & Theological Significance

While Bilgah as a name has limited doctrinal content, its meaning ('brightness') connects to the larger biblical theme of light and joy in God's presence. The priestly divisions established by David were not arbitrary — they represented organized, continual worship. A priest named 'Brightness' serving in the temple connects to the priestly calling to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 49:6). The faithful ordering of temple ministry, even in small details, reflects the cosmic vision of God's glory filling the earth.

Key Bible Verses

1 Chronicles 24:14 The fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer.
Nehemiah 12:5 Mijamin, Maadiah, Bilgah... among the priests who returned.
Nehemiah 12:18 Of Bilgah's family, Shammua; of Shemaiah's, Jehonathan.
Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
Malachi 2:7 For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the LORD Almighty.

Related Words

External Resources

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