Who gave birth to Lilith in the Bible?

Over the centuries, Lilith has become a prominent figure in literature, art, and popular culture, sometimes portrayed as a dangerous seductress, sometimes as a symbol of independence. But what does the Bible actually say about Lilith? Who, if anyone, gave birth to her according to Scripture? To answer these questions, we need to explore the origins of the Lilith legend, examine the relevant biblical passages, and consider how later traditions have shaped her story.

Lilith in the Bible: Sparse References

Surprisingly, the name Lilith appears only once in most translations of the Bible, and even then, the reference is ambiguous. In Isaiah 34:14, some English translations mention Lilith or “the night creature” as part of a prophecy describing the desolation of Edom:
“Wildcats shall meet with hyenas, goat-demons shall call to each other; there too Lilith shall repose, and find a place to rest.” (Isaiah 34:14, NRSV)

Other translations render the name as “night monster,” “screech owl,” or simply “night bird.” The Hebrew word used is “lilit” (לִילִית), which seems to refer to a female night demon or spirit in ancient Near Eastern mythology. Importantly, Isaiah’s use of “Lilith” is poetic and symbolic, and the passage does not provide any information about her origins, lineage, or birth.

No Birth Story in Scripture

Contrary to popular belief and many fictional accounts, the Bible does not describe Lilith as a woman created by God, nor does it attribute her existence to any particular parent or creator. There is no passage in the canonical books of the Old or New Testament that recounts Lilith’s birth or presents her as a character with a backstory. The single reference in Isaiah is brief, metaphorical, and does not establish Lilith as a historical or genealogical figure.

The Roots of the Lilith Legend

If the Bible does not give us a story of Lilith’s birth, where does the legend come from? The figure of Lilith has far deeper roots in ancient Mesopotamian mythology. Sumerian, Akkadian, and Babylonian texts reference female night spirits called “Lilitu,” who were believed to haunt desolate places and threaten infants and pregnant women. These mythological beings were gradually incorporated into Jewish folklore, especially during the period of the Babylonian exile.

In post-biblical Jewish tradition, particularly in the Talmud and later mystical writings like the Alphabet of Ben Sira (c. 8th-10th century CE), Lilith is depicted as Adam’s first wife—created from the same earth as Adam, before Eve. According to these non-biblical stories, Lilith left Adam because she refused to be subservient, and she became a demon associated with the night. However, these tales are not found in the Bible and reflect later interpretive and imaginative expansions on the sparse biblical mention.

Lilith in Later Interpretations

The story of Lilith as Adam’s first wife gained traction in medieval Jewish literature and was later adopted and adapted by various writers, artists, and occult traditions. In these works, Lilith is sometimes described as being created independently, without parents, or as a being brought into existence by God alongside Adam. Other legends suggest she was formed from the same clay as Adam, but again, these accounts are not biblical.

In Christian tradition, Lilith is largely absent, and she does not appear in the canonical texts of the New Testament. Some Gnostic and esoteric writings briefly reference her, but these are outside mainstream Christian doctrine.

Why the Confusion?

The confusion about Lilith’s origins often arises from the blending of ancient mythologies, folklore, and isolated biblical references. Over time, interpreters seeking to fill gaps in the Genesis creation account (such as the two creation stories in Genesis 1 and 2) wove Lilith into the narrative as a way to explain these ambiguities. However, the Bible itself is silent on Lilith’s birth or family, and she remains an enigmatic figure on its periphery.

Conclusion: No Biblical Birth for Lilith

To conclude, the Bible does not provide an account of Lilith’s birth, nor does it describe her as a daughter or creation of any biblical character. The single reference in Isaiah is metaphorical and likely alludes to ancient myths rather than an actual genealogy.