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Lilith

Lilith is a figure in Jewish mythology and later folklore, often portrayed as a night demon or dangerous female spirit.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Lilith is a figure in Jewish mythology and later folklore, often portrayed as a night demon or dangerous female spirit. In the Hebrew Bible, the related Hebrew word *lilit* appears only once, in Isaiah 34:14, while the well-known story of Lilith as Adam’s first wife is a much later medieval tradition rather than a biblical one. Lilith appears in English Bible translations, religious studies, and literature read by Canadian audiences, and she is also a recurring figure in modern feminist and pop-culture interpretation.

Biblical references

The Hebrew term *lilit* appears once in the Hebrew Bible, in Isaiah 34:14. In this passage, it is listed among creatures inhabiting desolate places. Translations vary, often rendering it as 'night creature' or 'demon.' The biblical text does not develop Lilith as a character or connect her to Adam.

Origins and development

Lilith's earliest origins are commonly traced to Mesopotamian demonology. In ancient Mesopotamian traditions, similar female demons were associated with night, storms, and harm to women and infants. These traditions influenced later Jewish folklore, which expanded the figure into a more developed mythic character.

Medieval folklore

In medieval Jewish sources, such as the Alphabet of Ben Sira, Lilith is portrayed as Adam's first wife. According to this tradition, she was created at the same time as Adam but refused to be subordinate to him, leading her to leave the Garden of Eden. This story is not found in the biblical Book of Genesis and is a product of later legend.

Symbolic meanings

Lilith has been interpreted in various ways across religious, literary, and modern cultural contexts. In traditional folklore, she often symbolizes danger, the night, and wilderness. In more recent interpretations, particularly in feminist and pop-culture contexts, she has been seen as a symbol of rebellion, sexuality, and female independence. These meanings are interpretive and vary across sources.

Key facts

  • Lilith is not a named character in the Hebrew Bible narrative of Genesis.
  • The Hebrew word *lilit* appears once in Isaiah 34:14, where translations vary.
  • Ancient Mesopotamian traditions associated similar figures with female demons and night spirits.
  • In medieval Jewish sources, Lilith became known as Adam’s first wife who left him and the Garden of Eden.
  • Later folklore often cast Lilith as a demon associated with harm to women and infants.
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Canadian context

Lilith appears in English Bible translations, religious studies, and literature read by Canadian audiences, and she is also a recurring figure in modern feminist and pop-culture interpretation.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Lilith in the Bible?
Lilith is not a biblical character in Genesis. The Hebrew word *lilit* appears once in Isaiah 34:14, where it is associated with desolation and translated variously as a night creature or demon.
What is the story of Lilith?
The best-known story comes from later Jewish folklore: Lilith was said to be Adam’s first wife, who refused subordination and left the Garden of Eden. That story is medieval, not a Genesis account.
Is Lilith Adam's first wife?
In later Jewish tradition, yes; in the Bible, no. Genesis does not name Lilith, and the Adam’s-first-wife story appears in later folklore and mystical writings.
What does Lilith symbolize?
Lilith can symbolize danger, the night, wilderness, rebellion, sexuality, or female independence, depending on the tradition. These meanings are interpretive and vary across sources.
Where did Lilith come from?
Lilith’s earliest background is usually traced to Mesopotamian demonology, especially night- or wind-demon traditions, which later influenced Jewish folklore.
Is Lilith a demon or a goddess?
In most traditional sources, Lilith is treated as a demon or night spirit rather than a goddess. Some modern reinterpretations elevate her to a symbolic or divine figure, but that is not the standard historical view.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilith
    Supports: States that Lilith is a feminine figure in Jewish mythology and that the Hebrew Bible does not present her as a biblical character, while noting the Isaiah 34:14 occurrence.
  2. Biblical Archaeology Society — https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/people-in-the-bible/lilith/
    Supports: Explains Lilith’s Babylonian demonological background and the later medieval tradition identifying her as Adam’s first wife.
  3. Biblical Archaeology Society — https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/hebrew-bible/lilith-in-the-bible-and-mythology/
    Supports: Describes Lilith’s Mesopotamian origins, Isaiah 34:14 mention, and later Jewish development of the Adam’s-first-wife tradition.
  4. Bible Gateway — https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/encyclopedia-of-the-bible/Lilith
    Supports: Summarizes the Isaiah 34:14 usage, possible translation as a night creature, and later Talmudic/legendary portrayals of Lilith.
  5. New World Encyclopedia — https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Lilith
    Supports: Provides a broad overview of Lilith as a female demon figure in Mesopotamian and Jewish traditions, including the Adam’s-first-wife motif.
  6. Aish — https://www.aish.com/lilith-the-real-story/
    Supports: States that the only scriptural reference is Isaiah 34:14 and that the Adam’s-first-wife narrative is not in the biblical text.