Shiphrah שִׁפְרָה
Hebrew midwife who feared God and disobeyed Pharaoh.
Who is Shiphrah in the Bible?
Shiphrah was a Hebrew midwife mentioned in Exodus 1:15 who, along with her fellow midwife Puah, demonstrated remarkable faith and courage by defying Pharaoh's brutal command to kill all male babies born to Hebrew women. When the Egyptian king ordered them to commit infanticide, Shiphrah and Puah feared God more than they feared Pharaoh and allowed the boys to live, preserving the lives of countless Hebrew children including Moses. When confronted by Pharaoh about their disobedience, they gave a clever explanation that Hebrew women gave birth quickly before the midwives could arrive. Because of their faithfulness and moral courage, God blessed them with families of their own. Shiphrah's actions exemplify how faith in God can compel believers to stand against unjust authority and become instruments of deliverance for God's people.
Biography
Shiphrah is mentioned in Exo.1.15 as one of the two Hebrew midwives, along with Puah, who were ordered by the king of Egypt to kill any male children born to Hebrew women. However, Shiphrah and Puah feared God and did not follow Pharaoh's command. Instead, they allowed the male children to live. When questioned by Pharaoh about why they let the boys live, they cleverly replied that Hebrew women gave birth quickly before the midwives could arrive. Because of their faith and courage, God blessed Shiphrah and Puah, giving them families of their own. Their actions were instrumental in preserving the lives of Hebrew boys, including Moses, who would later lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentExodus 1 verse
- Exodus 1:15
"Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah,"
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שִׁפְרָה |