Shiphrah
שִׁפְרָה/SHIF-ruh/
“Brightness; beauty; fairness”
Summary
One of the two Hebrew midwives who courageously disobeyed Pharaoh's command to kill male Hebrew infants at birth.
☩Courage Against Pharaoh
Shiphrah was one of two Hebrew midwives (the other being Puah) who were commanded by Pharaoh to kill all male Hebrew infants at birth. Despite the royal decree and at great personal risk, Shiphrah and Puah disobeyed, allowing the boys to live. When questioned by Pharaoh, they claimed the Hebrew women were vigorous and gave birth before the midwives could arrive. Because they feared God and showed this compassion, God blessed them, and Scripture records that He 'made them houses'—giving them families of their own.
Key verses:Exodus 1:15-21
Related Verses1 mention
Exodus· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Shiphrah," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Shiphrah," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).