Exodus 1:15

KJV

¶ And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one [was] Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714} spake {H559} to the Hebrew {H5680} midwives {H3205}, of which the name {H8034} of the one {H259} was Shiphrah {H8236}, and the name {H8034} of the other {H8145} Puah {H6326}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was called Shifrah and the other Pu'ah.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah,

American Standard Version

And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of whom the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 1:15 introduces a pivotal moment in the escalating oppression of the Israelites in ancient Egypt, marking a direct and sinister shift in Pharaoh's strategy from forced labor to targeted infanticide. This verse details the Egyptian king's personal command to two specific Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, setting the stage for their courageous defiance and God's miraculous intervention to preserve His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the description of a new Pharaoh who "knew not Joseph" and became increasingly fearful of the burgeoning Israelite population, which was "more and mightier" than the Egyptians ([Exodus 1:8-9](/exodus/1-8-9 "Exodus 1:8-9 - The New King and His Fear")). Pharaoh's initial response was to enslave the Hebrews and afflict them with harsh labor, building store cities like Pithom and Raamses ([Exodus 1:11-14](/exodus/1-11-14 "Exodus 1:11-14 - Israel's Hard Bondage")). However, this strategy proved ineffective as the Israelites continued to multiply. Exodus 1:15 thus represents a dark escalation in Pharaoh's genocidal intent, moving from economic oppression to a direct assault on the very existence of the Israelite people, specifically targeting their male offspring. The naming of the midwives sets them up as key figures in the unfolding narrative of divine deliverance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, midwives played a crucial role in childbirth, often holding positions of respect and trust within their communities. They possessed intimate knowledge of families and households. Pharaoh's direct address to the midwives, bypassing his male officials, underscores the calculated and desperate nature of his plan. It reveals his understanding that controlling the population required access to the most private and vulnerable moments of life. Infanticide, particularly of male children, was a common strategy in ancient warfare and population control, aimed at preventing the growth of a rival group or eliminating a perceived threat. This historical backdrop highlights the gravity of Pharaoh's decree and the immense courage required for the midwives to defy such a powerful ruler.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 1:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Sovereignty amidst Human Oppression**. Despite Pharaoh's absolute power and his evil designs, God's plan for His people's growth and deliverance cannot be thwarted. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **Faithful Resistance to Unjust Authority**. The naming of Shiphrah and Puah foreshadows their subsequent act of defiance, highlighting how individuals, even those in seemingly humble positions, can become instruments of God's will by choosing obedience to Him over obedience to wicked human decrees. This sets the stage for the larger narrative of God's deliverance of Israel from bondage, a story that begins not with a mighty army, but with the quiet courage of two women, as further elaborated in [Exodus 1:17-21](/exodus/1-17-21 "Exodus 1:17-21 - The Midwives' Faith and Reward").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **king (Hebrew, _melek'_):** This word (H4428) refers to a monarch or ruler. In this context, it emphasizes the absolute authority and power of Pharaoh, whose word was law in ancient Egypt. His direct engagement with the midwives underscores the gravity and official nature of his genocidal decree, emanating from the highest seat of power.
* **spake (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** The verb (H559) signifies "to say" or "to command." Its use here highlights Pharaoh's direct communication and the issuing of a specific, deliberate order. This was not an indirect policy but a personal instruction, making the midwives' subsequent defiance a direct act of rebellion against the highest authority.
* **midwives (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** Derived from a primitive root (H3205) meaning "to bear young" or "to beget," and causatively, "to act as midwife." This term precisely identifies the women's profession and their intimate role in the birthing process. Pharaoh's targeting of midwives demonstrates his strategic understanding of where to strike to control the Israelite population, recognizing their unique access and influence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives":** This opening clause immediately establishes the central conflict and the key players. Pharaoh, the absolute ruler of Egypt, initiates a direct conversation with the Hebrew midwives. This direct address is significant, indicating the personal and calculated nature of his genocidal plan, as he seeks to leverage their intimate role in the community.
* **"of which the name of the one [was] Shiphrah":** This part of the verse specifically names the first of the two midwives. The act of naming individuals in ancient texts often signifies their importance and foreshadows their significant role in the unfolding narrative. Shiphrah is not an anonymous figure but a named participant, setting her apart for her coming actions.
* **"and the name of the other Puah":** Similarly, the second midwife is also named. The explicit naming of both Shiphrah and Puah elevates them from mere background characters to courageous individuals who will soon play a pivotal role in subverting Pharaoh's wicked decree. Their individual identities are highlighted, emphasizing their personal responsibility and eventual faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 1:15 employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the naming of Shiphrah and Puah and Pharaoh's direct command immediately hint at the crucial role these women will play in the narrative, setting the stage for their courageous defiance in the following verses. This personal address and naming elevate them from anonymous figures to agents of God's plan. There is also a subtle **Irony** at play: Pharaoh, in his attempt to control and diminish the Israelites, unwittingly sets in motion the very events that will lead to their miraculous deliverance and his own downfall. His desperate measure to prevent Israel's growth ultimately highlights God's power to multiply His people even under duress. Furthermore, the use of **Onomastics** (the study of names) is significant. While not explicitly explained in the text, the names themselves carry potential meaning. Shiphrah (H8236) might relate to "beauty" or "to be fruitful," ironically contrasting Pharaoh's intent to prevent fruitfulness. Puah (H6326) could be linked to "to groan" or "to cry out," perhaps reflecting the sounds of childbirth or the cries of the oppressed, further deepening the narrative's emotional resonance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 1:15 serves as a profound theological statement on God's unwavering sovereignty and His active involvement in human history, even in the face of the most oppressive regimes. Pharaoh's decree, intended to eradicate the Israelite male population and thus destroy God's covenant people, instead becomes the very catalyst for God's dramatic intervention and the raising up of deliverers. This verse underscores that no human power, however absolute, can ultimately thwart God's redemptive purposes. It also highlights the divine value placed on human life, particularly the vulnerable, and the moral imperative to resist unjust commands that violate God's law. The naming of the midwives emphasizes God's ability to use seemingly ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary acts of faithfulness and courage, setting a precedent for obedience to God over human authority.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "God's Plans Prevail"): "The LORD brings the counsel of the heathen to nought: he makes the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the LORD stands for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations."
* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Obeying God Rather Than Men"): "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "God Chooses the Weak"): "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 1:15 offers a powerful and enduring lesson for believers today. It reminds us that even in the darkest periods of oppression and fear, God is actively at work, often through unexpected means and seemingly ordinary individuals. The specific naming of Shiphrah and Puah, two women in a vulnerable position, foreshadows their incredible courage and faithfulness in defying a tyrannical ruler. This passage challenges us to consider where our ultimate allegiance lies: with human authority or with divine will. When human laws or commands directly conflict with God's moral standards, this narrative calls us to a courageous, God-fearing resistance. It encourages us to recognize that our faithfulness, however small it may seem, can be a vital part of God's grand redemptive plan. Furthermore, it instills confidence that God will always protect and preserve His people, even when faced with overwhelming odds, ensuring the continuation of His covenant promises and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Pharaoh's fear-driven decree in this verse reflect similar patterns of oppression or injustice in our world today?**
* **What does the specific naming of Shiphrah and Puah teach us about God's regard for individuals, even those in seemingly humble positions?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be called to exercise courage and faithfulness, choosing to obey God even when it conflicts with societal pressures or human expectations?**
* **How does this verse, as the beginning of God's counter-strategy, strengthen your trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to work through difficult circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why did Pharaoh speak directly to the Hebrew midwives?**

Answer: Pharaoh bypassed his usual male officials and spoke directly to the Hebrew midwives because they held a unique and intimate position, giving them direct access to and influence over the birthing process. This direct address highlights his desperate and calculated attempt to control the Israelite population growth at its most vulnerable point, recognizing their crucial role in his genocidal plan. He understood that to effectively implement his decree of infanticide, he needed the cooperation of those who literally held life in their hands.

**What is the significance of the midwives' names, Shiphrah and Puah?**

Answer: The specific naming of Shiphrah and Puah elevates them from anonymous figures to individuals of importance in the biblical narrative. In ancient texts, naming often signifies character, destiny, or a pivotal role. While the text doesn't explicitly explain their names, *Shiphrah* (H8236) may relate to "beauty" or "fruitfulness," ironically contrasting Pharaoh's intent to prevent fruitfulness. *Puah* (H6326) could be linked to "to groan" or "to cry out," perhaps reflecting the sounds of childbirth or the cries of the oppressed. Their individual naming foreshadows their courageous and pivotal role in defying Pharaoh's decree, as detailed in [Exodus 1:17-21](/exodus/1-17-21 "Exodus 1:17-21 - The Midwives' Faith and Reward"), demonstrating God's use of specific individuals in His redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 1:15, with Pharaoh's attempt to eradicate Israelite male children, serves as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate genocidal attempt against God's people and, specifically, against the Messiah. Just as God preserved the lineage through the faithfulness of the midwives and later Moses, so too did He meticulously preserve the line leading to Christ, culminating in Herod's chillingly similar decree to kill all male children in Bethlehem and its vicinity, in an attempt to eliminate the infant Jesus ([Matthew 2:16](/matthew/2-16 "Matthew 2:16 - Herod's Massacre of the Innocents")). This verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His redemptive plan, ensuring the advent of the true Deliverer. The ultimate triumph over the forces of oppression and death is found in Jesus Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who through His own birth, life, death, and resurrection, secured eternal life and deliverance for all who believe, fulfilling the promise of a seed that would crush the serpent's head ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.