### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Tsippôrâh**, represented by `{{H6855}}`, identifies the wife of Moses `{{H4872}}`. The name's base definition is "bird," but in scripture it refers exclusively to Zipporah. It appears only **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, indicating a highly specific and focused role in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Zipporah is first introduced as the **daughter** `{{H1323}}` of the man with whom Moses `{{H4872}}` dwells, who gives her to Moses to be his **wife** `{{H802}}` [[Exodus 2:21]]. Her most prominent appearance occurs in a moment of crisis when she **took** `{{H3947}}` a **sharp stone** `{{H6864}}` and **cut off** `{{H3772}}` the **foreskin** `{{H6190}}` of her **son** `{{H1121}}`. She then **cast** `{{H5060}}` it at his **feet** `{{H7272}}` and **said** `{{H559}}`, "Surely a bloody **husband** `{{H2860}}` art thou to me" [[Exodus 4:25]]. Later, the account mentions that Jethro **took** `{{H3947}}` Zipporah after Moses had sent her back [[Exodus 18:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for Zipporah's story:
* `{{H4872}}` **Môsheh** (Moses): Zipporah is consistently identified by her relationship to **Moses**, the Israelite lawgiver, whom she marries ([[Exodus 2:21]], [[Exodus 18:2]]).
* `{{H802}}` **'ishshâh** (wife): This word defines her primary role in the narrative, as she is explicitly called "Moses' **wife**" [[Exodus 18:2]].
* `{{H1121}}` **ben** (son): Zipporah's decisive action of circumcision is performed on her **son**, highlighting the importance of the covenant applied to family [[Exodus 4:25]].
* `{{H3772}}` **kârath** (to cut): This verb describes Zipporah's action to "**cut off**" her son's foreskin, a term also used biblically to make a covenant ([[Exodus 4:25]], [[Genesis 15:18]]).
* `{{H2860}}` **châthân** (husband, son in law): Zipporah uses this word to declare Moses a "bloody **husband**," linking their marital relationship to the blood of the circumcision covenant [[Exodus 4:25]].
### Theological Significance
The brief account of Zipporah carries significant theological weight:
* **Covenantal Intervention:** Zipporah’s quick action to **cut off** `{{H3772}}` her son's **foreskin** `{{H6190}}` is an act of obedience that underscores the critical nature of God's covenant signs [[Exodus 4:25]].
* **A Protective Role:** As a **wife** `{{H802}}` and mother, Zipporah acts decisively on behalf of her family. Her intervention appears to be a life-saving measure, demonstrating a protective role in a moment of divine crisis [[Exodus 4:25]].
* **The Cost of Covenant:** Her declaration of a "bloody **husband** `{{H2860}}`" connects the marriage relationship to the reality of the covenant of circumcision. Her deed fulfilled a critical requirement, suggesting that relationship with God and His appointed leaders involves serious, non-negotiable obligations [[Exodus 4:25]].
### Summary
In summary, **Tsippôrâh** `{{H6855}}`, though mentioned infrequently, is a pivotal figure. Her identity is interwoven with that of Moses `{{H4872}}`, but her story is defined by her own swift and resolute action in [[Exodus 4:25]]. This single event illustrates the profound importance of covenant faithfulness, the protective role within a family, and the life-and-death gravity of obedience to God's commands.
TRV