feminine from an unused root meaning to spread out (as a family; see מִשְׁפָּחָה); a female slave (as a member of the household); (bond-, hand-) maid(-en, -servant), wench, bondwoman, womanservant.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shiphchâh**, represented by `{{H8198}}`, is a term for a **female slave** or **maidservant**. It appears **63 times** across **58 unique verses** in the Bible. The term primarily denotes a woman in a state of servitude as a member of a household and is translated as **handmaid**, **bondwoman**, **maidservant**, or **wench**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H8198}}` defines a woman’s social and familial role. A **maidservant** was often part of a wealthy household's assets, listed alongside livestock and menservants as a sign of prosperity ([[Genesis 12:16]], [[Genesis 30:43]]). The term is central to the patriarchal stories, where handmaids were given as part of a dowry and could bear children for their mistresses, as with Hagar, Zilpah, and Bilhah ([[Genesis 16:1]], [[Genesis 29:24]], [[Genesis 29:29]]). Women also used the term "thine **handmaid**" to express deference and humility when addressing a person of higher rank, such as a king or prophet ([[Ruth 2:13]], [[2 Kings 4:16]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the social structure surrounding a **shiphchâh**:
* `{{H5650}}` **ʻebed** (servant): The direct male counterpart. They are frequently mentioned together as "menservants and maidservants" or "bondmen and bondwomen," indicating a parallel status within a household or in servitude ([[Genesis 24:35]], [[Deuteronomy 28:68]]).
* `{{H1404}}` **gᵉbereth** (mistress): The female head of the household who holds authority over the **maidservant**. This hierarchical relationship is stated directly in passages like [[Isaiah 24:2]] ("as with the **maid**, so with her **mistress**") and is the basis of the conflict between Hagar and her **mistress** Sarai [[Genesis 16:8]].
* `{{H113}}` **ʼâdôwn** (lord, master): The male head of the household. A **handmaid** would refer to him as "my **lord**" to show respect and submission ([[Genesis 32:5]], [[1 Samuel 25:27]]).
* `{{H519}}` **ʼâmâh** (maidservant or female slave): A similar term for a female slave. In one instance, a woman uses both words, offering to be an **ʻâmâh** (handmaid) who acts as a **shiphchâh** (servant), highlighting the nuances of servitude [[1 Samuel 25:41]].
### Theological Significance
The social and theological weight of `{{H8198}}` is significant, reflecting its role in law, social order, and prophecy.
* **Social & Economic Status:** Being a **bondwoman** represented a low social position. Being sold into servitude was part of a divine curse for disobedience [[Deuteronomy 28:68]], while owning them was a mark of wealth [[Ecclesiastes 2:7]]. The term is used to illustrate a complete societal upheaval where the servant-mistress hierarchy is leveled [[Isaiah 24:2]].
* **Legal Standing:** The status of a **bondmaid** was addressed in the law. [[Leviticus 19:20]] provides specific regulations concerning a betrothed **bondmaid**, distinguishing her legal rights from those of a free person. Breaking a covenant to free a **handmaid** was considered a pollution of God's name [[Jeremiah 34:16]].
* **Prophetic Inclusion:** The term is elevated in a significant divine promise. God declares that He will pour out His spirit "upon the **servants** and upon the **handmaids**" [[Joel 2:29]], including those of the lowest social standing in His future spiritual blessing.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8198}}` is far more than a simple label for a female slave. It is a word that defines a critical component of the ancient household, economy, and social hierarchy. It is used to denote wealth, show humility, and establish legal status. From the handmaids who became mothers of the tribes of Israel to their inclusion in God’s ultimate outpouring of His spirit, the role of the **shiphchâh** is woven into the fabric of the biblical narrative, illustrating both the rigid social structures of the time and the expansive reach of divine promise.
TRV