The Hebrew word Shiphrâh, represented by H8236, is a proper name identifying an Israelitess. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire biblical text. Its base definition is simply the name itself, "Shiphrah."
In the biblical narrative, H8236 is used to name one of two Hebrew midwives at the beginning of the book of Exodus. The king of Egypt spoke to these midwives, identifying Shiphrah by name along with her colleague, Puah Exodus 1:15. This single mention places her at a critical juncture in the story of Israel's oppression in Egypt, where the king is issuing commands directly to those responsible for childbirth among the Hebrew people.
Several related words from the context of Shiphrah's appearance provide a deeper understanding of her role:
- H3205 yâlad (to act as midwife): This word defines Shiphrah's profession. It is a primitive root meaning "to bear young" and is used in contexts of bringing forth children Genesis 3:16 and even for the promise of a child to be born Isaiah 9:6.
- H5680 ʻIbrîy (Hebrew): This word establishes Shiphrah's ethnic and covenantal identity. It is used to identify the people of God when interacting with foreign powers, such as when Moses and Aaron approach Pharaoh on behalf of the "God of the Hebrews" Exodus 10:3.
- H4428 melek (a king): This term identifies the source of the command given to Shiphrah. While it denotes a human ruler like the king of Egypt Exodus 1:15, it is also used to describe the Lord as the ultimate King over all the earth Zechariah 14:9.
- H8034 shêm (an appellation): This word signifies a name, which serves as a "memorial of individuality" and implies "honor, authority, character." The Bible gives Shiphrah a name, preserving her identity in the narrative. The term is also used in reference to God's own holy name Isaiah 57:15 and his people being called by it 2 Chronicles 7:14.
The single mention of Shiphrah carries significant weight within its narrative context.
- Individual Identity in a National Crisis: By recording her name H8034, the scripture elevates Shiphrah from an anonymous subject to a specific individual. Her identity as a Hebrew H5680 is explicitly contrasted with the authority of the king H4428 of Egypt H4714 Exodus 1:15.
- A Role Centered on Life: Shiphrah's profession as a midwife H3205 places her at the heart of Israel's survival. The root word for her role, yâlad, is tied directly to the bearing of children and the continuation of lineage, a central theme in the covenant promises.
- Confrontation of Authority: The scene in Exodus 1:15 establishes a direct interaction between a powerful earthly king H4428 and a Hebrew H5680 woman. This highlights a recurring biblical theme where individuals are positioned between the demands of human rulers and their identity as God's people.
In summary, H8236 Shiphrâh is far more than a passing mention. Though appearing just once, her name is recorded at a pivotal moment in Israel's history. The context of her identification as a Hebrew midwife, spoken to by the king of Egypt, frames a narrative of immense pressure and consequence. Her name is preserved, underscoring the importance of individual persons and their unique roles within the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
TRV