### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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