Lexical Summary Shiphrah: Shiphrah Original Word: שִׁפְרָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Shiphrah The same as shiphrah; Shiphrah, an Israelitess -- Shiphrah. see HEBREW shiphrah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shaphar Definition "fairness," a Heb. midwife NASB Translation Shiphrah (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. שִׁפְרָה proper name, feminine Hebrew midwife, Exodus 1:15 1(E); Σεπφωα (compare LagBN 90). Topical Lexicon Identity and Setting in ExodusShiphrah appears in Exodus 1:15 as one of two Hebrew midwives serving the enslaved Israelites in Egypt. Her brief but pivotal narrative unfolds during the Pharaoh’s campaign to limit Israel’s population through infanticide. Positioned at the opening of Exodus, her actions precede and enable the birth and preservation of Moses, the future deliverer of Israel. Historical Background Generations after Joseph, Israel had multiplied, prompting a fearful Pharaoh to enlist midwives in a covert genocide: “When you help the Hebrew women give birth, look at the sex of the child. If it is a son, kill him; but if it is a daughter, she may live” (Exodus 1:16, paraphrased). Midwifery was both a practical and respected vocation; Pharaoh’s strategy targeted the very gatekeepers of life for his oppressive ends. Faithful Obedience under Persecution Exodus 1:17 summarizes Shiphrah’s response: “But the midwives feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them; they let the boys live.” Fear of God eclipsed fear of the throne. When questioned, the midwives replied shrewdly that Hebrew women delivered quickly, thus rendering royal commands impracticable (1:18–19). Their civil disobedience was neither reckless nor defiant for its own sake—it was an act of worship rooted in moral conviction. Divine Commendation and Legacy “So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied and became even more numerous. And because the midwives feared God, He gave them families of their own” (Exodus 1:20–21). The outcome is twofold: population growth thwarts Pharaoh’s plan, and personal blessing vindicates the midwives’ faith. Shiphrah’s reward—households of her own—underscores the Lord’s delight in those who protect life. Role in Redemption History By sparing Hebrew boys, Shiphrah preserved the lineage through which Moses—and ultimately the Messiah—would come. God’s redemptive program often rests on seemingly small acts of obedience. Without Shiphrah’s courage, the narrative of Israel’s exodus and, by extension, the cradle of messianic promise, would have been imperiled. Theological Observations • Fear of God: True wisdom prioritizes divine command over human decree (Proverbs 9:10). Lessons for Ministry Today 1. Moral Courage: Confronting unjust policies requires steadfast allegiance to God. New Testament Parallels Herod’s attempt to destroy infant boys in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:13–16) mirrors Pharaoh’s edict, highlighting a recurring theme: satanic opposition to the birth of deliverers. Shiphrah’s defiance, like Joseph’s protective flight with Mary and Jesus, demonstrates God’s sovereign preservation amid tyranny. Conclusion Mentioned only once, Shiphrah’s name is woven into the fabric of redemption. Her fear of God, protection of life, and quiet resolve encourage believers to uphold righteousness, trust divine reward, and recognize the profound influence of faithful service in the unseen places of ministry. Forms and Transliterations שִׁפְרָ֔ה שפרה shifRahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 1:15 HEB: שֵׁ֤ם הָֽאַחַת֙ שִׁפְרָ֔ה וְשֵׁ֥ם הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית NAS: was named Shiphrah and the other KJV: of the one [was] Shiphrah, and the name INT: was named one Shiphrah was named and the other 1 Occurrence |
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