Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia A midwife in biblical times was a woman who assisted other women during childbirth. The role of the midwife is mentioned several times in the Bible, highlighting its importance in ancient Israelite society. Midwives were skilled practitioners who provided care and support to mothers during labor and delivery, ensuring the safety and health of both mother and child.Biblical References: 1. Exodus 1:15-21: The most notable mention of midwives in the Bible is found in the book of Exodus. The Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, are commended for their bravery and faithfulness to God. When Pharaoh commanded them to kill all newborn Hebrew boys, they feared God and defied the king's orders, allowing the boys to live. As a result, God dealt well with the midwives and gave them families of their own. This passage highlights the midwives' role as protectors of life and their reverence for God's commandments over human authority. Exodus 1:17 : "The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had told them; they let the boys live." 2. Genesis 35:17: The account of Rachel's difficult labor with Benjamin also mentions a midwife. During the birth, the midwife reassures Rachel, saying, "Do not be afraid, for you are having another son." This indicates the midwife's role in providing emotional support and encouragement during childbirth. Genesis 35:17 : "During her severe labor, the midwife said to her, 'Do not be afraid, for you are having another son.'" 3. Genesis 38:28: The account of Tamar giving birth to twins, Perez and Zerah, includes the presence of a midwife. As the twins were being born, the midwife tied a scarlet thread around the wrist of the firstborn to mark him, demonstrating the midwife's involvement in the birthing process and the customs surrounding birth. Genesis 38:28 : "And as she was giving birth, one of them put out his hand; so the midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it around his wrist. 'This one came out first,' she announced." Role and Significance: In ancient Israel, midwives were essential to the community, providing necessary medical and emotional support to women during childbirth. Their role was not only practical but also spiritual, as they often acted in accordance with their faith and fear of God. The midwives' actions in Exodus demonstrate their commitment to preserving life and their courage in the face of oppressive authority. Midwives were respected figures, often possessing knowledge passed down through generations. They were trusted by families to ensure the safe delivery of children, a task that required both skill and compassion. The biblical accounts of midwives underscore their integral role in the continuation of family lines and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. In summary, the midwife in biblical times was a vital figure in the community, embodying both the practical skills necessary for childbirth and the spiritual conviction to uphold God's commandments. Their presence in the biblical narrative serves as a testament to their importance in the lives of the Israelites and their unwavering faith in God's providence. Easton's Bible Dictionary The two midwives mentioned in Exodus 1:15 were probably the superintendents of the whole class. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A woman who assists other women in childbirth; a female practitioner of the obstetric art.2. (v. t.) To assist in childbirth. 3. (v. i.) To perform the office of midwife. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MIDWIFEmid'-wif (meyalledheth): Those who in patriarchal times attended mothers at childbirth are so named in Genesis 35:17; Genesis 38:28 Exodus 1:15-22. Such attendants were probably then (1 Samuel 4:20), as they usually are now, the older female relatives and friends of the mother. The duties which they had to perform are enumerated in Ezekiel 16:4: division of the cord, washing the infant in water, salting with salt and swathing in swaddling clothes. During the Egyptian bondage there were two midwives who attended the Hebrew women; from their names, they were probably Hebrews, certainly they were not Egyptians. From this passage it appears that they used a certain double-round form of birthstool called 'obhnayim, concerning which there are several rabbinical comments. It probably was like the kuru elwiladeh, or "birth-seat," still used by the Egyptian fellahin. I have not found any record of its use among the Palestinian fellahin. There is a curious passage in the Talmud (Cotah 2 b) in which it is said that the two midwives had different duties, Shiphrah being the one who dressed the infant, Puah, the one who whispered to it. One Jewish commentator on this supposes that Puah used artificial respiration by blowing into the child's mouth. The midwives must have had considerable skill, as a case like that of Tamar required some amount of operative manipulation. Strong's Hebrew 6326. Puah -- an Israelite midwife... Puah. 6327 . an Israelite midwife. Transliteration: Puah Phonetic Spelling: (poo-aw') Short Definition: Puah. ... midwife NASB Word Usage Puah (1). Puah. ... /hebrew/6326.htm - 5k 8236. Shiphrah -- "fairness," a Hebrew midwife 3205. yalad -- to bear, bring forth, beget 70. oben -- a wheel, disk Library Whether Christ was Born Without his Mother Suffering? The Birth of Mary the Holy Mother of God, and Very Glorious Mother ... Matt. I. 1 Chapter xxxviii Argument. From the Prison they are Led Forth with Joy into the ... And it came to Pass Some Little Time After... The Evil Spirit Has Marred the Purity of the Soul from the Very ... Heads of the Canons of Abulide or Hippolytus, Both Covenants were Prefigured in Abraham, and in the Labour of ... About this Same Time, Judah, the Son of Jacob... Thesaurus Midwife (4 Occurrences)... obstetric art. 2. (vt) To assist in childbirth. 3. (vi) To perform the office of midwife. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MIDWIFE. mid'-wif ... /m/midwife.htm - 10k Mid-wife (1 Occurrence) Office (64 Occurrences) Midwives (6 Occurrences) Labor (181 Occurrences) Bearing (150 Occurrences) Vigorous (9 Occurrences) Wrist (3 Occurrences) Tied (33 Occurrences) Thread (32 Occurrences) Resources What is the Protoevangelium of James? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of a scarlet thread? | GotQuestions.org Who was Benjamin in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Midwife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Midwife (4 Occurrences)Genesis 35:17 Genesis 38:28 Exodus 1:16 Exodus 1:19 Subtopics Related Terms |
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