Girl · Hebrew · Old Testament

Shiphrah

SHIF-ruh · from Shifrah · means “Beautiful, fair”

Shiphrah is a Hebrew name meaning "beautiful" or "fair." As one of the two Hebrew midwives who defied Pharaoh's decree to kill newborn boys, she chose to fear God rather than man. Her name stands for courageous obedience and the preservation of life in difficult times.

“The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live.”

The story behind the name

Shiphrah lived in Egypt during the harsh enslavement of the Israelites. Pharaoh commanded her and her colleague Puah to kill all Hebrew baby boys at birth, hoping to crush the growing Hebrew population. Instead of obeying the tyrant, Shiphrah chose to honor God and let the children live.

When Pharaoh demanded to know why the boys survived, Shiphrah and Puah wisely replied that Hebrew women gave birth before midwives arrived. God honored their courage and kindness, protecting them and building families of their own. Her story is recorded in Exodus 1 as a testament to civil disobedience rooted in the fear of the Lord.

A daughter named Shiphrah carries a legacy of moral clarity and bravery. Her life shows that fearing God brings true beauty and blessing. She stands as one of Scripture's earliest examples of standing up for the vulnerable.

Middle names that sing with Shiphrah

Chosen for rhythm and meanings that speak to each other.

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