Girl · Hebrew · Old Testament

Zipporah

zih-POR-uh · from Tzipporah · means “Bird”

Zipporah is a Hebrew name meaning "bird." In the Old Testament, she was the daughter of the Midianite priest Jethro who became the wife of Moses. She demonstrated decisive courage and faith when she acted quickly to save her husband's life on his journey back to Egypt.

“Moses agreed to stay with the man, who gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage.”

The story behind the name

Zipporah met Moses at a well in Midian, where he defended her and her sisters from hostile shepherds who were driving them away. Her father, Jethro, welcomed Moses into their home, and Zipporah eventually became his wife and the mother of their two sons, Gershom and Eliezer. She spent decades in the quiet desert of Midian while Moses tended her father's flocks.

When God called Moses to return to Egypt to deliver the Israelites, Zipporah set out with him and their sons. During the journey, when Moses faced a life-threatening crisis from the Lord at a lodging place, Zipporah acted with remarkable, swift courage to perform a covenant rite. Her decisive action resolved the crisis and saved her husband's life, showing her deep respect for God's laws.

Zipporah's story is one of supportive partnership, quiet endurance in the wilderness, and bold action in moments of crisis. As the wife of Israel's great lawgiver, she shared in the trials and burdens of his monumental calling. A daughter named Zipporah carries a name of grace and a story of decisive, life-saving courage.

Middle names that sing with Zipporah

Chosen for rhythm and meanings that speak to each other.

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