שִׁפְרָה
Shifrah / Shiphrah
“Beautiful, fair”
Shiphrah (שִׁפְרָה, Shifrah) is a Hebrew girl's name meaning “beautiful, fair,” pronounced “shif-RAH.” From the Hebrew root ש-פ-ר (shin-pe-resh), meaning 'to be beautiful, fair, or pleasing.' The name is attested in Egypt in the second millennium BCE, fitting the Exodus setting.
| Hebrew | שִׁפְרָה |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Shifrah |
| English Name | Shiphrah |
| Meaning | Beautiful, fair |
| Pronunciation | shif-RAH |
| Gender | Girl |
| Category | Female Biblical Names |
| Variants | Shifrah, Shiphra, Shifra, Shprah |
| Key Scripture | Exodus 1:17 |
Shiphrah (שִׁפְרָה) means 'beautiful' or 'fair' — but the woman who carried it is remembered for a beauty deeper than appearance. She was one of two Hebrew midwives who, when the most powerful man in the world commanded them to kill every Hebrew baby boy, quietly refused. 'The midwives feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt commanded' (Exodus 1:17). Hers is the first recorded act of civil disobedience in Scripture, and it opens the book of Exodus not with a warrior or a king but with two women who answered to God rather than Pharaoh.
Key Scripture: Exodus 1:17
“The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live.”
What Does Shiphrah Mean in Hebrew?
Shiphrah (שִׁפְרָה) is built on the root ש-פ-ר, 'to be beautiful or pleasing.' It shares its resh (ר) and final hey (ה) with Sarah (שָׂרָה); the distinctive letter is the pe (פ), which gives Shiphrah its soft 'f/ph' sound in the middle — the visible difference between the two names.
Shiphrah in the Bible
In Exodus 1:15-21, Pharaoh orders the midwives Shiphrah and Puah to kill the Hebrew newborn boys. Fearing God, they let the boys live and refused to carry out the command. Because they feared God, 'he gave them families of their own' (Exodus 1:21). Their quiet courage sets the stage for the birth of Moses and the deliverance of Israel.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
Jewish tradition honors Shiphrah and Puah as models of yirat shamayim (the fear of Heaven) placed above fear of kings. Some sages identified them with Jochebed and Miriam, Moses' mother and sister — linking the midwives directly to the deliverer they helped preserve.
Shiphrah is an uncommon but cherished name, chosen by families who want to honor the midwife's moral courage and reverence for God. It remains rare enough to be distinctive while carrying deep biblical weight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shiphrah
What does Shiphrah mean in Hebrew?
Shiphrah (שִׁפְרָה, Shifrah) means “Beautiful, fair” in Hebrew. From the Hebrew root ש-פ-ר (shin-pe-resh), meaning 'to be beautiful, fair, or pleasing.' The name is attested in Egypt in the second millennium BCE, fitting the Exodus setting.
How do you pronounce Shiphrah in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Shiphrah is “shif-RAH.” The name is written שִׁפְרָה in Hebrew script.
What does the name Shiphrah mean in Hebrew?
Shiphrah (שִׁפְרָה) means 'beautiful' or 'fair,' from the Hebrew root ש-פ-ר (shapar), 'to be beautiful or pleasing.' It is the name of one of the two Hebrew midwives in Exodus 1 who defied Pharaoh.
Who was Shiphrah in the Bible?
Shiphrah was one of two Hebrew midwives (with Puah) whom Pharaoh commanded to kill the Hebrew baby boys. Because they feared God, they refused and let the boys live (Exodus 1:15-21). Their courage is the first act of civil disobedience recorded in Scripture, and God blessed them with households of their own.
How is Shiphrah spelled and pronounced?
In Hebrew it is written שִׁפְרָה and is commonly spelled Shiphrah or Shifrah in English. It is pronounced 'shif-RAH,' with the stress on the second syllable and a soft 'f' sound from the Hebrew letter pe.
Sources & Further Study
Related Hebrew Words
More Female Biblical Names
Explore other names in the Female Biblical Names collection
Related Hebrew Names
The Biblical Hebrew Starter Kit — $19
5 printable PDFs: alphabet reference, top 50 Bible words, names of God, 10 biblical name certificates, alphabet wall print. Yours to keep forever.
Go Deeper
Top 10 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know
Essential Hebrew words that will transform your Bible reading — from chesed and shalom to ruach and shema.
Read articleHebrew Family Terms: Father, Mother, Son, Daughter
Learn Hebrew family vocabulary with pronunciation, gender forms, and the rich biblical context behind each term.
Read articleSee Your Name in Hebrew
Type any name and instantly see it written in Hebrew script with a downloadable certificate.
Try It FreeDiscover the Meaning Behind Every Biblical Name
Join 12,000+ Christians discovering the depth of Scripture through Biblical Hebrew.