צִפֹּרָה
Tzipporah / Zipporah
“Bird”
Zipporah (צִפֹּרָה, Tzipporah) is a Hebrew girl's name meaning “bird,” pronounced “tzi-po-RAH.” From the Hebrew צִפּוֹר (tzippor) meaning 'bird.' The feminine form צִפֹּרָה (Tzipporah) means 'bird' or 'little bird.' The name was common in the ancient Near East as an image of beauty, grace, and freedom.
| Hebrew | צִפֹּרָה |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Tzipporah |
| English Name | Zipporah |
| Meaning | Bird |
| Pronunciation | tzi-po-RAH |
| Gender | Girl |
| Category | Female Biblical Names |
| Variants | Tzipporah, Tzipora, Sephora, Séphora, Zippora |
| Key Scripture | Exodus 2:21 |
Zipporah is one of the most enigmatic women in Scripture — a Midianite priest's daughter who married Moses, the greatest prophet of Israel. Her name means simply 'bird,' an image of grace, freedom, and beauty that fits a woman who moved between worlds. In one of the Bible's most mysterious passages (Exodus 4:24-26), Zipporah performed an emergency circumcision on her son to save Moses' life, demonstrating both fierce maternal courage and deep understanding of the covenant. She is a reminder that some of the most important figures in biblical history come from outside the expected boundaries.
Key Scripture: Exodus 2:21
“Moses agreed to stay with the man, who gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage.”
What Does Zipporah Mean in Hebrew?
From the root צ-פ-ר (tsade-pe-resh) related to 'tzippor' (bird). The form צִפֹּרָה (Tzipporah) is a feminine noun meaning 'bird' or 'she-bird.' Birds in Hebrew thought symbolized freedom, beauty, and sometimes divine messaging. The root may also connect to 'tzofar' (to chirp/sing).
Zipporah in the Bible
Zipporah was the daughter of Jethro (Reuel), priest of Midian, who became Moses' wife after he fled Egypt. She bore him two sons, Gershom and Eliezer. In the enigmatic passage of Exodus 4:24-26, she saved Moses' life through circumcision. Jethro later brought Zipporah and the sons back to Moses after the Exodus.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
Zipporah's Midianite (non-Israelite) origin makes her one of several important biblical women who came from outside the covenant community — along with Ruth the Moabite and Rahab the Canaanite. All three appear in the messianic genealogy, demonstrating that God's plan intentionally included outsiders.
Zipporah is uncommon as a given name in English-speaking countries but has a devoted following among parents seeking unique biblical names. In Israel, Tzipora/Tzipporah is a recognized classic. The name's rarity adds to its distinctiveness and charm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zipporah
What does Zipporah mean in Hebrew?
Zipporah (צִפֹּרָה, Tzipporah) means “Bird” in Hebrew. From the Hebrew צִפּוֹר (tzippor) meaning 'bird.' The feminine form צִפֹּרָה (Tzipporah) means 'bird' or 'little bird.' The name was common in the ancient Near East as an image of beauty, grace, and freedom.
How do you pronounce Zipporah in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Zipporah is “tzi-po-RAH.” The name is written צִפֹּרָה in Hebrew script.
What does Zipporah mean in Hebrew?
Zipporah (צִפֹּרָה, Tzipporah) means 'bird' in Hebrew, from the word 'tzippor' (צִפּוֹר). In the ancient Near East, 'bird' was a common feminine name evoking beauty, grace, and freedom. The name is simple yet poetic, reflecting the pastoral world of Midian where Zipporah grew up as the daughter of a priest.
Who was Zipporah in the Bible?
Zipporah was the wife of Moses, daughter of Jethro the priest of Midian. Moses met her at a well after fleeing Egypt and married her. She bore him two sons (Gershom and Eliezer). In a dramatic episode, she performed an emergency circumcision to save Moses' life. She later reunited with Moses after the Exodus when Jethro brought her and the sons.
What happened in Exodus 4:24-26 with Zipporah?
In one of Scripture's most mysterious passages, God sought to kill Moses on his journey back to Egypt. Zipporah quickly circumcised their son with a flint knife and touched Moses' feet with the blood, declaring 'You are a bridegroom of blood to me.' This act apparently saved Moses' life, suggesting their son's uncircumcision had put Moses in covenant danger. Zipporah's quick action demonstrated both courage and spiritual understanding.
Sources & Further Study
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