Exodus 1:15 (KJV)

What does Exodus 1:15 mean?

Exodus 1:15 introduces the king of Egypt giving instructions to two Hebrew midwives, naming them as Shiphrah and Puah. This verse sets the stage for the king’s attempt to control the Hebrew population by targeting those who assist in childbirth.

The verse describes a moment when the Egyptian ruler, worried about the growing number of Israelites, directly addresses two women whose job is to help Hebrew mothers give birth. Naming Shiphrah and Puah highlights their importance in the story, showing that individual women played a key role in what happens next. This verse leads into the king’s command that will test the midwives’ courage and faith.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 1:15

• "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melek): This word refers to the ruler of Egypt, emphasizing his authority and power in the story.
• "Egypt" (מִצְרַיִם, Mitzrayim): Naming Egypt roots the story in a specific place and context, reminding the reader of the Israelites’ foreign status.
• "Hebrew" (עִבְרִי, ivri): This word identifies the midwives as belonging to the Hebrew people, setting them apart from the Egyptians and highlighting the ethnic tension.
• "midwives" (יָלַד, yalad): The term for midwives comes from a root meaning "to give birth," focusing on their role in bringing new life into the world.
• "name" (שֵׁם, shem): Repeating the word for "name" draws attention to Shiphrah and Puah as individuals, not just anonymous helpers.

Why Exodus 1:15 matters

• Naming Shiphrah and Puah gives these women a place of honor and agency in the story, showing that ordinary people can play significant roles in history.
• The verse marks the beginning of Pharaoh’s plan to oppress the Israelites more severely, setting up the conflict that will shape the early chapters of Exodus.
• By specifying that the midwives are Hebrew, the verse highlights the tension between the Egyptians and Israelites, which is central to the story’s unfolding events.