The spelling of the word "shiphrah" can be a bit confusing when it comes to its pronunciation. It is pronounced as /ˈʃɪfrə/ with a stress on the second syllable. The "sh" sound is pronounced as the "sh" in "shine." The "i" is pronounced as "ih" as in "it" and the "r" is rolled, making it sound like "rrr." Finally, the "a" at the end of the word is pronounced as "uh" as in "up." With this, one can confidently pronounce the word "shiphrah."
Shiphrah is a Hebrew word that appears in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Exodus. It refers to the name of a woman who was one of the two midwives ordered by the Egyptian king, Pharaoh, to kill all newborn Hebrew boys in order to oppress the Israelites. However, Shiphrah, along with her companion Puah, defied the orders and allowed the infants to live.
In a broader sense, Shiphrah symbolizes the virtues of courage, compassion, and moral fortitude. She is considered a revered figure in religious and moral teachings, representing the defiance of injustice and the protection of life.
The name Shiphrah itself carries significance and meaning. In Hebrew, Shiphrah derives from the root word "shaphar," which means "to be beautiful" or "to be bright." Thus, Shiphrah can be understood as a symbol of the beauty and purity of the act of preserving life and standing up against oppression.
The story of Shiphrah serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical choices and the impact one person's actions can have on the lives of others. Despite the risks involved, Shiphrah exemplifies the power of individual agency and the capacity for heroism in the face of adversity. Her name and story continue to inspire and remind us of the moral obligation to protect and nurture life.
The word "shiphrah" is of Hebrew origin. It comes from the Hebrew verb "שָׁפַר" (shaphar), which means "to beautify", "to adorn", or "to improve". "Shiphrah" is the feminine form of the verb, and it can be translated as "beautification", "adornment", or "improvement". In the Bible, specifically in the book of Exodus, Shiphrah is the name of one of the two Hebrew midwives who defied Pharaoh's orders to kill all Hebrew male babies, thus helping to save the lives of countless children.