Shiphrah (𐤔𐤐𐤓𐤄)
Pleasing to Yah
In the opening chapters of Exodus, a small group of women quietly stand against one of the most wicked orders in history. Among them is Shiphrah, a Hebrew midwife whose courage helped preserve the line of Israel during Egypt’s oppression.
Her name, written in Paleo-Hebrew as 𐤔𐤐𐤓𐤄 (Shapharah), carries profound meaning:
“to make beautiful,” “to adorn,” “to be pleasing,” or “to bring goodness.”
Shiphrah’s life teaches us that Yah often uses ordinary people in hidden places to accomplish extraordinary purposes — and that obedience which pleases Yah can shift the course of nations.
Who Was Shiphrah?
Shiphrah appears in Exodus 1 during a time when Pharaoh feared Israel’s growth and ordered the midwives to kill all newborn Hebrew boys.
But Scripture says something remarkable:
“The midwives feared Elohim and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them.”
— Exodus 1:17
Shiphrah and her fellow midwife, Puah, risked their lives to protect the children Yah had destined for greatness.
Their actions preserved the lineage through which Moses — and later the entire nation — would survive.
Their courage stands as one of the earliest recorded acts of civil disobedience motivated by fear of Yah rather than fear of man.
Shiphrah’s story shows that sometimes the most powerful faith is expressed not from a throne but from a birthing stool, not with armies but with quiet defiance rooted in reverence for the Creator.
What Does Shiphrah’s Name Mean? (𐤔𐤐𐤓𐤄 Shapharah)
Shiphrah’s name comes from the Hebrew root 𐤔𐤐𐤓 (shaphar) meaning:
to be fair, beautiful, good
to brighten or make shine
to be pleasing
to bring forth something lovely
In Paleo-Hebrew imagery:
𐤔 (Shan) – pressed, consumed, refined
𐤐 (Phaah) – mouth, speech, expression
𐤓 (Raash) – head, chief, leadership
𐤄 (Haa) – breath, revelation, divine presence
Her name paints a picture of one whose words, actions, and life bring forth beauty that pleases Yah.
This is exactly what she did — in a moment of darkness, she brought forth life, goodness, and reverence for Yah.
Why It Matters Today
1. Pleasing Yah Often Means Displeasing the World
Shiphrah had a choice:
Obey Pharaoh and spare herself — or obey Yah and risk everything.
She chose the path that pleased Yah, even when it threatened her safety.
In today’s world, choosing righteousness may cost us comfort, acceptance, or approval — but pleasing Yah always leads to blessing and purpose.
2. Small Acts of Faith Can Protect Generations
Shiphrah didn’t lead an army or sit on a throne.
She simply refused to harm children.
Yet her obedience preserved the very generation Yah would use to deliver Israel.
Your faithfulness — even in small, quiet choices — may impact your family, community, and generations yet to come.
3. Your Name Carries Purpose
Shiphrah’s name means pleasing, beautiful, good.
Her life reflected it.
She brought goodness into a situation intended for destruction.
We are called to the same — to bring beauty, honor, and righteousness into places marked by fear, confusion, and injustice.
4. Those Who Fear Yah Are Honored by Him
Exodus 1:21 says:
“Because the midwives feared Elohim, He gave them households.”
Yah does not overlook courageous obedience.
When we honor Him above all else, He establishes us, defends us, and blesses the work of our hands.
Takeaway for Us Today
𐤔𐤐𐤓𐤄 Shapharah reminds us that:
A life that pleases Yah is powerful, even when unnoticed by people.
True beauty is found in righteousness and courage.
Yah uses ordinary people to shift extraordinary events.
Fear of Yah is greater than fear of man.
Shiphrah shows us that pleasing Yah is not about perfection — it is about obedience.
It is choosing life, choosing righteousness, choosing courage when the world demands compromise.
Closing Thought
Shiphrah’s name shines across history as a testimony that:
“What is pleasing to Yah will always bring forth life.”
Her story invites us to live courageously, love sacrificially, and stand firm in truth — knowing that Yah sees, Yah strengthens, and Yah rewards those who honor Him.