Why Shifrah and Puah Were Named — Yocheved and Miriam the Midwives

Midrash Shmuel 23:5

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

Rabbi Shmuel bar Nachman said: Miriam and Yocheved, they are the very midwives of Israel, as it is said, "the name of the one was Shifrah, and the name of the other Puah" (Exodus 1:15). Shifrah is Yocheved. And why was her name called Shifrah? Because she made fruitful (shifrat) and multiplied. Another interpretation: Shifrah, because Israel were fruitful (shafru) and multiplied in her days. Another interpretation: Shifrah is a name of praise, "By his spirit he hath garnished (shifrah) the heavens" (Job 26:13). Puah is Miriam. And why was her name called Puah? Because she would cry out (po'ah) and the child would come forth. Another interpretation: Puah, because she shone forth (hofi'ah) with good deeds for Israel. Another interpretation: Puah, because she would cry out (po'ah) and weep over her brother [Moses, who was cast into the Nile], as it is written, "And his sister stood afar off" and so forth (Exodus 2:4).

Themes

WomenAdam EveEgyptExodusPassover

Biblical References

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