Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, midwives are women who assist in childbirth, playing a crucial role in the delivery and care of newborns. Their presence is notably mentioned in the Old Testament, where they are depicted as both skilled practitioners and figures of moral courage.
Biblical References:1.
Exodus 1:15-21: The most prominent mention of midwives in the Bible occurs in the Book of Exodus. The Pharaoh of Egypt, fearing the growing population of the Israelites, commanded the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill all male Hebrew infants at birth. However, the midwives feared God and defied the king's orders, allowing the boys to live. When questioned by Pharaoh, they explained that Hebrew women were vigorous and gave birth before the midwives could arrive. Their reverence for God and their courageous actions led to God dealing well with them, and He "established households for them" (
Exodus 1:21).
2.
Genesis 35:17: Another reference to midwives is found in the account of Rachel's death during childbirth. As Rachel labored with difficulty, the midwife reassured her, saying, "Do not be afraid, for you are having another son" (
Genesis 35:17). This highlights the midwife's role in providing comfort and support during the birthing process.
3.
Genesis 38:28: In the account of Tamar, the midwife plays a role in the birth of Perez and Zerah. As Tamar was giving birth, one of the twins put out his hand, and the midwife tied a scarlet thread around it, saying, "This one came out first" (
Genesis 38:28). This incident underscores the midwife's involvement in the delivery and identification of the firstborn.
Role and Significance:Midwives in the biblical narrative are depicted as compassionate and God-fearing individuals who prioritize the sanctity of life. Their actions in Exodus demonstrate a profound moral conviction, as they choose to obey God rather than human authority. This act of civil disobedience is celebrated as an example of faith and righteousness.
The role of midwives extends beyond mere medical assistance; they are seen as protectors of life and bearers of hope. Their presence in the birthing process is integral, providing not only physical aid but also emotional and spiritual support to the mothers they serve.
Cultural Context:In ancient Near Eastern societies, midwifery was a respected and essential profession. Midwives were often experienced women who possessed knowledge of herbal remedies and birthing techniques. Their expertise was crucial in a time when childbirth was fraught with danger and high mortality rates for both mothers and infants.
The biblical portrayal of midwives reflects the broader cultural understanding of their importance. They are depicted as wise and resourceful, capable of making critical decisions in moments of crisis. Their fear of God and commitment to His commandments underscore the biblical theme of faithfulness and divine reward.
Theological Implications:The narrative of the Hebrew midwives in Exodus highlights the theme of divine providence and protection. Their account illustrates how God uses ordinary individuals to fulfill His purposes and protect His people. The midwives' fear of God and subsequent blessing serve as a testament to the belief that God honors those who uphold His values, even in the face of adversity.
In summary, midwives in the Bible are portrayed as vital figures in the community, embodying courage, faith, and dedication to the preservation of life. Their actions resonate with the biblical themes of obedience to God and the sanctity of human life.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) Plural of Midwife.
Strong's Hebrew
3205. yalad -- to bear, bring forth, beget... birth (2), had (17), had sons (1), has (1), have (2), labor (5), labor has borne
(1), labor the midwife (1), laid (1), midwife (1),
midwives (6), produced (1
...Library
But Some Man Will Say, Would Then thoseMidwives and Rahab have...
... Section 34. But some man will say, Would then thosemidwives and Rahab
have done better? 34. But some man will say, Would then...
Whether Every Lie is a Sin?
... But themidwives of Egypt were rewarded by God for a lie, for it is stated that
"God built them houses" (Ex.1:21). Therefore a lie is not a sin....
Whether Every Lie is a Mortal Sin?
... xviii) that "we learn from the reward of themidwives what the sin of lying deserves:
since the reward which they deserved for their kindness, and which they...
And it came to Pass Some Little Time After...
... men of good pleasure. [1642] Now, when the birth of the Lord was at hand,
Joseph had gone away to seekmidwives. And when he had...
Canons of the Church of Alexandria.
... Of a free-born woman, and her duties. Ofmidwives, and of the separation of men
from women.... Canon Eighteenth. Of women in childbed, and ofmidwives again....
How Agreeable all virtues are to God.
... Themidwives whom Pharaoh commanded to kill all the male children of the Israelites
were without doubt Egyptians and pagans; for in the excuse they made for...
Concerning the Afflictions that Befell the Hebrews in Egypt...
... that they should cast every male child, which was born to the Israelites, into the
river, and destroy it; that besides this, the Egyptianmidwives [19] should...
Whether Temporal Goods Fall under Merit?
... Him. For it is written (Ex.1:21): "And because themidwives feared God,
He built them houses"; on which a gloss of Gregory (Moral....
Epistle Lxi. To Pomponius, Concerning Some virgins.
... she can be defended by this excuse, that she may be examined and proved whether
she be a virgin; since both the hands and the eyes of themidwives are often...
Book 2 Footnotes
... [19] Josephus is clear that thesemidwives were Egyptians, and not Israelites, as
in our other copies: which is very probable, it being not easily to be...
Thesaurus
Midwives (6 Occurrences)...Midwives (6 Occurrences).
... Exodus 1:17 But the
midwives feared God, and didn't do
what the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the baby boys alive.
...Midwife (4 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary The twomidwives mentioned in Exodus 1:15 were probably
the superintendents of the whole class. Noah Webster's Dictionary....
Puah (5 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Splendid. (1.) One of the twomidwives who feared God,
and refused to kill the Hebrew male children at their birth (Exodus 1:15-21)....
Shiphrah (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Beauty, one of the Egyptianmidwives (Exodus
1:15). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SHIPHRAH. shif'-ra...
Lads (20 Occurrences)
... Exodus 1:17 And themidwives fear God, and have not done as the king of Egypt
hath spoken unto them, and keep the lads alive; (YLT)....
Ere (14 Occurrences)
... Exodus 1:19 And themidwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not
as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere themidwives...
Moses (9295 Occurrences)
... The king next tried, through a compact secretly made with the guild ofmidwives,
to bring about the destruction of all the Hebrew male children that might be...
Male-children (2 Occurrences)
... Male-children (2 Occurrences). Exodus 1:17 But themidwives feared God, and did
not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male-children alive....
Men-children (2 Occurrences)
... Men-children (2 Occurrences). Exodus 1:17 But themidwives feared God, and did not
as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men-children alive....
Lively (5 Occurrences)
... Exodus 1:19 And themidwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not
as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere themidwives...
Resources
Should the Hebrew midwives be commended for lying? | GotQuestions.orgWhen is civil disobedience allowed for a Christian? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Aaron in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgMidwives: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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