share torah logo

Exodus 1:15 - Midwives defy Pharaoh's decree?

Exodus 1:15 - שמות 1:15

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר מֶלֶךְ מִצְרַיִם לַמְיַלְּדֹת הָעִבְרִיֹּת אֲשֶׁר שֵׁם הָאַחַת שִׁפְרָה וְשֵׁם הַשֵּׁנִית פּוּעָה׃

English Translation

And the king of Miżrayim spoke to the Hebrew midwives, of whom the name of the one was Shifra, and the name of the other Pu῾a:

Transliteration

Va'yomer melech Mitzrayim la'meyaldot ha'Ivriyot asher shem ha'achat Shifra ve'shem ha'shenit Pu'a.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ מִצְרַ֔יִם לַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֖ת הָֽעִבְרִיֹּ֑ת אֲשֶׁ֨ר שֵׁ֤ם הָֽאַחַת֙ שִׁפְרָ֔ה וְשֵׁ֥ם הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית פּוּעָֽה׃
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ מִצְרַ֔יִם לַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֖ת הָֽעִבְרִיֹּ֑ת אֲשֶׁ֨ר שֵׁ֤ם הָֽאַחַת֙ שִׁפְרָ֔ה וְשֵׁ֥ם הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית פּוּעָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Midwives and Their Identities

The verse introduces two Hebrew midwives, Shifra and Pu'a, who were commanded by Pharaoh to kill newborn Israelite boys. Rashi (Shemot 1:15) explains that these midwives were none other than Yocheved (Moshe's mother) and Miriam (Moshe's sister). The name Shifra is derived from the root שפר, meaning "to beautify," because she would clean and care for the newborns. Pu'a comes from the root פעה, meaning "to coo" or "to soothe," as she would calm the infants with gentle sounds.

Pharaoh's Strategy

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:13) elaborates that Pharaoh first attempted to suppress the Israelites through forced labor, but when they continued to multiply, he resorted to targeting their children. By commanding the midwives, he sought to undermine the Israelite population growth covertly, avoiding open rebellion. The Talmud (Sotah 11b) notes that Pharaoh specifically chose Hebrew midwives, assuming they would comply out of fear, but they defied him due to their righteousness.

The Significance of Their Names

  • Shifra (Yocheved): The Midrash Tanchuma (Shemot 3) highlights that Yocheved was called Shifra because she embodied the trait of improving and nurturing life, countering Pharaoh's decree of death.
  • Pu'a (Miriam): The name Pu'a reflects her role in speaking (peh, "mouth") words of comfort and prophecy. The Talmud (Megillah 14a) identifies Miriam as a prophetess who foresaw Moshe's birth and redemption.

Moral Courage and Divine Reward

The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 5:4) cites the midwives as exemplars of Kiddush Hashem (sanctifying G-d's name) by risking their lives to save Jewish children. As a reward, Hashem "made them houses" (Shemot 1:21)—interpreted by Chazal (Sotah 11b) to mean they merited dynasties of priesthood (from Yocheved) and kingship (from Miriam, ancestor of David).

Pharaoh's Misguided Approach

The Kli Yakar (Shemot 1:15) observes that Pharaoh's plan failed because he underestimated the midwives' loyalty to G-d and their people. By addressing them directly, he revealed his ignorance of their true identities (as Yocheved and Miriam) and their unwavering commitment to life, setting the stage for his eventual downfall.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 11b
The verse is discussed in the context of the midwives' defiance of Pharaoh's decree, highlighting their righteousness and the divine reward they received.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were Shifra and Puah in the Torah?
A: Shifra and Puah were the Hebrew midwives who defied Pharaoh's order to kill newborn Israelite boys. According to Rashi, Shifra was another name for Yocheved (Moshe's mother), and Puah was Miriam (Moshe's sister). They risked their lives to save Jewish babies.
Q: Why did Pharaoh speak to the Hebrew midwives specifically?
A: Pharaoh approached the Hebrew midwives because they oversaw births and could secretly kill male babies, as he wanted to weaken the Jewish people (Exodus 1:16). The Midrash explains that Pharaoh tried to manipulate them first before resorting to harsher decrees.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Shifra and Puah's actions?
A: Shifra and Puah teach us the importance of courage and fearing G-d more than human authority. The Talmud (Sotah 11b) praises their righteousness, showing that standing up for what's right—even against powerful rulers—is a fundamental Jewish value.
Q: Why are the midwives' names important in this verse?
A: The Torah mentions their names to honor them. Rashi explains that 'Shifra' means 'improver' (she improved the newborn's condition) and 'Puah' refers to her cooing sounds to calm babies. Their names reflect their compassionate nature and heroic deeds.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish identity today?
A: This verse reminds us that Jewish survival often depended on brave individuals who resisted oppression. Just as Shifra and Puah preserved Jewish life in Egypt, we're called to uphold Jewish values even under pressure, as emphasized in Rambam's teachings on Kiddush Hashem (sanctifying G-d's name).