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Exodus 1:19 - Hebrew women birth swiftly

Exodus 1:19 - שמות 1:19

Hebrew Text

וַתֹּאמַרְןָ הַמְיַלְּדֹת אֶל־פַּרְעֹה כִּי לֹא כַנָּשִׁים הַמִּצְרִיֹּת הָעִבְרִיֹּת כִּי־חָיוֹת הֵנָּה בְּטֶרֶם תָּבוֹא אֲלֵהֶן הַמְיַלֶּדֶת וְיָלָדוּ׃

English Translation

And the midwives said to Par῾o, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Miżrian women; for they are lively, and are delivered before the midwives come to them.

Transliteration

Vatomarn hamyaldot el-paro ki lo khanashim hamitzriyot haivriyot ki-chayot hena beterem tavo alehen hamyaledet veyaladu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתֹּאמַ֤רְןָ הַֽמְיַלְּדֹת֙ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֔ה כִּ֣י לֹ֧א כַנָּשִׁ֛ים הַמִּצְרִיֹּ֖ת הָֽעִבְרִיֹּ֑ת כִּֽי־חָי֣וֹת הֵ֔נָּה בְּטֶ֨רֶם תָּב֧וֹא אֲלֵהֶ֛ן<sup class="footnote-marker">*</sup><i class="footnote">(בכתר ארם צובה היה כתוב אֲלֵיהֶ֛ן)</i> הַמְיַלֶּ֖דֶת וְיָלָֽדוּ׃
וַתֹּאמַ֤רְןָ הַֽמְיַלְּדֹת֙ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֔ה כִּ֣י לֹ֧א כַנָּשִׁ֛ים הַמִּצְרִיֹּ֖ת הָֽעִבְרִיֹּ֑ת כִּֽי־חָי֣וֹת הֵ֔נָּה בְּטֶ֨רֶם תָּב֧וֹא אֲלֵהֶ֛ן*(בכתר ארם צובה היה כתוב אֲלֵיהֶ֛ן) הַמְיַלֶּ֖דֶת וְיָלָֽדוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Midwives' Response to Pharaoh

The verse describes how the Hebrew midwives, Shifra and Puah, responded to Pharaoh when questioned about their failure to kill the male Israelite newborns as commanded. Their explanation—that Hebrew women give birth quickly before the midwives arrive—reveals deeper layers of meaning in the text.

Rashi's Interpretation

Rashi (Exodus 1:19) explains that the midwives were truthful in their statement. The Hebrew women, who were righteous (tzidkaniyot), were blessed with swift and easy childbirth because they trusted in Hashem. The term "חָיוֹת" (chayot) is understood by Rashi to mean "lively" or "vigorous," indicating their physical strength and resilience in childbirth.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:15) elaborates that the Hebrew women were compared to animals (chayot) in their ability to give birth without assistance. This comparison is not derogatory but highlights their natural, unassisted childbirth—a sign of divine intervention protecting Bnei Yisrael despite Pharaoh's decree.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 5:4) emphasizes the moral courage of the midwives, who risked their lives to defy Pharaoh. Their clever response demonstrated both wisdom and faith, as they upheld the sanctity of life while avoiding direct confrontation with the king.

Theological Implications

  • Divine Providence: The ease of childbirth for Hebrew women was a hidden miracle, ensuring the survival of the Israelite nation.
  • Righteousness of the Women: Their piety and trust in Hashem merited divine assistance, as seen in their ability to give birth without midwives.
  • Moral Resistance: The midwives' response exemplifies the Jewish value of pikuach nefesh (saving lives) over unjust decrees.

📚 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 swiftness of Hebrew women's childbirth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Hebrew women give birth so quickly according to the midwives?
A: The midwives told Pharaoh that Hebrew women were 'חָיוֹת' (lively or vigorous), meaning they were strong and gave birth quickly before the midwives could arrive. Rashi explains that this was due to Hashem's kindness, ensuring the Jewish people would multiply despite Pharaoh's decrees.
Q: Who were the midwives in this verse, and why did they disobey Pharaoh?
A: The midwives, traditionally identified as Shifra and Puah (Exodus 1:15), were righteous Jewish women who feared Hashem. The Talmud (Sotah 11b) praises them for risking their lives to save Jewish babies, showing that one must prioritize divine commandments over human decrees when they conflict.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the midwives' response to Pharaoh?
A: The midwives teach us the importance of courage and faith. Despite Pharaoh's cruel decree, they trusted in Hashem and found a way to save lives. The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 5:3) emphasizes that one must never comply with orders to transgress Torah values, even under threat.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Hebrew women were different from Egyptian women?
A: The difference highlights Hashem's special providence over the Jewish people. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 1:15) explains that Hebrew women were blessed with easy births as a reward for their righteousness, showing that divine assistance accompanies those who remain faithful even in exile.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish survival throughout history?
A: Just as the midwives' bravery ensured Jewish continuity in Egypt, this verse symbolizes the Jewish people's resilience. The Talmud (Yevamos 79a) notes that Jews are distinguished by mercy, modesty, and kindness—traits that helped them survive oppression, as seen in the midwives' compassionate actions.