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Learn How to Pronounce Shiphrah and Puah

Quick Answer: In Hebrew, the names Shiphrah and Puah are pronounced [ʃifˈra u.fuˈʕa]; in English, they are pronounced [ˈʃɪprə ænd ˈpuːə].
(Listen to the audio above for the stress and intonation)

The Expert's Take

Dr. Franz Lang
"During a unit on the phonetics of ancient Semitic names, a student asked about these two figures. "Shiphrah" with its 'sh' and soft 'ph' sound, and "Puah" with its abrupt, almost breathy 'Pu-' can be challenging for modern English speakers. I explained that preserving these names is a linguistic act of remembrance, much like their biblical act of preservation. Their names carry a weight and a history that transcends simple phonetic transcription, embodying resistance in their very syllables."
By Dr. Franz Lang

Meaning and Context

In the biblical narrative of Exodus, Shiphrah and Puah emerge as pivotal figures of moral courage and civil disobedience. These two Hebrew midwives, whose story is recounted in Exodus 1:15-21, were directly commanded by the Pharaoh of Egypt to kill all newborn Hebrew boys at the time of delivery, as part of a genocidal strategy to suppress the growing Israelite population. Defying the royal decree at great personal risk, they "feared God" and allowed the male infants to live, offering a clever pretext to the Pharaoh that the vigorous Hebrew women gave birth before the midwives could arrive. Their brave act of faith is celebrated as a crucial, early form of resistance that directly contributed to the survival of Moses and, by extension, the future liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. The story of these biblical midwives is frequently cited in discussions of religious ethics, the sanctity of life, and the power of nonviolent resistance, serving as an enduring example of how individuals can confront oppressive state power through conscience and cunning.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The names Shiphrah and Puah, originating from ancient Hebrew, have consistent standard spellings in English translations of the Bible, though variations can occur. The most common alternative for the first midwife is "Shifra," which is a transliteration closer to the Hebrew pronunciation (שִׁפְרָה). For Puah (פּוּעָה), the spelling is generally stable, though occasionally one might see "Pua" omitting the 'h'. Frequent errors or typos often involve vowel placement or confusion with similar-sounding words, such as "Shiprah" (missing the 'h' after the 'p'), "Shipphrah" (adding an extra 'p'), or "Puaha." Another common mistake is reversing their order or conflating them into a single entity, referred to incorrectly as "Shiphrah-and-Puah" as if it were one name. When searching for information, using both the standard Anglicized spellings and the alternative "Shifra" will yield the most comprehensive results.

Example Sentences

The pastor's sermon highlighted the extraordinary faith of Shiphrah and Puah, who chose divine law over a king's murderous decree.

In ethical debates about conscientious objection in healthcare, the example of Shiphrah and Puah is often invoked to discuss a practitioner's duty to preserve life.

The children's book beautifully illustrated how Shiphrah and Puah used their wit, telling Pharaoh the Hebrew women were too lively for them to arrive in time.

Their story raises a compelling question: were Shiphrah and Puah themselves Hebrews, or were they Egyptians who served the Hebrew community? The legacy of Shiphrah and Puah demonstrates that heroism can be found not on the battlefield, but in the quiet, defiant acts of preserving life.

Sources and References

To learn the pronunciation of the biblical names "Shiphrah and Puah," I referred to their Wikipedia entry for historical context. I then used YouGlish to find instances where these names are spoken, typically in sermons, lectures, or audiobooks, which helped clarify their typical English pronunciation in religious discourse. |

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