EXODUS 1:15 — How Could Two Midwives Care for So Many Hebrew Women?

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Exodus 1:15 states: “Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah.” This verse raises a significant question: How could two midwives attend to the childbirth needs of a rapidly growing Hebrew population, which, according to Exodus 12:37, numbered about 600,000 men, not counting women and children? This would imply a total population of around two million people. It seems implausible that only two midwives could serve such a vast community. To address this, we will examine the historical context, linguistic nuances, and cultural practices of the time.

Historical Context and Population Growth

The Israelites’ population growth in Egypt was extraordinary. Exodus 1:7 notes, “But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.” This rapid increase alarmed the Egyptians, leading Pharaoh to implement measures to control the Hebrew population, including the directive to the midwives in Exodus 1:15-16.

Image illustrating Exodus 1:15 and the courageous Hebrew midwives.

Given the large number of Israelites, it is unlikely that only two midwives could manage all the births. Therefore, it is reasonable to consider that Shiphrah and Puah were not the only midwives but held positions of authority or prominence among a larger group.

Linguistic Considerations

The Hebrew phrase translated as “the Hebrew midwives” can also be rendered “the midwives of the Hebrews.” This ambiguity allows for different interpretations regarding the identity of Shiphrah and Puah. Some scholars argue that they were Hebrews themselves, while others suggest they were Egyptian women serving the Hebrew community. The names Shiphrah and Puah are Semitic, supporting the view that they were Hebrews. However, the possibility remains that they were Egyptian women assigned to oversee Hebrew births.

Roles and Responsibilities

It is plausible that Shiphrah and Puah were supervisors or leaders among the midwives serving the Hebrew population. In ancient Egyptian society, it was common for professions to have hierarchical structures, with overseers managing groups of workers. If Shiphrah and Puah held such supervisory roles, Pharaoh’s directive would have been effectively communicated to all midwives through them.

Cultural Practices and Childbirth

Ancient childbirth practices often involved women giving birth with the assistance of family members or local midwives. In some cases, especially in rural or marginalized communities, women might give birth without professional assistance. The Hebrew women, living in a distinct community within Egypt, may have had their own childbirth customs, relying less on formal midwifery services. This context supports the idea that Shiphrah and Puah were not the sole providers of childbirth assistance but were notable figures within a broader network.

Conclusion

The assertion that only two midwives served the entire Hebrew population in Egypt is unlikely. Considering the historical, linguistic, and cultural evidence, it is more plausible that Shiphrah and Puah were prominent figures—either as leaders among Hebrew midwives or as Egyptian officials overseeing Hebrew childbirth. Their mention in Exodus highlights their significant role in defying Pharaoh’s orders and preserving the lives of Hebrew male infants.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).