Puah
femaleExodusMeaning: “Splendid; child-bearing”
One of the two Hebrew midwives who, fearing God, refused Pharaoh’s command to kill the newborn Hebrew boys.
Biography
Puah was one of the two Hebrew midwives, with Shiphrah, charged by Pharaoh to put to death every newborn Hebrew son (Exodus 1:15). Their refusal is the first act of resistance in Israel's deliverance story.
Courage that feared God
Rather than obey the king's murderous decree, Puah and Shiphrah "saved the men children alive," because they "feared God" more than they feared Pharaoh (Exodus 1:17). God dealt well with them and gave them households of their own (Exodus 1:20–21). Their faithfulness helped preserve the generation into which Moses, the deliverer, would be born — a reminder that God often works His great deliverances through the quiet bravery of ordinary people.
Life Timeline
Refuses Pharaoh’s command, fearing God
Themes & lessons from Puah
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Puah appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
1 verses in 1 bookExodus1 verse
Exodus 1:15
And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah:
Frequently asked about Puah
Who was Puah in the Bible?
One of the two Hebrew midwives who, fearing God, refused Pharaoh’s command to kill the newborn Hebrew boys.
What does the name Puah mean?
The name Puah means “Splendid; child-bearing”.
What did Puah do in the Bible?
Puah served as midwife.
Where does Puah appear in the Bible?
Puah is mentioned 1 time across 1 book: Exodus.
What can we learn from Puah?
The story of Puah touches on themes of egypt, infanticide, midwifery — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Puah's life.
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