Overview
The Bible addresses midwifery across 9 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Exodus, Genesis and Ezekiel. Closely related themes include Egypt, Infanticide, Jacob and Ablution. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Shiphrah and Puah.
Key Bible verses about midwifery
Old Testament
Exodus
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:
And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.
But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.
And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive?
And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.
Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.
And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.
People in the Bible and midwifery
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying midwifery for yourself
- Begin with Genesis 35:17, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Exodus, Genesis and Ezekiel each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Shiphrah and Puah and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Egypt, Infanticide, Jacob and Ablution.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about midwifery?
The Bible addresses midwifery across 9 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Exodus, Genesis and Ezekiel. Closely related themes include Egypt, Infanticide, Jacob and Ablution. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Shiphrah and Puah.
How many Bible verses are about midwifery?
The Bible references midwifery in 9 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention midwifery?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 35:17: “And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with midwifery?
Shiphrah and Puah.
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