צִפֹּרָה
Tsipporah, Moses' wife
Definition
Tsipporah is the name of Moses' wife, a Midianite woman who was the daughter of Jethro (also called Reuel), the priest of Midian. She is introduced in Exodus 2:21 when Moses, fleeing Egypt, marries her after receiving shelter from her father. Her most significant narrative moment occurs in Exodus 4:24-26, where she acts decisively to circumcise their son, averting God's wrath against Moses. Later, she is mentioned in Exodus 18:2 as having been sent back to her father, and she rejoins Moses with her sons when Jethro visits the Israelite camp.
Biblical Usage
The name Tsipporah is used exclusively in the book of Exodus, appearing only three times. Each occurrence marks a key transition in Moses' life: his integration into a Midianite family (Exodus 2:21), a critical moment of covenant obedience during his return to Egypt (Exodus 4:25), and the reunification of his family before the meeting at Sinai (Exodus 18:2). The usage consistently ties her identity to Moses and her father Jethro.
Etymology
Tsipporah (צִפֹּרָה) is the feminine form of the common Hebrew noun צִפּוֹר (tsippôr, H6833), meaning 'bird.' It is a personal name derived from this everyday word, similar to how 'Dove' or 'Robin' is used in English. The name likely carried positive connotations of freedom, grace, or beauty.
Semantic Range
Tsipporah's role is theologically significant. Her act of circumcision in Exodus 4:25 is a pivotal, if enigmatic, moment that underscores the non-negotiable requirement of the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 17) for Moses' household, even before the Exodus begins. As a Gentile (Midianite) who performs a key covenant ritual, she represents God's purposes extending beyond Israel from the very start of the redemption story. Understanding her name ('bird') can symbolically reflect themes of deliverance and providence in Moses' flight from Egypt.
As a Midianite, Tsipporah came from a nomadic tribe descended from Abraham through Keturah (Genesis 25:2). Her father being a 'priest of Midian' suggests a religious leadership role, though the exact nature of his faith is debated. Her name reflects a common ancient practice of using nature terms for personal names. Her swift action in Exodus 4:25 highlights her agency and knowledge of ritual practice within her family context.
No direct synonyms as a proper name. The root word is צִפּוֹר (tsippôr, H6833) — the common noun for 'bird,' from which her name is derived.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →