צִפֹּרָה (tsip.po.rah)
tsip.po.rah
Zipporah
N:N-F-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-F-P
Word Overview
The name Tsipporah means "bird" in Hebrew. It appears only three times in the Old Testament, always referring to the wife of Moses and daughter of Jethro (also called Reuel). She is first introduced in Exodus 2:21 when Moses arrives at Midian and marries into her family.
Her most significant moment occurs in Exodus 4:25, where she circumcises her son to protect Moses from God's wrath. This brief but critical action highlights her role as a faithful participant in the covenant community, ensuring that Moses could fulfill his divine mission to lead Israel out of Egypt.
Though the text does not elaborate on her personality or thoughts, Tsipporah’s actions demonstrate decisive faith and loyalty. Her name, symbolizing freedom and lightness, contrasts with the heavy burden of leadership Moses carried, yet she stands firmly beside him in obedience to God’s commands.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Zipporah’s name means “bird,” a simple image that might suggest freedom or lightness. Yet her story in Exodus is grounded in heavy, life-or-death decisions. When Moses faced God’s wrath because he had not circumcised his son, Zipporah acted quickly. She took a flint stone and performed the circumcision herself, saving Moses’ life. This moment shows that faithfulness often requires urgent action, not just passive belief.
Her role reminds us that God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways. Though the Bible does not give us her inner thoughts, her obedience allowed Moses to continue his mission of leading Israel out of Egypt. She was a partner in the covenant, ensuring that the promise of God would not be broken by neglect. Her courage stands as a quiet example for anyone who feels called to support others in difficult times.
We can find comfort in knowing that God values decisive faith, even when it comes from unexpected sources. Zipporah’s story encourages us to pay attention to the small, urgent opportunities we have to obey God. Whether you are leading or supporting, your faithful actions matter deeply to Him. May you find strength in the example of those who stood firm in their duty.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zipporah3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צִפֹּרָ֥ה1×
- צִפֹּרָ֜ה1×
- צִפֹּרָ֖ה1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 4:25
Then Zipporah took a flint, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet; and she said, “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me.”
This verse captures Zipporah’s decisive action of circumcising her son to save Moses from God's wrath, highlighting her role in preserving the covenant.
-
Exodus 2:21
Moses was content to dwell with the man. He gave Moses Zipporah, his daughter.
This introduction shows Moses settling into Midian and marrying Zipporah, setting the stage for her later pivotal role in his journey.
-
Exodus 18:2
Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, received Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her away,
This mention confirms her return to Moses after he had sent her away, showing her continued presence as part of his family and mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Zipporah mean?
Why did Zipporah circumcise her son?
Who was Zipporah’s father?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Exodus 3 verses
Moses was content to dwell with the man. He gave Moses Zipporah, his daughter.
Exodus 4:25Then Zipporah took a flint, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet; and she said, “Surely you are…
Exodus 18:2Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, received Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her away,