שִׁפְחָה (shiph.chah)
shiph.chah
maidservant
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 55 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun shiphchah refers to a female servant or slave, specifically one who belongs to a household rather than working in the fields. It appears fifty-five times in Scripture, with significant occurrences in Genesis and Samuel. The term denotes a person of low status within the domestic sphere, often serving a mistress or managing household tasks.
Lexical sources highlight a subtle distinction between shiphchah and the word amah. While both mean servant, 1 Samuel 25:41 shows Abigail using them together to clarify her position: she identifies as an amah, a general household servant, while acknowledging her lower rank as a shiphchah. This suggests shiphchah implies a more subordinate or specific role of service.
The word also functions figuratively in humble self-address. Women like Hannah and Abigail use it when speaking to men of higher authority, emphasizing their vulnerability and dependence. Its etymology links to a root meaning "to spread out," possibly evoking the idea of being part of an extended family unit or household structure.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word shiphchah describes a female servant within an ancient household. It marks a person of low social status, often working closely with the mistress or managing daily domestic tasks. While it denotes vulnerability and dependence, the text also shows women using this term to express humility before those in authority. This usage reminds us that true dignity comes from God, not from our position in society.
In Genesis 16, Hagar experiences both the harshness of her status and the personal care of God. When she flees from Sarai’s treatment, God meets her by a spring in the wilderness. He does not ignore her pain or dismiss her lowly rank. Instead, He calls her by name and promises to multiply her descendants. This story shows that God sees those whom society might overlook.
For your faith today, this word invites you to remember that every person holds inherent worth in God’s eyes. Whether you feel powerful or powerless, Christ’s sacrifice affirms your value. You can find comfort in knowing that the Creator of the universe pays attention to the struggles of the marginalized. Let this truth shape how you treat others and view yourself.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 55 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- maidservant/ your11×
- [the] maidservant of7×
- and/ female servants4×
- the/ maidservants3×
- maidservant/ my3×
- maidservant/ her3×
- female slave/ his3×
- and/ to/ female slaves3×
- the/ maidservant2×
- maidservant/ his2×
- a maidservant2×
- to/ maidservant/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שִׁפְחַ֥ת4×
- שִׁפְחַ֣ת3×
- וּ/שְׁפָחֹ֔ת3×
- שִׁפְחָתָ֔/הּ2×
- שִׁפְחָתְ/ךָ֛2×
- שִׁפְחָת֑/וֹ2×
- שִׁפְחָֽתְ/ךָ֙2×
- וְ/לִ/שְׁפָחֽוֹת\׃\ \ס2×
- וְ/לִ/שְׁפָח֖וֹת2×
- הַ/שְּׁפָח֛וֹת2×
- שִׁפְחֹתֶֽי/ךָ\׃1×
- שִׁפְחָתָ֖/הּ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 16:8
He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s servant, where did you come from? Where are you going?” She said, “I am fleeing from the face of my mistress Sarai.”
This verse captures Hagar’s vulnerability as she flees from her mistress, highlighting the word's association with a subordinate position in the household.
-
Genesis 25:12
Now this is the history of the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s servant, bore to Abraham.
The text identifies Ishmael’s mother by this title, showing how the term defined lineage and social standing even when she bore Abraham’s son.
-
Exodus 11:5
and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the female servant who is behind the mill, and all the firstborn of livestock.
This reference extends the scope of judgment to the lowest domestic worker, emphasizing that no one in Egyptian society was beyond God’s reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does shiphchah mean in the Bible?
How is shiphchah different from amah?
Why is this word significant in Genesis?
Every Occurrence (55 verses across 15 books)
Genesis 24 verses
He dealt well with Abram for her sake. He had sheep, cattle, male donkeys, male servants, female servants, female…
Genesis 16:1Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, bore him no children. She had a servant, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.
Genesis 16:2Sarai said to Abram, “See now, Yahweh has restrained me from bearing. Please go in to my servant. It may be that I will…
Genesis 16:3Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, and…
Genesis 16:5Sarai said to Abram, “This wrong is your fault. I gave my servant into your bosom, and when she saw that she had…
Genesis 16:6But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your maid is in your hand. Do to her whatever is good in your eyes.” Sarai dealt…
Genesis 16:8He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s servant, where did you come from? Where are you going?” She said, “I am fleeing from the face…
Genesis 20:14Abimelech took sheep and cattle, male servants and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and restored Sarah, his…
Genesis 24:35Yahweh has blessed my master greatly. He has become great. Yahweh has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male…
Genesis 25:12Now this is the history of the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s servant, bore to…
Genesis 29:24Laban gave Zilpah his servant to his daughter Leah for a servant.
Genesis 29:29Laban gave Bilhah, his servant, to his daughter Rachel to be her servant.
Genesis 30:4She gave him Bilhah her servant as wife, and Jacob went in to her.
Genesis 30:7Bilhah, Rachel’s servant, conceived again, and bore Jacob a second son.
Genesis 30:9When Leah saw that she had finished bearing, she took Zilpah, her servant, and gave her to Jacob as a wife.
Genesis 30:10Zilpah, Leah’s servant, bore Jacob a son.
Genesis 30:12Zilpah, Leah’s servant, bore Jacob a second son.
Genesis 30:18Leah said, “God has given me my hire, because I gave my servant to my husband.” She named him Issachar.
Genesis 30:43The man increased exceedingly, and had large flocks, female servants and male servants, and camels and donkeys.
Genesis 33:1Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau was coming, and with him four hundred men. He divided the…
Genesis 33:2He put the servants and their children in front, Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear.
Genesis 33:6Then the servants came near with their children, and they bowed themselves.
Genesis 35:25The sons of Bilhah (Rachel’s servant): Dan and Naphtali.
Genesis 35:26The sons of Zilpah (Leah’s servant): Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan Aram.