Zipporah
Zipporah in the Bible — daughter of Reuel (EXO 2:18), Moses' wife (EXO 2:21), a Cushite (NUM 12:1). Referenced in 5 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “beauty; trumpet; mourning”
Profile
- Gender
- female
- Scripture References
- 5 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 4 connections
Biography
Zipporah is a female figure in the Bible known primarily as the daughter of Reuel and the wife of Moses. She is also identified as a Cushite, highlighting her ethnic background. Her role is significant in the Exodus narrative as part of Moses' family.
Names & Titles
The name Zipporah means "bird" or "swallow," reflecting a proper name given in the biblical text. This name is recorded in Exodus 2:21 and is not indicated as being given by God.
Family
Scripture explicitly records Zipporah as the daughter of Reuel and implicitly as the wife of Moses. She is also inferred to be the mother of Gershom and Eliezer, Moses' sons, based on related scriptural references.
Significance
Zipporah's significance lies in her position as Moses' wife and the daughter of Reuel, which situates her within the broader narrative of God's deliverance of Israel. Her identification as a Cushite in Numbers 12:1 suggests a diverse heritage within the covenant community. Through her marriage to Moses, she is connected to the unfolding story of redemption and leadership in the Old Testament.
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- צִפֹּרָ֥ה
- Transliteration
- tsiporah
- Meaning
- bird, swallow
- Greek
- Σεπφωραν
- Reference
- EXO 2:21
- Strong's
- H6855
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Zipporah in the Bible?
Zipporah is a female figure in the Bible known primarily as the daughter of Reuel and the wife of Moses. She is also identified as a Cushite, highlighting her ethnic background. Her role is significant in the Exodus narrative as part of Moses' family.
What does the name Zipporah mean?
The name Zipporah means “beauty; trumpet; mourning” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.