Birth-Stool
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Birth-Stool in the Bible?
The birth-stool is a piece of furniture referenced in Exodus 1:16, described as having two legs or a double structure, which served as a seat for Hebrew midwives assisting women in labor within Egypt.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this artifact clarifies the specific logistical details of the midwives' duties in Exodus, highlighting the practical measures taken to facilitate childbirth in the ancient world.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Birth-Stool were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Birth-Stool in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Birth-Stool clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Exodus 1:16
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Birth-Stool." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/birthstool/