Midwife
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Midwife in the Bible?
Midwives in ancient Israelite society assisted mothers during childbirth, performing essential duties such as cutting the umbilical cord, cleansing the infant, applying salt to the umbilical stump to prevent infection, and swaddling the newborn. These practitioners were often older women with practical experience, sometimes relatives or trusted community members, who provided critical care in the absence of formal medical institutions.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the role of midwives clarifies the practical realities of childbirth in biblical narratives, such as the births of Moses and Jesus, and demonstrates how women exercised professional agency and maintained community health standards within the patriarchal structure of ancient Israel.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Midwife in this passage?
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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.