Zipporah
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Zipporah in the Bible?
The Midianite wife of Moses, daughter of Jethro (also known as Reuel), and likely granddaughter of Reuel. The identification of Zipporah with the 'Cushite woman' mentioned in Numbers 12:1 remains a subject of scholarly debate.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Zipporah's background clarifies the cultural and familial dynamics surrounding Moses during his time in Midian and provides context for the marital tensions described in the biblical text.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Zipporah reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Zipporah in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Zipporah clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Numbers 12:1
Related Topics
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
"Zipporah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/zipporah/