Zipporah

Zipporah (Hebrew: צִפּוֹרָה, Modern: Tzipora, Tiberian: Ṣipporā) is a figure from the Hebrew Bible and the Qur'an, known primarily as the wife of Moses. Her name is translated to "bird" in Hebrew, reflecting her role as a nurturing and protective figure in the biblical narrative. In the Book of Exodus, Zipporah is introduced as the daughter of Jethro, a priest of Midian, whom Moses encounters during his exile in Midian. She is known for her courage and quick thinking, particularly in the episode where she circumcises their son to save Moses from divine wrath (Exodus 4:24-26). This act underscores her significance as a protector of her family and a key figure in the Moses narrative. In Islamic tradition, Zipporah is also recognized, though her role is less emphasized compared to Jewish and Christian texts. Her story is a notable example of interfaith and intercultural marriage, as she is a Midianite who becomes integral to the Israelite narrative.