Exodus 18:1

Authorized King James Version

When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּשְׁמַ֞ע

H8085

heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

יִתְר֨וֹ

H3503

When Jethro

jethro, moses' father-in-law

כֹהֵ֤ן

H3548

the priest

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

מִדְיָן֙

H4080

of Midian

midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants

חֹתֵ֣ן

H2859

father in law

to give (a daughter) away in marriage; hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage

לְמֹשֶׁ֔ה

H4872

Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֵת֩

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#10

עָשָׂ֤ה

H6213

had done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#11

אֱלֹהִים֙

H430

of all that God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#12

לְמֹשֶׁ֔ה

H4872

Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

#13

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#14

עַמּ֑וֹ

H5971

his people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#15

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#16

הוֹצִ֧יא

H3318

had brought

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#17

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

and that the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#18

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#19

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#20

מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃

H4714

out of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the period of Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1440-1400 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Moses