Exodus 18:11
Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.
Original Language Analysis
עַתָּ֣ה
H6258
יָדַ֔עְתִּי
Now I know
H3045
יָדַ֔עְתִּי
Now I know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
2 of 12
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גָד֥וֹל
is greater
H1419
גָד֥וֹל
is greater
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
4 of 12
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
יְהוָ֖ה
that the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
that the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מִכָּל
H3605
מִכָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
than all gods
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
than all gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 12
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
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בַדָּבָ֔ר
for in the thing
H1697
בַדָּבָ֔ר
for in the thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
9 of 12
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Psalms 95:3For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.Exodus 15:11Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?2 Chronicles 2:5And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods.Psalms 135:5For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.Luke 1:51He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.Psalms 97:9For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.1 Chronicles 16:25For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods.Daniel 4:37Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.Psalms 119:21Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.Nehemiah 9:10And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as it is this day.
Historical Context
As a Midianite priest, Jethro's confession represents a religiously educated person's deliberate choice to acknowledge YHWH above all deities worshipped in ancient Near East.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jethro's 'now I know' teach that intellectual belief becomes genuine faith through witnessing God's works?
- What does Egypt's proud oppression becoming their judgment teach about God's poetic justice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them—Jethro's confession 'Now I know' (עַתָּה יָדַעְתִּי, attah yada'ti) indicates experiential knowledge gained through witnessing God's works. The declaration that 'the LORD is greater than all gods' (כִּי־גָדוֹל יְהוָה מִכָּל־הָאֱלֹהִים, ki-gadol YHWH mikol-ha'elohim) is comparative monotheism moving toward absolute monotheism—YHWH surpasses all false gods. The phrase 'for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly' (כִּי בַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר זָדוּ עֲלֵיהֶם, ki vadavar asher zadu alehem) means Egypt's proud oppression became the very means of their judgment—drowned in waters meant to drown Hebrew babies. This lex talionis (law of retaliation) shows God's justice. Jethro's confession prefigures Gentile acknowledgment of YHWH's supremacy.