Exodus 18:14
And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּרְא֙
saw
H7200
וַיַּרְא֙
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 29
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
חֹתֵ֣ן
father in law
H2859
חֹתֵ֣ן
father in law
Strong's:
H2859
Word #:
2 of 29
to give (a daughter) away in marriage; hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage
אֵ֛ת
H853
אֵ֛ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 29
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 29
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
ה֥וּא
H1931
ה֥וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
7 of 29
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
עֹשֶׂה֙
all that he did
H6213
עֹשֶׂה֙
all that he did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 29
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הָעָ֛ם
thou thyself alone and all the people
H5971
הָעָ֛ם
thou thyself alone and all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
9 of 29
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
מָֽה
H4100
מָֽה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
11 of 29
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
הַדָּבָ֤ר
What is this thing
H1697
הַדָּבָ֤ר
What is this thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
12 of 29
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַזֶּה֙
H2088
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 29
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עֹשֶׂה֙
all that he did
H6213
עֹשֶׂה֙
all that he did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
16 of 29
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הָעָ֛ם
thou thyself alone and all the people
H5971
הָעָ֛ם
thou thyself alone and all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
17 of 29
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
מַדּ֗וּעַ
H4069
מַדּ֗וּעַ
Strong's:
H4069
Word #:
18 of 29
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
יוֹשֵׁב֙
why sittest
H3427
יוֹשֵׁב֙
why sittest
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
20 of 29
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
לְבַדֶּ֔ךָ
H905
לְבַדֶּ֔ךָ
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
21 of 29
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
22 of 29
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֛ם
thou thyself alone and all the people
H5971
הָעָ֛ם
thou thyself alone and all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
23 of 29
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
נִצָּ֥ב
stand
H5324
נִצָּ֥ב
stand
Strong's:
H5324
Word #:
24 of 29
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
עָלֶ֖יךָ
H5921
עָלֶ֖יךָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
25 of 29
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
26 of 29
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
בֹּ֥קֶר
by thee from morning
H1242
בֹּ֥קֶר
by thee from morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
27 of 29
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
Historical Context
Jethro's outsider perspective gave him clarity that those within the situation lacked. His Midianite governance experience equipped him to identify organizational problems Moses missed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jethro's questioning approach model how to offer counsel to leaders respectfully?
- What does God validating Jethro's advice teach about receiving wisdom from unexpected sources?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people?—Jethro's question 'What is this thing?' shows his concern at the unsustainable system. His observation 'thou sittest thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee' identifies the problem: centralized leadership without delegation. The phrase 'from morning unto even' emphasizes the exhaustion for both Moses and people. Jethro's willingness to question Moses' methods models the proper role of advisors—speaking truth to leadership. His approach is respectful (asking questions) rather than presumptuous (demanding change). The fact that God validates Jethro's advice shows that wisdom can come from outside covenant community, and leaders should welcome counsel.