Exodus 18:16
When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִהְיֶ֨ה
H1961
יִהְיֶ֨ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דָּבָר֙
When they have a matter
H1697
דָּבָר֙
When they have a matter
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 17
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
וְשָׁ֣פַטְתִּ֔י
unto me and I judge
H8199
וְשָׁ֣פַטְתִּ֔י
unto me and I judge
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
7 of 17
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
בֵּ֥ין
H996
בֵּ֥ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
8 of 17
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
אִ֖ישׁ
between one
H376
אִ֖ישׁ
between one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
9 of 17
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וּבֵ֣ין
H996
וּבֵ֣ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
10 of 17
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
וְהֽוֹדַעְתִּ֛י
and I do make them know
H3045
וְהֽוֹדַעְתִּ֛י
and I do make them know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
12 of 17
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חֻקֵּ֥י
the statutes
H2706
חֻקֵּ֥י
the statutes
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
14 of 17
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
15 of 17
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
Cross References
Exodus 24:14And he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto them.1 Corinthians 6:1Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?Deuteronomy 5:1And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them.Deuteronomy 4:5Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.2 Samuel 15:3And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.
Historical Context
Before formal law-giving at Sinai, Moses likely taught based on patriarchal tradition, creation order, and ongoing divine revelation. His teaching role prepared Israel for receiving comprehensive law.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' clarity about calling (teaching God's laws) show that right vision can coexist with wrong method?
- What does the distinction between 'statutes' and 'laws' teach about diverse types of divine guidance?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws—Moses reiterates his comprehensive role: judging disputes and teaching divine law. The phrase 'judge between one and another' (וְשָׁפַטְתִּי בֵּין אִישׁ וּבֵין רֵעֵהוּ, v'shafat'ti bein ish uvein re'ehu) shows conflict resolution. The distinction between 'statutes' (חֻקִּים, chuqqim, prescribed ordinances) and 'laws' (תּוֹרֹתָיו, torotav, instructions) indicates diverse types of divine guidance Moses communicates. This verse's repetition (cf. v.15) emphasizes Moses' conviction about his calling. Yet good calling doesn't automatically mean right method—Moses' dedication is admirable but his solo approach is unsustainable. Jethro's forthcoming counsel will improve method without questioning calling.