Exodus 18:20

Authorized King James Version

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And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.

Original Language Analysis

וְהִזְהַרְתָּ֣ה And thou shalt teach H2094
וְהִזְהַרְתָּ֣ה And thou shalt teach
Strong's: H2094
Word #: 1 of 16
figuratively, to enlighten (by caution)
אֶתְהֶ֔ם H853
אֶתְהֶ֔ם
Strong's: H853
Word #: 2 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַֽחֻקִּ֖ים them ordinances H2706
הַֽחֻקִּ֖ים them ordinances
Strong's: H2706
Word #: 4 of 16
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 5 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַתּוֹרֹ֑ת and laws H8451
הַתּוֹרֹ֑ת and laws
Strong's: H8451
Word #: 6 of 16
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
וְהֽוֹדַעְתָּ֣ and shalt shew H3045
וְהֽוֹדַעְתָּ֣ and shalt shew
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 7 of 16
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
לָהֶ֗ם H0
לָהֶ֗ם
Strong's: H0
Word #: 8 of 16
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 9 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙ them the way H1870
הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙ them the way
Strong's: H1870
Word #: 10 of 16
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
יֵ֣לְכוּ H1980
יֵ֣לְכוּ
Strong's: H1980
Word #: 11 of 16
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בָ֔הּ H0
בָ֔הּ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 12 of 16
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 13 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה and the work H4639
הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה and the work
Strong's: H4639
Word #: 14 of 16
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
אֲשֶׁ֥ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 15 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יַֽעֲשֽׂוּן׃ that they must do H6213
יַֽעֲשֽׂוּן׃ that they must do
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 16 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Analysis & Commentary

And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk—Jethro outlines Moses' teaching role: 'teach' (הִזְהַרְתָּה, hizhartah, 'warn, instruct') the 'ordinances' (חֻקִּים, chuqqim) and 'laws' (תּוֹרוֹת, torot). The phrase 'shew them the way' (וְהוֹדַעְתָּ לָהֶם אֶת־הַדֶּרֶךְ, v'hoda'ta lahem et-haderekh) uses metaphorical language—law as path. The addition 'and the work that they must do' (וְאֶת־הַמַּעֲשֶׂה אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשׂוּן, v'et-hama'aseh asher ya'asun) emphasizes practical application. This comprehensive teaching role—doctrine and practice, principle and application—remains Moses' priority. Teaching 'the way' anticipates Jesus' self-identification: 'I am the way' (John 14:6). Moses shows the path; Christ is the path.

Historical Context

This teaching function would be fulfilled through Torah instruction after Sinai. Moses' pedagogical role shaped Israel's identity as people defined by God's revealed law.

Questions for Reflection

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