Exodus 18:23
If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.
Original Language Analysis
אִ֣ם
H518
אִ֣ם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 17
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדָּבָ֤ר
this thing
H1697
הַדָּבָ֤ר
this thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 17
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַזֶּה֙
H2088
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
If thou shalt do
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
If thou shalt do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
and God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
and God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 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
וְיָֽכָלְתָּ֖
thee so then thou shalt be able
H3201
וְיָֽכָלְתָּ֖
thee so then thou shalt be able
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
8 of 17
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
עֲמֹ֑ד
to endure
H5975
עֲמֹ֑ד
to endure
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
9 of 17
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
וְגַם֙
H1571
וְגַם֙
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֣ם
and all this people
H5971
הָעָ֣ם
and all this people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
12 of 17
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
14 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מְקֹמ֖וֹ
to their place
H4725
מְקֹמ֖וֹ
to their place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
15 of 17
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
Historical Context
Moses would later recount this counsel as coming from God's approval (Deuteronomy 1:9-18), confirming that Jethro's advice aligned with divine will. Wise counsel and divine command converged.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jethro's deference to God's command model the proper humility of counselors?
- What does 'able to endure' teach about structure's role in sustainable ministry?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure—Jethro's conditional 'if...God command thee so' (וְצִוְּךָ אֱלֹהִים, v'tzivv'kha Elohim) shows wisdom: he offers counsel but defers to divine confirmation. This humility models that human advice, however sound, requires divine validation. The promise 'thou shalt be able to endure' (וְיָכָלְתָּ עֲמֹד, v'yakholta amod, literally 'you will be able to stand') addresses sustainability—proper structure enables longevity. The additional promise 'and all this people shall also go to their place in peace' (וְגַם כָּל־הָעָם הַזֶּה עַל־מְקֹמוֹ יָבֹא בְשָׁלוֹם, v'gam khol-ha'am hazeh al-m'qomo yavo v'shalom) means people will receive justice promptly and return home satisfied. Good structure serves both leader and people.