New International VersionAfter Moses had sent away his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro received her
New Living TranslationEarlier, Moses had sent his wife, Zipporah, and his two sons back to Jethro, who had taken them in.
English Standard VersionNow Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, had taken Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her home,
Berean Standard BibleAfter Moses had sent back his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro had received her,
King James BibleThen Jethro, Moses' father in law, took Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her back,
New King James VersionThen Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back,
New American Standard BibleAnd Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took in Moses’ wife Zipporah, after he had sent her away,
NASB 1995Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took Moses’ wife Zipporah, after he had sent her away,
NASB 1977And Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took Moses’ wife Zipporah, after he had sent her away,
Legacy Standard BibleAnd Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took Moses’ wife Zipporah, after he had sent her away,
Amplified BibleThen Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took Moses’ wife Zipporah, after he had sent her away [from Egypt],
Christian Standard BibleNow Jethro, Moses’s father-in-law, had taken in Zipporah, Moses’s wife, after he had sent her back,
Holman Christian Standard BibleNow Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, had taken in Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back,
American Standard VersionAnd Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her away,
English Revised VersionAnd Jethro, Moses' father in law, took Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her away,
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhen Moses had sent away his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro had taken her in,
Good News TranslationSo he came to Moses, bringing with him Moses' wife Zipporah, who had been left behind,
International Standard VersionNow Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, had taken back Moses' wife Zipporah after she had been sent away,
NET BibleJethro, Moses' father-in-law, took Moses' wife Zipporah after he had sent her back,
New Heart English BibleJethro, Moses' father-in-law, received Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her away,
Webster's Bible TranslationThen Jethro, Moses's father-in-law, took Zipporah Moses's wife, after he had sent her back, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAfter Moses had sent back his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro had received her,
World English BibleJethro, Moses’ father-in-law, received Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her away, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Jethro, father-in-law of Moses, takes Zipporah, wife of Moses, after her parting,
Young's Literal Translation and Jethro, father-in-law of Moses, taketh Zipporah, wife of Moses, besides her parents,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, will take Zipporah, Moses' wife, after her sending forth, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe took Sephora the wife of Moses whom he had sent back:
Catholic Public Domain Versionhe brought Zipporah, the wife of Moses, whom he was to return to him,
New American BibleSo his father-in-law Jethro took along Zipporah, Moses’ wife—now this was after Moses had sent her back—
New Revised Standard VersionAfter Moses had sent away his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro took her back, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, took his daughter Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her back,
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Yethrown, Father in Law of Moshe, took Tsephora his daughter, the wife of Moshe, after he released her, OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her away,
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Jothor the father-in-law of Moses, took Sepphora the wife of Moses after she had been sent away,
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Visit of Jethro1Now Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard about all that God had done for Moses and His people Israel, and how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. 2AfterMoseshad sent backhis wifeZipporah,hisfather-in-lawJethrohad received her,3along with her two sons. One son was named Gershom, for Moses had said, “I have been a foreigner in a foreign land.”…
Cross References Exodus 2:21-22Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage. / And she gave birth to a son, and Moses named him Gershom, saying, “I have become a foreigner in a foreign land.”
Exodus 4:20So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and headed back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand.
Exodus 3:1Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.
Numbers 10:29-32Then Moses said to Hobab, the son of Moses’ father-in-law Reuel the Midianite, “We are setting out for the place of which the LORD said: ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us, and we will treat you well, for the LORD has promised good things to Israel.” / “I will not go,” Hobab replied. “Instead, I am going back to my own land and my own people.” / “Please do not leave us,” Moses said, “since you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can serve as our eyes. ...
Judges 4:11Now Heber the Kenite had moved away from the Kenites, the descendants of Hobab the father-in-law of Moses, and had pitched his tent by the great tree of Zaanannim, which was near Kedesh.
1 Samuel 15:6And he warned the Kenites, “Since you showed kindness to all the Israelites when they came up out of Egypt, go on and get away from the Amalekites. Otherwise I will sweep you away with them.” So the Kenites moved away from the Amalekites.
1 Chronicles 23:15-17The sons of Moses: Gershom and Eliezer. / The descendants of Gershom: Shebuel was the first. / The descendants of Eliezer: Rehabiah was the first. Eliezer did not have any other sons, but the sons of Rehabiah were very numerous.
Acts 7:29At this remark, Moses fled to the land of Midian, where he lived as a foreigner and had two sons.
Hebrews 11:24-27By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. / He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin. / He valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward. ...
Matthew 2:13-15When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.” / So he got up, took the Child and His mother by night, and withdrew to Egypt, / where he stayed until the death of Herod. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”
Acts 7:23-25When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. / And when he saw one of them being mistreated, Moses went to his defense and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian who was oppressing him. / He assumed his brothers would understand that God was using him to deliver them, but they did not.
1 Kings 11:18-20Hadad and his men set out from Midian and went to Paran. They took men from Paran with them and went to Egypt, to Pharaoh king of Egypt, who gave Hadad a house and land and provided him with food. / There Hadad found such great favor in the sight of Pharaoh that he gave to him in marriage the sister of Queen Tahpenes, his own wife. / And the sister of Tahpenes bore Hadad a son named Genubath. Tahpenes herself weaned him in Pharaoh’s palace, and Genubath lived there among the sons of Pharaoh.
2 Timothy 1:5I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well.
1 Corinthians 9:5Have we no right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas?
1 Peter 3:1-6Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your husbands, so that even if they refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of their wives / when they see your pure and reverent demeanor. / Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, ...
Treasury of Scripture Then Jethro, Moses' father in law, took Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her back, Zipporah Exodus 2:21 And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter. Exodus 4:25,26 Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and castit at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husbandart thou to me… Jump to Previous BesidesFather-In-LawJethroLawMosesMoses'sParentsReceivedWifeZipporahZippo'rahJump to Next BesidesFather-In-LawJethroLawMosesMoses'sParentsReceivedWifeZipporahZippo'rahExodus 18 1.Jethro brings his wife and two sons to Moses7.Moses entertains him, and relates the goodness of the Lord9.Jethro rejoices, blesses God, and offers sacrifice13.He gives good counsel, which is accepted27.Jethro departsAfter Moses had sent back his wife ZipporahThis phrase indicates a separation between Moses and his wife, Zipporah. The context for this separation is not explicitly detailed in the text, but it is understood that Moses sent her back to her father, Jethro, for safety or due to the challenges of his mission in Egypt. This action reflects the difficult circumstances Moses faced as he led the Israelites out of Egypt. The sending back of Zipporah may also suggest a temporary prioritization of his divine mission over family life, a theme seen in other biblical narratives where God's calling requires personal sacrifice. his father-in-law Jethro had received her
Jethro, also known as Reuel, was a priest of Midian and Moses' father-in-law. His reception of Zipporah and her children indicates a supportive family relationship and highlights the cultural practice of extended family networks providing care and protection. Jethro's role as a priest suggests he was a man of wisdom and influence, which is later demonstrated when he advises Moses on leadership and governance (Exodus 18:13-27). This interaction between Moses and Jethro also prefigures the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan, as Jethro, a non-Israelite, acknowledges the God of Israel. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe central figure in the Book of Exodus, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. At this point, he is leading the Israelites through the wilderness. 2. ZipporahMoses' wife, whom he had sent back to her father, Jethro, at some point during the Exodus journey. Her return to Moses is a significant event in this chapter. 3. JethroMoses' father-in-law, also known as Reuel, a priest of Midian. He plays a crucial role in advising Moses on leadership and governance. 4. MidianThe region where Jethro lived and where Moses had fled after leaving Egypt. It is a place of refuge and family for Moses. 5. The Exodus JourneyThe broader context of this passage, where Moses is leading the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. Teaching Points The Importance of Family SupportMoses' relationship with Zipporah and Jethro underscores the importance of family support in fulfilling God's calling. Family can provide wisdom, encouragement, and practical help. God's Provision through RelationshipsJethro's role in Moses' life demonstrates how God often provides guidance and support through relationships. We should value and seek counsel from those God places in our lives. Balancing Ministry and FamilyMoses' decision to send Zipporah back to Jethro may reflect a need to balance his leadership responsibilities with family considerations. This balance is crucial for effective ministry and personal well-being. The Role of Wise CounselJethro's later advice to Moses about leadership structure ( Exodus 18:13-27) highlights the value of seeking and heeding wise counsel, especially from those with experience and insight. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Exodus 18:2?
2.How does Jethro's visit in Exodus 18:2 demonstrate God's provision for Moses?
3.What can we learn from Jethro's role as a father-in-law in Exodus 18:2?
4.How does Exodus 18:2 connect to the importance of family support in ministry?
5.How can we apply Jethro's wisdom in Exodus 18:2 to our family dynamics?
6.What does Exodus 18:2 teach about balancing family responsibilities with spiritual leadership?
7.Why did Moses send his wife Zipporah back to her father in Exodus 18:2?
8.What does Exodus 18:2 reveal about Moses' family dynamics and leadership responsibilities?
9.How does Exodus 18:2 reflect the cultural practices of family separation in ancient times?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 18?
11.Who was Jethro in the Bible?
12.Who was Zipporah in the Bible?
13.Who was Zipporah, Moses' wife, in the Bible?
14.Exodus 18:1 calls Moses' father-in-law 'Jethro,' yet Exodus 2:18 refers to him as 'Reuel.' Are these two names for the same person, or is this a contradiction?What Does Exodus 18:2 Mean After Moses had sent back his wife Zipporah,•Exodus 18:2 opens with a reminder that Moses, somewhere between the journey to Egypt (Exodus 4:20) and the plagues (Exodus 7–12), purposefully returned Zipporah to her family in Midian. • The wording shows a deliberate, protective action—not abandonment—aligned with Moses’ God-given responsibility to safeguard his household while confronting Pharaoh. Compare the similar protective separations inGenesis 45:9–11 andExodus 12:31–32. • Sending her back likely followed the tense circumcision episode en route to Egypt (Exodus 4:24-26), after which Zipporah may have questioned continued travel. Moses’ decision let him face Egypt’s judgments (Exodus 7–12) without exposing his family to danger. • The verse affirms Scripture’s chronology: Zipporah departs early, reappears only once Israel is safe at Sinai (Exodus 18:5). God honors Moses’ care for his wife, echoing the principle of1 Timothy 3:5—faithful leaders manage their own households well.
his father-in-law Jethro had received her• Jethro, “priest of Midian” (Exodus 3:1), acts as guardian, showing Near-Eastern family solidarity. His hospitality prefigures later commands to honor kin and sojourners (Leviticus 19:34). • Jethro’s reception kept Zipporah and her sons Gershom and Eliezer (Exodus 18:3-4) spiritually and physically secure. In due time he escorts them back, illustratingProverbs 17:17—“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” • By caring for Moses’ family, Jethro models godly wisdom that he will soon share with Israel’s leader (Exodus 18:17-24). The reunion proves God was orchestrating relationships beyond Israel’s borders, hinting at the future blessing of all nations through Abraham’s seed (Genesis 12:3;Isaiah 60:3). • The phrase also validates the literal historical link between Midian and Israel: two peoples cooperating under Yahweh’s sovereign plan, not myth but factual family history (Numbers 10:29-32).
summaryExodus 18:2 means exactly what it says: Moses, acting responsibly under God, had earlier sent Zipporah back to Midian for her safety; Jethro graciously received and sheltered her until the LORD’s appointed moment for reunion at Sinai. The verse underscores protective leadership, faithful family support, and God’s meticulous providence—each detail fitting seamlessly into the unfolding, literal narrative of Israel’s redemption. (2) After he had sent her back.--Heb., after her dismissal.The fact had not been previously stated, but is in harmony with the general narrative, which has been absolutely silent concerning Zipporah since Exodus 4:26. Moses had sent Zipporah back to her own relations, either in anger, on account of the scene described in Exodus 4:24-26, or simply that he might not be encumbered with wife and children during the dangers and troubles which he anticipated in Egypt. Jethro assumed that, as the main troubles were now over, he would be glad to have his wife and children restored to him. (2) He does not simply judge--i.e.,decide the particular question brought before him; but he takes the opportunity to educate and instruct the people in delivering his judgments--he "makes them know the statutes of God and His laws"--he expounds principles and teaches morality. Both reasons were clearly of great weight, and constituted strong arguments in favour of his practice. Verse 2. - After he had sent her back. Literally "after her dismissal." It is curious that the fact of the dismissal had not been previously mentioned, yet is here assumed as known. Some commentators (as Knobel) find, in what is said of Zipporah, the trace of two distinct writers who give two contradictory narratives; but the difficulties and obscurities of the history are sufficiently intelligible, if we hear in mind - 1. That Moses was addressing immediately those who knew the facts; and 2. That he was studious of brevity.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Afterאַחַ֖ר(’a·ḥar)Adverb
Strong's 310:The hind or following partMosesמֹשֶׁ֑ה(mō·šeh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiverhad sent backשִׁלּוּחֶֽיהָ׃(šil·lū·ḥe·hā)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7964:A sending away, parting gifthis wifeאֵ֣שֶׁת(’ê·šeṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 802:Woman, wife, femaleZipporah,צִפֹּרָ֖ה(ṣip·pō·rāh)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6855:Zipporah -- 'bird', Moses' wife[his]מֹשֶׁ֔ה(mō·šeh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiverfather-in-lawחֹתֵ֣ן(ḥō·ṯên)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2859:To give, away in marriage, to contract affinity by marriageJethroיִתְרוֹ֙(yiṯ·rōw)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3503:Jethro -- Moses' father-in-lawhad taken her in,וַיִּקַּ֗ח(way·yiq·qaḥ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3947:To take
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OT Law: Exodus 18:2 Jethro Moses' father-in-law received Zipporah Moses' wife (Exo. Ex) |
