New International VersionJethro had sent word to him, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons.”
New Living TranslationJethro had sent a message to Moses, saying, “I, Jethro, your father-in-law, am coming to see you with your wife and your two sons.”
English Standard VersionAnd when he sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her,”
Berean Standard BibleHe sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons.”
King James BibleAnd he said unto Moses, I thy father in law Jethro am come unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her.
New King James VersionNow he had said to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her.”
New American Standard BibleAnd he sent word to Moses: “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her.”
NASB 1995He sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her.”
NASB 1977And he sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her.”
Legacy Standard BibleAnd he sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her.”
Amplified BibleHe sent a message to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons [who are] with her.”
Christian Standard BibleHe sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleHe sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons.”
American Standard Versionand he said unto Moses, I, thy father-in-law Jethro, am come unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her.
English Revised Versionand he said unto Moses, I thy father in law Jethro am come unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationJethro had sent word to Moses, "I'm coming to [visit] you, [and I'm bringing] your wife and her two sons."
Good News TranslationHe had sent word to Moses that they were coming,
International Standard VersionHe told Moses, "I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you along with your wife and her two sons."
NET BibleHe said to Moses, "I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you, along with your wife and her two sons with her."
New Heart English BibleAnd one said to Moses, "Look, Jethro, your father-in-law, has come to you, with your wife and her two sons with her."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd he said to Moses, I thy father-in-law Jethro have come to thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons.”
World English BibleHe said to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, have come to you with your wife, and her two sons with her.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand he says to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you, and your wife, and her two sons with her.”
Young's Literal Translation and he saith unto Moses, 'I, thy father-in-law, Jethro, am coming unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he will say to Moses, I thy father-in-law, Jethro, came to thee, and thy wife and her two sons with her. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he sent word to Moses, saying: I Jethro thy kinsman come to thee, and thy wife, and thy two sons with her.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd he sent word to Moses, saying: “I, Jethro, your kinsman, have come to you, with your wife, and your two sons with her.”
New American Bibleand he sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you, along with your wife and her two sons.”
New Revised Standard VersionHe sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you, with your wife and her two sons.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Moses was told, Behold, your father-in-law Jethro has come to you with your wife and your two sons accompanying him,
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd it was said to Moshe, “Behold, your Father in Law Yethrown has come to you, and your wife and both your sons with him. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and he said unto Moses: 'I thy father-in-law Jethro am coming unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd it was told Moses, saying, Behold, thy father-in-law Jothor is coming to thee, and thy wife and two sons with him.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Visit of Jethro… 5Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, along with Moses’ wife and sons, came to him in the desert, where he was encamped at the mountain of God. 6He sent wordtoMoses,“I,your father-in-lawJethro,am comingtoyou with your wifeand hertwosons.”7So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and went into the tent.…
Cross References Exodus 4:18Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, “Please let me return to my brothers in Egypt to see if they are still alive.” “Go in peace,” Jethro replied.
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. ...
Genesis 18:1-5Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. / And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. / “My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. ...
Genesis 24:67And Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah and took Rebekah as his wife. And Isaac loved her and was comforted after his mother’s death.
Deuteronomy 1:9-18At that time I said to you, “I cannot carry the burden for you alone. / The LORD your God has multiplied you, so that today you are as numerous as the stars in the sky. / May the LORD, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand times over and bless you as He has promised. ...
Acts 7:29At this remark, Moses fled to the land of Midian, where he lived as a foreigner and had two sons.
1 Samuel 9:6-10“Look,” said the servant, “in this city there is a man of God who is highly respected; everything he says surely comes to pass. Let us go there now. Perhaps he will tell us which way to go.” / “If we do go,” Saul replied, “what can we give the man? For the bread in our packs is gone, and there is no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?” / The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said, “I have here in my hand a quarter shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God, and he will tell us our way.” ...
1 Kings 12:6-8Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. / They replied, “If you will be a servant to these people and serve them this day, and if you will respond by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” / But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him.
2 Chronicles 10:6-8Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. / They replied, “If you will be kind to these people and please them by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” / But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him.
Matthew 10:11-14Whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy there and stay at his house until you move on. / As you enter the home, greet its occupants. / If the home is worthy, let your peace rest on it, but if it is not, let your peace return to you. ...
Luke 10:5-7Whatever house you enter, begin by saying, ‘Peace to this house.’ / If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. / Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house.
John 4:7-10When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” / (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) / “You are a Jew,” said the woman. “How can You ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) ...
Acts 10:24-27The following day he arrived in Caesarea, where Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. / As Peter was about to enter, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet to worship him. / But Peter helped him up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.” ...
Romans 15:7Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring glory to God.
1 Corinthians 16:10-11If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am. / No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he can return to me, for I am expecting him along with the brothers.
Treasury of Scripture And he said to Moses, I your father in law Jethro am come to you, and your wife, and her two sons with her. no reference Jump to Previous Father-In-LawJethroLawMosesWifeWordJump to Next Father-In-LawJethroLawMosesWifeWordExodus 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 departsHe sent word to MosesJethro, Moses' father-in-law, initiates communication, highlighting the importance of family ties and respect for elders. This reflects the cultural norms of the time, where family hierarchy and communication were vital. The act of sending word indicates a formal approach, respecting Moses' leadership role among the Israelites. I, your father-in-law Jethro
Jethro is identified as Moses' father-in-law, emphasizing the familial relationship. Jethro, also known as Reuel, is a priest of Midian, suggesting a position of spiritual and social authority. His role as a priest indicates a connection to the broader religious landscape of the region, which included various Semitic tribes with diverse beliefs. am coming to you
Jethro's journey to meet Moses signifies a deliberate and purposeful action. This visit is not merely a family reunion but carries significant implications for Moses' leadership and the integration of his family into the Israelite community. The act of coming to Moses also symbolizes support and possibly guidance, as Jethro later provides counsel on leadership. with your wife and her two sons
Moses' wife, Zipporah, and their sons, Gershom and Eliezer, are mentioned, highlighting the importance of family unity. This reunion suggests a restoration of family relationships, as they had been separated during Moses' mission in Egypt. The mention of his sons also connects to the broader biblical theme of generational legacy and covenant promises, as seen in the patriarchal narratives. 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 in the wilderness. 2. JethroMoses' father-in-law, also known as Reuel, a priest of Midian. He plays a significant role in advising Moses on leadership and governance. 3. ZipporahMoses' wife, who had been sent back to her father Jethro during the tumultuous events in Egypt. 4. Gershom and EliezerThe two sons of Moses and Zipporah. Their names reflect Moses' experiences and relationship with God. 5. MidianThe region where Jethro lived and where Moses had fled after leaving Egypt. It is a place of refuge and transformation for Moses. Teaching Points The Importance of Family SupportMoses' reunion with his family underscores the importance of familial relationships and support in fulfilling God's calling. Family can be a source of strength and encouragement in ministry. Godly Counsel and WisdomJethro's visit is not just a family reunion but also a precursor to his wise counsel to Moses. This highlights the value of seeking and heeding godly advice from trusted mentors. Balancing Ministry and FamilyMoses' life illustrates the challenge of balancing leadership responsibilities with family commitments. This balance is crucial for effective ministry and personal well-being. The Role of In-Laws in God's PlanJethro's involvement in Moses' life shows that in-laws can play a significant role in God's plan, offering support, wisdom, and guidance. Reconciliation and RestorationThe reunion of Moses with his family after a period of separation can symbolize reconciliation and the restoration of relationships, which is a recurring theme in Scripture. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Exodus 18:6?
2.How does Exodus 18:6 demonstrate the importance of family relationships in faith?
3.What can we learn from Jethro's approach to Moses in Exodus 18:6?
4.How does Exodus 18:6 connect to honoring parents in the Ten Commandments?
5.How can we apply Jethro's example of communication in our family today?
6.What role does humility play in receiving family advice, as seen in Exodus 18:6?
7.How does Exodus 18:6 reflect the importance of family relationships in biblical times?
8.What does Jethro's visit in Exodus 18:6 reveal about ancient hospitality customs?
9.How does Exodus 18:6 illustrate the role of communication in leadership?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 18?
11.What similarities exist between Moses and Jesus?
12.Who was Moses' father-in-law?
13.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?
14.Who was Jethro in the Bible?What Does Exodus 18:6 Mean He sent word to Moses• Jethro takes the first step, sending a respectful message before showing up in camp. That courtesy models wisdom shown by Jacob before meeting Esau (Genesis 32:3–5) and David before approaching Nabal (1 Samuel 25:5–8). • Advance notice allows Moses to prepare; orderly communication matters in God-honoring relationships (1 Corinthians 14:40). • God often moves through simple acts of consideration like this one, opening doors for teaching and fellowship (Acts 10:22–24).
“I, your father-in-law Jethro,”• Jethro highlights the family bond rather than his priestly title (Exodus 3:1). Relationship outweighs résumé. • By naming himself, he assures Moses the message is trustworthy, echoing Joseph’s “I am Joseph” moment that drew brothers closer (Genesis 45:3–4). • Scripture celebrates in-laws who bless instead of burden (Ruth 2:11-12;Proverbs 17:6). Jethro stands as that kind of ally.
am coming to you• Jethro doesn’t summon Moses; he travels to him. Servant-hearted leaders move toward others, mirroring the Lord who “came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). • His arrival is intentional—he comes to observe God’s work and to offer counsel (Exodus 18:9-24). • Similar purposeful meetings shape redemptive history: Aaron meeting Moses in the wilderness (Exodus 4:27) and the Magi coming to Jesus (Matthew 2:11).
with your wife• Zipporah had returned home earlier (Exodus 18:2). Reuniting her with Moses restores the one-flesh partnership God ordained (Genesis 2:24;Ephesians 5:31). • Jethro honors marriage by escorting her personally, ensuring protection and dignity (1 Peter 3:7). • The scene reminds us that ministry and family are not rivals; God weaves both together for His glory (1 Timothy 3:4-5).
and her two sons.• Gershom and Eliezer reenter the narrative (Exodus 18:3-4). Their names tell a testimony: “I have been a stranger…,” “My God is my helper.” • Children are heritage, not hindrance (Psalm 127:3). Jethro brings them to share in Israel’s unfolding story. • Generational inclusion mirrors later commands for families to hear God’s acts—like Joshua calling “children of Israel” to witness the crossing (Joshua 4:21-24).
summaryExodus 18:6 portrays a godly father-in-law who communicates clearly, values relationship, and safeguards Moses’ family. His considerate approach paves the way for fellowship, wise counsel, and the reunion of a household poised to serve the Lord together. Verse 6. - And he said. It is suspected that the true reading here is, "and they said," - i.e., some one said - "to Moses, behold thy father-in-law" (or "brother-in-law"), "Jethro, is come unto thee." So the LXX., and many moderns, as Kennicott, Geddes, Boothroyd, Canon Cook, and others. But the explanation, that Jethro, on arriving in the vicinity of Moses, sent a messenger to him, who spoke in his name (Rosenmuller, Patrick, Pool, Kalisch, Keil, etc.) is at any rate plausible, and removes all necessity of altering the text.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew He sent wordוַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, saytoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toMoses,מֹשֶׁ֔ה(mō·šeh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver“I,אֲנִ֛י(’ă·nî)Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589:Iyour father-in-lawחֹתֶנְךָ֥(ḥō·ṯen·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 2859:To give, away in marriage, to contract affinity by marriageJethro,יִתְר֖וֹ(yiṯ·rōw)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3503:Jethro -- Moses' father-in-lawam comingבָּ֣א(bā)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gotoאֵלֶ֑יךָ(’ê·le·ḵā)Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toyou with your wifeוְאִ֨שְׁתְּךָ֔(wə·’iš·tə·ḵā)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 802:Woman, wife, femaleand herעִמָּֽהּ׃(‘im·māh)Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5973:With, equally withtwoוּשְׁנֵ֥י(ū·šə·nê)Conjunctive waw | Number - mdc
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)sons.”בָנֶ֖יהָ(ḇā·ne·hā)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1121:A son
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OT Law: Exodus 18:6 He said to Moses I your father-in-law (Exo. Ex) |
