Exodus 18:11 kjv

Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.

Exodus 18:11 nkjv

Now I know that the LORD is greater than all the gods; for in the very thing in which they behaved proudly, He was above them."

Exodus 18:11 niv

Now I know that the LORD is greater than all other gods, for he did this to those who had treated Israel arrogantly."

Exodus 18:11 esv

Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods, because in this affair they dealt arrogantly with the people."

Exodus 18:11 nlt

I know now that the LORD is greater than all other gods, because he rescued his people from the oppression of the proud Egyptians."

Exodus 18 verses

Exodus 18 11 Meaning

Exodus 18:11 proclaims Jethro’s definitive realization and confession of the Lord’s absolute supremacy over all other gods. This profound declaration stems directly from the specific manner in which the Egyptians, under Pharaoh, acted with overbearing pride and oppression against Israel, leading to the demonstration of God’s unparalleled power in their miraculous deliverance and the complete defeat of their adversaries.

Exodus 18 11 Context

Exodus chapter 18 records the significant encounter between Moses and his father-in-law, Jethro, a priest of Midian, who had heard of the marvelous deliverance of Israel from Egypt. This verse directly follows Jethro’s celebration and worship of the Lord, upon hearing from Moses "all that the LORD had done for Israel" (Exod 18:8). Specifically, the preceding verses detail Jethro’s joy over the Lord's goodness, how He delivered Israel from the hand of the Egyptians (Exod 18:9-10). His declaration in verse 11 is the climax of his conversion experience, moving from acknowledging general acts of God to a profound theological understanding: YHWH, the God of Israel, is demonstrably superior to all other deities because of the precise and overwhelming judgment He wrought upon Egypt, whose arrogance and oppressive actions invited His direct intervention.

Exodus 18 11 Word analysis

• Now I know (עַתָּה יָדַעְתִּי - ’attah yad’ati): Jethro's "knowing" is not mere intellectual assent but a profound, experiential realization and conviction. The Hebrew verb yada (to know) signifies deep personal acquaintance, understanding, and recognition, born from witnessing and apprehending God's mighty acts. It represents a theological paradigm shift for a Midianite priest.
• that the LORD (כִּי־יְהוָה - ki-YHWH): Jethro specifically names YHWH, the covenant God of Israel. This is significant; he recognizes the particular God who revealed Himself to Moses, not merely a generic "god." YHWH is distinct and identifiable by His powerful acts.
• is greater (גָּדוֹל - gadol): The word implies supreme, vast, mighty, and exalted. It denotes YHWH's preeminence and overwhelming power, indicating His superiority over any other deity or earthly power claimed as divine. It's a declaration of unrivaled might and authority.
• than all gods (מִכָּל־הָאֱלֹהִים - mikkol-ha’elohim): "Gods" (אֱלֹהִים - elohim) here refers to the numerous deities worshipped in Egypt and surrounding nations. Jethro’s statement is a powerful theological declaration, a polemic directly challenging the pantheon of false gods and asserting the exclusive sovereignty of YHWH. It implies not just stronger, but uniquely true God.
• for in the very thing in which (כִּי בַּדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר - ki vaddavar ’asher): This phrase points to the direct cause and demonstrative proof of God's supremacy. It implies a specific, decisive action where His power was manifest. It emphasizes that God's justice aligns precisely with the offense.
• they acted arrogantly / dealt proudly (זָדוּ עֲלֵיהֶם - zadu ‘aleihem): The root zûd signifies insolence, presumption, acting with defiant pride, and willful rebellion. This describes Pharaoh's haughty defiance of God’s commands and the Egyptians' oppressive and violent actions against Israel, their "dealing proudly" implying their confidence in their own strength and the power of their gods. God’s judgment was directly aimed at this hubris.
• against Israel (עַל יִשְׂרָאֵל - ‘al Yisra’el): Though the Hebrew reads "against them" (עֲלֵיהֶם - ‘aleihem), the context unequivocally refers to Israel. The deliverance was a divine vindication of His chosen people from the arrogant oppression of their enemies.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: This entire phrase encapsulates Jethro’s personal theological breakthrough, acknowledging YHWH not merely as one among many gods, but as uniquely supreme and incomparably powerful. It’s an external affirmation of the core truth the Exodus revealed.
• for in the very thing in which they acted arrogantly against them: This second clause provides the concrete, empirical evidence for Jethro’s conviction. The demonstration of YHWH's superior power was seen specifically in the manner of their oppression and God’s exact retribution upon the source of that pride. God countered their zadon (pride) with His gadol (greatness).

Exodus 18 11 Bonus section

Jethro's public offering of burnt offerings and sacrifices to God immediately after this declaration (Exod 18:12) signifies his full conversion and worshipful response to the revealed greatness of YHWH. This highlights the practical implications of such profound spiritual revelation – it leads to adoration and obedience. This account also foreshadows the future when Gentiles, recognizing the Lord's deeds and greatness, will turn to Him and worship, fulfilling the universal scope of God’s redemptive plan (Isa 2:2-3). It emphasizes that God reveals Himself through history and His interventions are potent enough to change the hearts and beliefs of those who witness them.

Exodus 18 11 Commentary

Exodus 18:11 stands as a potent testimony from an outsider, Jethro, who acknowledges the overwhelming supremacy of YHWH based on tangible historical events. It’s not just an intellectual realization but a deep-seated conviction born of seeing divine power manifested against human pride and false deities. Jethro's declaration encapsulates the very purpose of the plagues and the Red Sea event: that both Israel and the nations might know the Lord is God alone (Exod 14:4, 18). This verse teaches that God's power is not abstract but demonstrated in His acts of judgment against injustice and His deliverance of His people. It reveals that God humbles the proud and lifts up the oppressed, vindicating His name and His people against any opposing force or false claim of divinity. This also points to a broader pattern where God's saving acts draw people from beyond the covenant community into worship and recognition of His singular greatness.