Exodus 18:20 kjv

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

Exodus 18:20 nkjv

And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do.

Exodus 18:20 niv

Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave.

Exodus 18:20 esv

and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do.

Exodus 18:20 nlt

Teach them God's decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives.

Exodus 18 verses

Exodus 18 20 Meaning

Exodus 18:20 instructs Moses to diligently teach the people of Israel God's divine decrees and instructions. This encompasses both specific laws (statutes) and comprehensive divine revelation (laws). Furthermore, it directs Moses to make known to them the practical "way" or manner of life they are to follow, along with the specific "work" or actions they are obligated to perform, all derived from God's commands. It highlights Moses' role as a foundational educator and administrator of divine law, preparing the nascent nation for righteous living.

Exodus 18 20 Context

Exodus 18 records the visit of Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, to Moses in the wilderness after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and victory over Amalek. Jethro observes Moses spending his entire day, from morning till evening, acting as a sole judge and arbitrator for the multitude of people who come to inquire of God. Realizing the unsustainable nature of this burden and its toll on both Moses and the people, Jethro offers wise counsel. His advice in verse 20 comes within a broader recommendation (Exod 18:17-23) for Moses to delegate the judicial workload to qualified, trustworthy men. However, Jethro specifically outlines that Moses' unique and irreplaceable role remains in mediating God's instruction: bringing the people's cases to God, and conversely, bringing God's statutes, laws, way, and work to the people. This pre-Sinaitic advice sets the stage for the formal reception of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing that God's people require clear divine instruction to govern their lives and maintain their covenant relationship. Historically, the Israelites were transitioning from slavery to nationhood, requiring a structured divine legal and moral framework.

Exodus 18 20 Word analysis

• And you shall teach (וְהוֹדַעְתָּ֣) them: The Hebrew verb וְהוֹדַעְתָּ֣ (vehōdatā) is the Hiphil perfect form ofיָדַע` (yada), meaning "to know." In the Hiphil stem, it signifies "to cause to know," "to make known," or "to teach." This implies an active, deliberate, and comprehensive process of instruction on Moses' part. It's not passive informing but authoritative impartation of knowledge.
• the statutes (אֶת־הַחֻקִּים֙ - et-haḥuqîm): חֻקִּים (ḥuqîm) refers to specific ordinances, decrees, or regulations that are firmly established. They are often precise stipulations concerning worship, civil justice, or moral conduct, ordained by God. They emphasize the fixed nature of divine requirements.
• and the laws (וְאֶת־הַתּוֹרֹת֙ - ve'et-hatōrōt): תּוֹרֹת (tōrōt) is the plural of תּוֹרָה (Torah), which fundamentally means "instruction," "teaching," or "guidance." While it eventually refers to the Pentateuch, here it denotes the broader, comprehensive divine instruction or revelation that Moses received from God. It encompasses the principles behind the statutes and the overall body of divine direction for life.
• and make them know (וְהוֹדַעְתָּה֩ - vehōda`tāh): This is a repetition of the verb וְהוֹדַעְתָּ֣ used earlier. The reiteration emphasizes the dual aspect of Moses' teaching role: first, delivering the established legal content (statutes and laws), and second, clearly defining their practical implications in daily life (way and work). It underscores the importance of thorough and persistent instruction.
• the way (אֶת־הַדֶּ֖רֶךְ - et-haderek): דֶּרֶךְ (derek) literally means "path" or "road," but in this context, it signifies a course of conduct, a manner of living, or a moral lifestyle. It represents the collective habits and character that reflect walking in God's will. It’s about how one navigates life under God’s authority.
• in which they must walk (יֵלְכ֣וּ בָ֑הּ - yēlḵū ḇāh): יֵלְכ֣וּ (yēlḵū) means "they shall walk" (from הָלַךְ – halak, to walk). "Walk" is a common biblical metaphor for conduct or living out one's life. This phrase stresses the practical, daily application of the laws, indicating active adherence rather than passive reception.
• and the work (וְאֶת־הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה - ve'et-hama`aśeh): מַעֲשֶׂה (maaśeh) means "work," "deed," or "action." It refers to the specific tasks, duties, or activities that God requires His people to perform. This includes their responsibilities to God (worship, offerings), to each other (justice, compassion), and within the community. It specifies the tangible expression of the divineway`.
• they must do (אֲשֶׁ֥ר יַעֲשֽׂוּן - asher ya`asun): יַעֲשֽׂוּן (yaasun) means "they shall do" (fromעָשָׂה–asah`, to do or make). This complements "the work," reinforcing that these are actions to be performed. The phrasing emphasizes that knowledge must translate into obedient action, not merely theoretical understanding.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "teach them the statutes and the laws": This phrase covers the content of divine revelation. Statutes (ḥuqîm) typically refer to explicit commands or decrees, often ritual or legal specifics, given by divine authority. Laws (torot, plural of Torah) points to the broader body of God’s instruction, embodying both explicit commands and the underlying principles or ways of God. Moses' primary duty is to convey this authoritative divine content comprehensively.
• "make them know the way in which they must walk and the work they must do": This phrase speaks to the application and living out of the divine revelation. "The way in which they must walk" (derek and halak) encompasses their lifestyle, moral conduct, and ethical posture. It's about their character and consistent behavior. "The work they must do" (maaśehandasah`) refers to their specific duties, actions, and practical responsibilities. Together, these elements bridge divine precept with practical piety and communal responsibility, showing that true knowledge of God's law involves both character formation and tangible obedience.

Exodus 18 20 Bonus section

This verse, originating from the wise counsel of a non-Israelite Midianite priest, subtly prefigures the establishment of the Levitical priesthood and the formal giving of the Torah at Sinai. It lays the theological groundwork that God's people require authoritative, revealed law for their conduct, establishing an ethical and ritual foundation for the burgeoning nation. Moses' role, as envisioned here by Jethro and ultimately ratified by God's action in subsequent chapters, is distinct: he is the prime communicator of God's very nature and will to His people. This delegation model anticipates later biblical structures of leadership where certain individuals are primarily responsible for teaching God's word, while others administer justice or perform other duties, demonstrating an efficient and divinely guided division of labor for the benefit of the community and the glory of God. The emphasis on "make them know" implies a deep and transformative understanding, not just rote memorization, leading to wholehearted obedience.

Exodus 18 20 Commentary

Exodus 18:20 stands as a foundational verse articulating the central role of divine instruction in the life of God's people. Jethro's counsel highlights that Moses' ultimate and non-delegable responsibility was to act as God's mediator, not merely in judging disputes but, more profoundly, in conveying God's entire program for their existence. This verse emphasizes the duality of divine instruction: the specific rules (statutes) and the comprehensive body of teachings (laws). It further specifies the practical outcome: knowing the proper way (moral and spiritual conduct) and the appropriate work (specific actions and responsibilities) by which they were to live out their covenant relationship. This comprehensive approach underscores that God's revelation is not abstract; it’s intrinsically tied to practical obedience and shapes every aspect of an individual's and a community's life. It sets the precedent that a relationship with God is characterized by understanding and performing His will.Example: A practical application could be seen in congregational teaching today, where pastors not only explain biblical truths (statutes/laws) but also instruct believers on how to apply these truths in daily life (the way they walk) and what actions are consistent with their faith (the work they must do), whether in service, evangelism, or personal conduct.