Exodus 18:6 kjv
And he said unto Moses, I thy father in law Jethro am come unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her.
Exodus 18:6 nkjv
Now he had said to Moses, "I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her."
Exodus 18:6 niv
Jethro had sent word to him, "I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons."
Exodus 18:6 esv
And 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,"
Exodus 18:6 nlt
Jethro 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."
Exodus 18 6 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Exod 2:16-21 | ...Moses consented to dwell with the man, and he gave Moses his daughter Zipporah. | Zipporah given to Moses. |
| Exod 3:1 | Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro... | Moses serving Jethro prior to call. |
| Exod 4:18 | Moses went back to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, "Please let me return..." | Moses returning to Jethro before Exodus. |
| Exod 4:24-26 | At a lodging place on the way the LORD met him and sought to put him to death... Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son's foreskin... | Circumcision event involving Zipporah. |
| Exod 18:2-4 | ...Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her away, and her two sons... | Prior sending away of Zipporah and sons. |
| Exod 18:12 | And Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God... | Jethro’s acknowledgement of God. |
| Num 10:29-32 | And Moses said to Hobab the son of Reuel, Moses' father-in-law, "We are setting out..." | Moses inviting Jethro's family to travel with Israel. |
| Judg 1:16 | The descendants of the Kenite, Moses’ father-in-law, went up... | Jethro’s descendants among Israel. |
| Gen 2:24 | Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife... | Foundation of family unit in marriage. |
| Gen 12:1-3 | Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country... and I will make of you a great nation..." | God’s call involving separation and reunion. |
| Gen 45:26-28 | They told him, “Joseph is still alive... Jacob’s spirit revived.” | Reunion and family restoration (Jacob and Joseph). |
| 1 Sam 30:1-6 | David and his men came to the city, and behold, it was burned... and their wives and their sons and their daughters had been captured. | The pain of family separation and need for reunion. |
| Ps 68:6 | God sets the lonely in families; he leads out the prisoners with singing... | God establishing people in family contexts. |
| Prov 15:22 | Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. | Foretells Jethro's later counsel. |
| Prov 24:6 | For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory. | The value of wise counsel, exemplified by Jethro. |
| Matt 10:37 | Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. | Balance of family ties and divine calling. |
| Lk 15:20 | And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. | The joy of family return (Prodigal Son). |
| Acts 6:1-7 | Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose... | Delegation of tasks, similar to Jethro’s counsel. |
| Rom 12:10 | Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. | Principles of family honor and love. |
| Eph 5:25 | Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. | Husbands’ duty to love wives, supporting family unity. |
Exodus 18 verses
Exodus 18 6 Meaning
This verse functions as a direct message from Jethro to Moses, announcing his imminent arrival. It highlights Jethro's intention to reunite Moses with his family—his wife Zipporah and their two sons—signifying a significant moment of family restoration amidst the unfolding divine journey of the Israelites. This personal communication precedes Jethro's wise counsel and serves as the familial foundation for the administrative structure later established.
Exodus 18 6 Context
Exodus chapter 18 records the arrival of Jethro, Moses' Midianite father-in-law, at the encampment of the Israelites at Mount Horeb (Sinai), shortly after their miraculous deliverance from Egypt and journey through the wilderness. This encounter happens before the formal giving of the Law, but while Israel is assembled at the mountain of God. Jethro, having heard of all that the LORD had done for Israel, proactively traveled to reunite with Moses. Verse 6 specifically conveys Jethro's announcement of his impending arrival, signaling his earnest desire to reconnect and restore Moses' complete family unit to him. Historically, this event bridges the intense narratives of the Exodus and the forthcoming Law-giving, setting a precedent for external, wise counsel being sought and received by God's appointed leader. The family reunion underscores the personal aspect of Moses' arduous leadership journey.
Exodus 18 6 Word analysis
- And he said (וַיֹּאמֶר - vayyomer): A common Hebrew narrative conjunction, literally "and he said." In this context, "he" refers to Jethro, who either directly communicates the message or sends word to Moses. This simple phrasing conveys the directness and immediacy of Jethro's announcement.
- to Moses (אֶל מֹשֶׁה - el Moshe): Clearly identifies the recipient of the message as Moses, highlighting his central role and the personal nature of Jethro's visit.
- I your father-in-law (אֲנִי חֹתֶנְךָ - 'ani chotenkha): The Hebrew 'ani ("I") provides emphatic self-identification. Chotenkha (חֹתֶנְךָ) refers specifically to the father-in-law. This declaration of relationship establishes the foundation of Jethro's authority and affection, upon which the upcoming familial and professional interactions are based. It highlights a relationship of respect and care.
- Jethro (יִתְרוֹ - Yitro): The proper name identifies the speaker precisely. Jethro, as a priest of Midian (Exod 3:1), carries a certain stature and wisdom that becomes evident later in the chapter. His recognition by name reaffirms the personal connection with Moses, whom he hosted for many years prior to the Exodus.
- am coming to you (בָּא אֵלֶיךָ - ba' eleykha): The Hebrew verb ba' (בָּא) is a participle, indicating ongoing or immediate action—"coming" or "am coming." This is not a distant possibility but a definite, announced movement towards Moses, conveying a sense of urgency and direct approach.
- with your wife (וְאִשְׁתְּךָ - v'isht'kha): This refers to Zipporah. Her presence is significant as it completes Moses' immediate family unit. The fact that Jethro brings her implies that Moses had previously sent her and their sons away (as indicated in Exod 18:2). Her return symbolizes the re-establishment of Moses’ personal life amidst his national responsibilities.
- and her two sons (וּשְׁנֵי בָנֶיהָ - u'shnei vaneha): Refers to Gershom and Eliezer, whose names are revealed in the preceding verses (Exod 18:3-4). Their return with Zipporah confirms the full restoration of Moses' nuclear family. Jethro's responsibility in bringing them demonstrates his care for Moses' welfare and familial ties.
- I your father-in-law Jethro am coming to you with your wife and her two sons: This phrase serves as a personal, emphatic declaration of impending arrival. It underscores Jethro's proactive stance in seeking out Moses, not merely on a social visit but as a supportive relative bringing together the separated members of Moses’ family, preparing for a deeper exchange and significant counsel.
Exodus 18 6 Bonus section
- Jethro's Initiative: This verse clearly shows Jethro taking the initiative to come to Moses. This is notable as Moses, consumed by leading a nation, might not have had the opportunity to go to Jethro. This speaks to Jethro's foresight and dedication to his son-in-law and family.
- Significance of the Reunion: The mention of Moses' wife and two sons being brought back underscores the human element of Moses' leadership. While God provided for the nation, the personal needs and relationships of His chosen leader were also addressed, highlighting God's care through human instruments. This reunion suggests that personal balance and support are vital, even for those entrusted with the highest divine tasks.
Exodus 18 6 Commentary
Exodus 18:6 is a foundational statement within the narrative of Jethro's visit, acting as the personal summons from father-in-law to son-in-law. It establishes Jethro’s intentional approach and, more profoundly, the significant return of Moses' immediate family: his wife Zipporah and their sons, Gershom and Eliezer. This return signifies not only a physical reunion but also a symbolic mending of the personal aspect of Moses’ life, which had likely been strained or temporarily set aside during the intense period of the Exodus. Jethro's specific identification of himself by kinship highlights the respect and trust already present in their relationship, setting the stage for the crucial inter-familial counsel that will later prove vital to the efficient governance of Israel. It’s a quiet testament to the restoration of the family unit, which, for a leader like Moses, provided personal strength and a balanced perspective to his demanding public duties.