Exodus 18:7 kjv

And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.

Exodus 18:7 nkjv

So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, bowed down, and kissed him. And they asked each other about their well-being, and they went into the tent.

Exodus 18:7 niv

So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and then went into the tent.

Exodus 18:7 esv

Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. And they asked each other of their welfare and went into the tent.

Exodus 18:7 nlt

So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law. He bowed low and kissed him. They asked about each other's welfare and then went into Moses' tent.

Exodus 18 verses

Exodus 18 7 Meaning

Exodus 18:7 beautifully depicts the warm, deeply respectful reunion between Moses and his father-in-law, Jethro. Moses, despite his exalted position as Israel's leader and direct communicator with God, actively took the initiative to go out and meet Jethro, demonstrating humility and profound honor. The customary gestures of bowing and kissing conveyed not only affection but also deep reverence in the ancient Near Eastern context. Their mutual inquiry concerning each other's "shalom" highlights a genuine interest in the holistic well-being of the other, encompassing peace, health, and prosperity in every dimension of life. The verse concludes with their shared entry into Moses' tent, signifying a transition to a more private and intimate setting for conversation and fellowship.

Exodus 18 7 Context

Exodus chapter 18 records Jethro's journey to the wilderness to reunite with Moses and the Israelite camp near Mount Horeb, where the people had just experienced a divine victory over Amalek. Jethro brought Moses' wife, Zipporah, and their two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, who had presumably returned to Jethro's home during the challenging period of the Exodus. This chapter provides a break in the narrative focused on God's mighty acts of deliverance and law-giving, offering an important human element of family and counsel. Verse 7 specifically sets the scene for this familial interaction, highlighting the profound respect and affection exchanged at the point of their reunion, before any recounting of God's deeds or the giving of Jethro's wise counsel regarding judicial administration for the Israelites.

Exodus 18 7 Word analysis

• Moses went out (יֵצֵא מֹשֶׁה, yetse Moshe): The verb "went out" (from יָצָא, yatsa) in its active form emphasizes Moses' initiative and deliberate action. He did not passively wait but actively stepped forward to welcome his father-in-law, an act demonstrating humility and deep honor. This spontaneous outward movement underscores Moses' personal investment in the familial bond.
• to meet (לִקְרַאת, liqrat): This preposition indicates the purpose and direction of Moses' action—he was moving "towards" an encounter. It specifies the deliberate intent behind his going out.
• his father-in-law (חֹתְנוֹ, ḥotenow): The familial designation is critical. It foregrounds the nature of the relationship, demanding a certain decorum and honor according to ancient societal norms. Despite his position as God's chosen leader, Moses upholds family hierarchy and respect.
• and bowed down (וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ, vayishtachawu): Derived from the root meaning "to prostrate," this gesture signified profound respect, submission, or honor in the ancient Near East. For Moses, who regularly bowed before God, bowing before Jethro showcases his high regard for him as an elder and a relative. It conveys deference without demeaning his leadership.
• and kissed him (וַיִּשַּׁק לוֹ, vayishaq lo): Kissing was a common, affectionate, and sincere greeting among relatives and close associates in that culture. Alongside bowing, it forms a comprehensive display of welcome, warmth, and joy in reunion. It's a personal touch that softens the formality of bowing.
• and they asked each other (וַיִּשְׁאֲלוּ אִישׁ לְרֵעֵהוּ, vayyish'alu ish lere'ehu): The reciprocity indicated here ("each other") is significant. It reveals that the inquiry was mutual, showcasing equal respect and genuine concern flowing both ways. This was not an interrogation but a reciprocal exchange of well-wishes.
• of their welfare (לְשָׁלוֹם, leshālōm): The term shalom is profoundly rich, encompassing peace, wholeness, well-being, prosperity, health, and completeness. Asking "of their welfare" meant inquiring about every aspect of the other's existence—physical, spiritual, emotional, and relational. It expressed a deep desire for the other's flourishing.
• and went into the tent (וַיָּבֹאוּ הָאֹהֱלָה, vayyavo'u ha’ohelah): This marks the transition from the public greeting to a private setting. The "tent" suggests Moses' personal dwelling, allowing for a more intimate and sustained conversation away from the general camp activity. It signifies a move towards hospitality and deeper communion.

Exodus 18 7 Bonus section

This verse illustrates that spiritual stature does not necessitate a withdrawal from conventional social courtesies and family honor. Moses' active initiative in "going out" instead of awaiting Jethro's arrival highlights an active, not passive, reception. The use of the word shalom for "welfare" elevates the conversation beyond mere superficial greetings, implying a deep interest in the other's overall state and flourishing, aligning with God's desire for wholeness for His people. The "tent" as the place of further communion signifies hospitality and the setting aside of a private, dedicated space for shared experiences and confidential counsel, a concept prevalent throughout the biblical narrative as a symbol of dwelling and intimate fellowship.

Exodus 18 7 Commentary

Exodus 18:7, though seemingly a simple verse about a family reunion, encapsulates profound principles essential to a biblical understanding of human relationships, particularly among believers. Moses, vested with immense divine authority and power, actively demonstrates humility by initiating the encounter and bowing before his father-in-law. This action provides a powerful example for all leaders—spiritual or otherwise—that genuine respect and deference to elders and family members are not diminished by one's status. The shared gestures of bowing and kissing underscore the familial bond and deep affection, while the mutual inquiry for "shalom" highlights the importance of holistic well-being and genuine concern for others in the community of faith. This authentic interaction sets the stage for Jethro's upcoming counsel to Moses, showing that godly wisdom can be shared and received through appropriate, humble human interaction, irrespective of the source's primary identity as an Israelite or Midianite. This passage teaches that divine callings do not exempt individuals from basic human civility, honor, and relational care.