Exodus 18:18

Exodus 18:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Surely you and these people with you will wear yourselves out, because the task is too heavy for you. You cannot handle it alone.

King James Version KJV

Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.

American Standard Version ASV

Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for the thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Your strength and that of the people will be completely used up: this work is more than you are able to do by yourself.

Free Bible Version FBV

You, and these people who come to you, are all going to wear yourselves out, because the workload is far too heavy. You can't handle it alone.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Thou both weariest thy selfe greatly, and this people that is with thee: for the thing is too heauie for thee: thou art not able to doe it thy selfe alone.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

thou dost surely wear away, both thou, and this people which [is] with thee, for the thing is too heavy for thee, thou art not able to do it by thyself.

World English Bible WEB

You will surely wear away, both you, and this people that is with you; for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to perform it yourself alone.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Thou are spent with foolish labour, both thou and this people that is with thee: the business is above thy strength, thou alone canst not bear it.

Translation for Translators T4T

You and these people will ◄wear yourselves out/become exhausted►! This work is too much for one person. You are not able to do it by yourself.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 18:18

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Exodus 18:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB נָבֹ֣ל תִּבֹּ֔ל גַּם אַתָּ֕ה גַּם הָ/עָ֥ם הַ/זֶּ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר עִמָּ֑/ךְ כִּֽי כָבֵ֤ד מִמְּ/ךָ֙ הַ/דָּבָ֔ר לֹא תוּכַ֥ל עֲשֹׂ֖/הוּ לְ/בַדֶּֽ/ךָ

נָבֹ֣ל nâbêl H5034 be senseless V-Qal-Ptc

תִּבֹּ֔ל nâbêl H5034 be senseless V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM

אַתָּ֕ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron

גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM

הָ/עָ֥ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

הַ/זֶּ֖ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

עִמָּ֑/ךְ ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

כָבֵ֤ד kâbêd H3515 heavy Adj

מִמְּ/ךָ֙ min H4480 from Prep | Suff

הַ/דָּבָ֔ר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Art | N-ms

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

תוּכַ֥ל yâkôl H3201 be able V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

עֲשֹׂ֖/הוּ ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

לְ/בַדֶּֽ/ךָ bad H905 alone Prep | N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 18:18

נָבֹ֣ל nâbêl H5034 "be senseless" V-Qal-Ptc

To wither means to lose strength or fade away, and can also describe someone acting foolishly or wickedly. It is used to convey a sense of decline or failure.

Definition: 1) to be senseless, be foolish 1a) (Qal) to be foolish 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to regard or treat as foolish 1b2) to treat with contempt

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: disgrace, dishounour, lightly esteem, fade (away, -ing), fall (down, -ling, off), do foolishly, come to nought, [idiom] surely, make vile, wither. See also: Exodus 18:18; Isaiah 28:1; Psalms 1:3.

תִּבֹּ֔ל nâbêl H5034 "be senseless" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

To wither means to lose strength or fade away, and can also describe someone acting foolishly or wickedly. It is used to convey a sense of decline or failure.

Definition: 1) to be senseless, be foolish 1a) (Qal) to be foolish 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to regard or treat as foolish 1b2) to treat with contempt

גַּם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike

Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.

אַתָּ֕ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

גַּם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

הָ/עָ֥ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

הַ/זֶּ֖ה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

עִמָּ֑/ךְ ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

כָבֵ֤ד kâbêd H3515 "heavy" Adj

Something or someone that is heavy or severe is what this word describes, like a heavy heart in Proverbs 12 or a difficult task, as in Matthew 23.

Definition: 1) heavy, great 1a) heavy 1b) massive, abundant, numerous 1c) heavy, dull 1d) hard, difficult, burdensome 1e) very oppressive, numerous, rich

Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: (so) great, grievous, hard(-ened), (too) heavy(-ier), laden, much, slow, sore, thick. See also: Genesis 12:10; Numbers 11:14; Psalms 38:5.

מִמְּ/ךָ֙ min H4480 "from" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

הַ/דָּבָ֔ר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Art | N-ms

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

תוּכַ֥ל yâkôl H3201 "be able" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.

Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)

Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.

עֲשֹׂ֖/הוּ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

לְ/בַדֶּֽ/ךָ bad H905 "alone" Prep | N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.

Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars

Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.

Study Notes — Exodus 18:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 18:18 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 18:18
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 18:18
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 18:18
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 18:18
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 18:18
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 18:18
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 18:18
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 18:18
Sermons on Exodus 18:18

Context — Jethro Advises Moses

16“Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me to judge between one man and another, and I make known to them the statutes and laws of God.” 17But Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good.

18Surely you and these people with you will wear yourselves out, because the task is too heavy for you. You cannot handle it alone.

19Now listen to me; I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their causes to Him. 20Teach them the statutes and laws, and show them the way to live and the work they must do.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Numbers 11:14–17	I cannot carry all these people by myself; it is too burdensome for me. If this is how You are going to treat me, please kill me right now—if I have found favor in Your eyes—and let me not see my own wretchedness.” Then the LORD said to Moses, “Bring Me seventy of the elders of Israel known to you as leaders and officers of the people. Bring them to the Tent of Meeting and have them stand there with you. And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself.
2	Acts 6:1–4	In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint this responsibility to them and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
3	2 Corinthians 12:15	And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less?
4	Philippians 2:30	because he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for your deficit of service to me.
5	Deuteronomy 1:9–12	At 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. But how can I bear your troubles, burdens, and disputes all by myself?
6	1 Thessalonians 2:8–9	We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us. Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.

Exodus 18:18 Summary

This verse is warning Moses that he can't do everything by himself and that he needs to get help from others. If he tries to do too much, he and the people will get exhausted, as it says in Exodus 18:18. This is a principle that applies to our lives too - we can't do everything alone, and we need to ask for help when we need it, as seen in Matthew 11:28-30 where Jesus invites us to come to Him when we are weary. By trusting God and delegating tasks to others, we can avoid burnout and find rest in Him, as promised in Psalm 55:22.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the problem with Moses trying to handle everything by himself?

Moses is trying to bear the burden of leadership alone, which is not sustainable, as Exodus 18:18 warns that the task is too heavy for him to handle by himself, a principle also seen in Exodus 4:13-14 where Moses is reluctant to take on the task of leading Israel without God's help.

Is it wrong to work hard and try to do everything myself?

While hard work and dedication are important, Exodus 18:18 suggests that there is a limit to what one person can handle, and it's essential to recognize when to ask for help, as stated in Psalm 127:1-2, where unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.

How does this verse relate to the concept of delegation in leadership?

Exodus 18:18 implies that effective leadership involves recognizing one's limitations and delegating tasks to others, as Moses' father-in-law advises him to do in the following verses, a principle also seen in Genesis 41:33-40 where Joseph delegates responsibilities to able leaders.

What are the consequences of not heeding this warning?

If Moses had continued to try to handle everything alone, he and the people would have worn themselves out, as Exodus 18:18 warns, leading to burnout and potentially disastrous consequences, as seen in 1 Kings 12:1-17 where Rehoboam's refusal to listen to wise counsel leads to the division of Israel.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I'm trying to handle everything alone, and how can I apply the principle of Exodus 18:18 to those situations?
How can I recognize when I've taken on too much and need to ask for help, and what are some steps I can take to delegate tasks to others?
What are some ways I can prioritize self-care and avoid burnout, as warned against in Exodus 18:18, and how can I trust God to provide the strength and resources I need?
In what ways can I apply the principle of delegation in my own leadership roles, whether at work, in my family, or in my community, and how can I empower others to take on responsibilities?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 18:18

Thou wilt surely wear away,.... His natural strength and animal spirits, and so his flesh; he feared his constant application and attendance to business would impair his health, break his

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 18:18

And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 18:18

Thou wilt surely waste and destroy thy health and strength by excessive labour of mind and body; and this people, by tedious attendance and expectation ere their turn comes for the decision of their matters.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 18:18

Exodus 18:18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that [is] with thee: for this thing [is] too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.Ver. 18. Thou wilt surely wear away.] Heb., Fading, thou wilt fade; as a leaf that wanteth moisture. Melancthon was wont to say, that none laboured so hard as travailing women, magistrates, and ministers. Politici et Ecelesiastici labores maximi sunt, saith Luther. Atterunt enim corpus, et tanquam ex imis medullis exhauriunt succum.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 18:18

Verse 18. Thou wilt surely wear away] נבל תבל nabol tibbol, in wearing way, thou wilt wear away - by being thus continually employed, thou wilt soon become finally exhausted. And this people that is with thee; as if he had said, "Many of them are obliged to wait so long for the determination of their suit that their patience must be soon necessarily worn out, as there is no one to hear every cause but thyself."

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 18:18

18. wear away] The word usually means to fall and fade as a leaf (Psalms 1:3); in Psalms 18:45 rendered fade away (fig. of foes failing in strength and courage).

Barnes' Notes on Exodus 18:18

Thou wilt surely wear away - From decay and exhaustion.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 18:18

18. Wear away — Hebrews, fading thou wilt fade. That is, as a leaf that withers and decays. Excessive labour and anxiety will send the strongest and holiest man into decline.

Sermons on Exodus 18:18

	Sermon	Description
	Old Testament Survey - Part 20 by Dick Woodward	This sermon delves into the book of Numbers, focusing on the greatness, meekness, and intimate relationship of Moses with God. It explores the concept of meekness, Moses' sin that
	The Making of a Prophet by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that prophetic ministry is an eternal function rooted in God's divine counsel, not merely a role one can adopt. He illustrates this through the symbolis
	The Crucial Priority of a Minister by Gbile Akanni	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer and the secret place in the life of a believer. He highlights the need for believers to be diligent in their prayer
	Your First Love by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker discusses various topics related to sin and the need for repentance. He mentions a man named Moses Byrd who used to make and sell pornographic cassettes
	Martyrdom by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with the truth of God's word, rather than being swayed by the visible circumstances of the world. He w
	The Word of God Spread by James Hudson Taylor III	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He highlights how the early church recognized the power of the resurrection and made it
	Suffer Here or Suffer There - Alternate 2 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the powerful message delivered by a young man who had the potential to become another apostle like Paul. The message was a display of Old Tes