Exodus 18:27
Exodus 18:27 in Multiple Translations
Then Moses sent his father-in-law on his way, and Jethro returned to his own land.
¶ And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land.
And Moses let his father-in-law depart; and he went his way into his own land.
And Moses let his father-in-law go away, and he went back to his land.
Then Moses sent Jethro on his way, and he went back to his own country.
Afterward Moses let his father in law depart, and he went into his countrey.
And Moses sendeth his father-in-law away, and he goeth away unto his own land.
Moses let his father-in-law depart, and he went his way into his own land.
And Moses let his father-in-law depart; and he went his way into his own land.
And he let his kinsman depart: and he returned and went into his own country.
Then Moses/I said goodbye to his/my father-in-law, and Jethro returned home.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 18:27
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 18:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְשַׁלַּ֥ח
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
אֶת
חֹתְנ֑/וֹ
וַ/יֵּ֥לֶךְ
ל֖/וֹ
אֶל
אַרְצֽ/וֹ
וַ/יְשַׁלַּ֥ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
חֹתְנ֑/וֹ
châthan
H2859
relative
V-Qal | Suff
וַ/יֵּ֥לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אַרְצֽ/וֹ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 18:27
וַ/יְשַׁלַּ֥ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
חֹתְנ֑/וֹ
châthan
H2859
"relative"
V-Qal | Suff
To be related by marriage means to become connected through wedding vows. In the Bible, this word describes the relationship between a husband and his wife's family, including his father-in-law and mother-in-law.
Definition: a son-in-law, a daughter's husband, wife's father, wife's mother, father-in-law, mother-in- law
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: join in affinity, father in law, make marriages, mother in law, son in law. See also: Genesis 34:9; Deuteronomy 7:3; Ezra 9:14.
וַ/יֵּ֥לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
ל֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אַרְצֽ/וֹ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Exodus 18:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 18:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 18:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 18:27
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 18:27
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 18:27
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 18:27
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 18:27
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 18:27
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 18:27
- Sermons on Exodus 18:27
Context — Jethro Advises Moses
25So Moses chose capable men from all Israel and made them heads over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.
26And they judged the people at all times; they would bring the difficult cases to Moses, but any minor issue they would judge themselves.
27Then Moses sent his father-in-law on his way, and Jethro returned to his own land.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 10:29–30 | Then Moses said to Hobab, the son of Moses’ father-in-law Reuel the Midianite, “We are setting out for the place of which the LORD said: ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us, and we will treat you well, for the LORD has promised good things to Israel.” “I will not go,” Hobab replied. “Instead, I am going back to my own land and my own people.” |
| 2 | Judges 19:9 | When the man got up to depart with his concubine and his servant, his father-in-law, the girl’s father, said to him, “Look, the day is drawing to a close. Please spend the night. See, the day is almost over. Spend the night here, that your heart may be merry. Then you can get up early tomorrow for your journey home.” |
| 3 | Genesis 31:55 | Early the next morning, Laban got up and kissed his grandchildren and daughters and blessed them. Then he left to return home. |
| 4 | Genesis 24:59 | So they sent their sister Rebekah on her way, along with her nurse and Abraham’s servant and his men. |
Exodus 18:27 Summary
This verse tells us that after Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, helped Moses with some good advice, Moses sent him on his way. Jethro went back to his own home, and Moses was left to lead the people with the new system they had set up, similar to the way God provided leaders for the Israelites in Numbers 11:16-17. This shows us that sometimes, we need to trust God and let go of the people who have helped us, just like Moses did (as seen in Psalm 37:3-7). It also reminds us that God is always with us, guiding and providing for us, even when things seem uncertain, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Moses send his father-in-law, Jethro, away after Jethro provided such valuable advice?
Moses likely sent Jethro away because Jethro's visit was intended to be a temporary one, and his work in advising Moses was complete, as seen in Exodus 18:27. Jethro had accomplished his purpose in helping Moses establish a system of leadership, similar to the way God provided Moses with assistance in Exodus 4:14-16.
What does Jethro's return to his own land signify in the context of the story?
Jethro's return to his own land signifies the end of his visit and the beginning of a new phase in Moses' leadership, where he would apply the advice and guidance he received from Jethro, much like the Israelites' journey after receiving guidance from God in Deuteronomy 1:3.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse serves as a conclusion to the story of Jethro's visit, where he provided crucial advice to Moses on how to lead the people effectively, as seen in Exodus 18:13-26. It also marks a turning point in Moses' leadership, as he begins to implement the changes suggested by Jethro, similar to the way leaders are chosen and empowered in Numbers 11:16-17.
What can we learn from Moses' decision to send Jethro away?
We can learn that sometimes, it's necessary to let go of the people who have helped us, trusting that God will continue to guide and provide for us, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7. Moses' decision to send Jethro away demonstrates his trust in God's sovereignty and provision, similar to the trust exhibited by the Israelites in Exodus 14:13-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's sovereignty and provision, just like Moses did when sending Jethro away?
- How can I apply the principles of leadership and delegation that Moses learned from Jethro in my own life and relationships, as seen in Exodus 18:13-26?
- What are some times when I have had to let go of someone or something that was helpful to me, and how did I trust God in those situations, similar to the way Moses trusted God in Exodus 18:27?
- How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's plan and timing, even when it's difficult to understand, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 18:27
And Moses let his father in law depart,.... After he had been with him some time, and desired leave to go into his own country, which was granted; or he "dismissed" (y) him in an honourable way: and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 18:27
And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land. Moses let his father-in-law depart ... into his own land.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 18:27
i.e. Moses dismissed him honourably. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 18:27
Exodus 18:27 And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land.Ver. 27. Into his own land.] An honest man’ s heart is the place where his calling is: such a one when he is abroad is like a fish in the air; whereinto if it leap for recreation or necessity, yet it soon returns to its own element.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 18:27
(27) Moses let his father in law depart.—Heb. Moses dismissed his connection. The supposed identity of Hobab (Numbers 10:29; Judges 4:11) with Jethro seems precluded by this statement, for Hobab clearly remained with Moses till the close of the stay at Sinai, and Moses, instead of “dismissing” him, was most unwilling that he should depart.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 18:27
Verse 27. And Moses let his father-in-law depart] But if this be the same transaction with that mentioned Numbers 10:29, c., we find that it was with great reluctance that Moses permitted so able a counsellor to leave him for, having the highest opinion of his judgment, experience, and discretion, he pressed him to stay with them, that he might be instead of eyes to them in the desert. But Jethro chose rather to return to his own country, where probably his family were so settled and circumstanced that they could not be conveniently removed, and it was more his duty to stay with them, to assist them with his counsel and advice, than to travel with the Israelites. Many others might be found that could be eyes to the Hebrews in the desert, but no man could be found capable of being a father to his family, but himself. It is well to labour for the public good, but our own families are the first claimants on our care, attention, and time. He who neglects his own household on pretence of labouring even for the good of the public, has surely denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. IT is strange that after this we hear no more of Zipporah! Why is she forgotten? Merely because she was the wife of Moses; for he chose to conduct himself so that to the remotest ages there should be the utmost proofs of his disinterestedness. While multitudes or the families of Israel are celebrated and dignified, his own he writes in the dust.
He had no interest but that of God and his people; to promote this, he employed his whole time and his uncommon talents. His body, his soul, his whole life, were a continual offering to God. They were always on the Divine altar; and God had from his creature all the praise, glory, and honour that a creature could possibly give. Like his great antitype, he went about doing good; and God was with him. The zeal of God's house consumed him, for in that house, in all its concerns, we have the testimony of God himself that he was faithful, Hebrews 3:2; and a higher character was never given, nor can be given of any governor, sacred or civil. He made no provision even for his own sons, Gershom and Eliezer; they and their families were incorporated with the Levites, 1 Chronicles 23:14; and had no higher employment than that of taking care of the tabernacle and the tent, Numbers 3:21-26, and merely to serve at the tabernacle and to carry burdens, Numbers 4:24-28. No history, sacred or profane, has been able to produce a complete parallel to the disinterestedness of Moses. This one consideration is sufficient to refute every charge of imposture brought against him and his laws. There never was an imposture in the world (says Dr. PRIDEAUX, Letter to the Deists) that had not the following characters: - 1.
It must always have for its end some carnal interest. 2.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 18:27
27. into his own land] Midian: see on Exodus 2:15. Cf. Numbers 10:30.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 18:27
Into his own land - Midian Exodus 2:15.
Sermons on Exodus 18:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Exodus) Exodus 18:1-12 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Exodus Chapter 18, where Moses turns to worldly wisdom instead of seeking revelation from God. Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, visits him and M |
|
But Thou Oh Man of God by Edwin Fesche | Edwin Fesche discusses the history and principles of the brethren movement, emphasizing their adherence to the cardinal truths of Scripture while differing in views on Church Truth |