Exodus 18:4
Exodus 18:4 in Multiple Translations
The other son was named Eliezer, for Moses had said, “The God of my father was my helper and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.”
And the name of the other was Eliezer; for the God of my father, said he, was mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh:
and the name of the other was Eliezer; for he said, The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.
And the name of the other was Eliezer, for he said, The God of my father was my help, and kept me safe from the sword of Pharaoh:
The other son was named Eliezer, because Moses had said, “The God of my father was my helper, and saved me from death at Pharaoh's hand.”
And the name of the other was Eliezer: for the God of my father, said he, was mine helpe, and deliuered me from the sword of Pharaoh)
and the name of the other [is] Eliezer, for, 'the God of my father [is] for my help, and doth deliver me from the sword of Pharaoh.'
The name of the other was Eliezer, for he said, “My father’s God was my help and delivered me from Pharaoh’s sword.”
And the name of the other was Eliezer; (for the God of my father, said he, was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh:)
And the other Eliezer: For the God of my father, said he, is my helper, and hath delivered me from the sword of Pharao.
Her other son was named Eliezer, which sounds like the Hebrew words that mean ‘God helps me’, because he/I had said “God, whom my father worshiped, has helped me and saved me from being killed [MTY] by the king of Egypt.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 18:4
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 18:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שֵׁ֥ם
הָ/אֶחָ֖ד
אֱלִיעֶ֑זֶר
כִּֽי
אֱלֹהֵ֤י
אָבִ/י֙
בְּ/עֶזְרִ֔/י
וַ/יַּצִּלֵ֖/נִי
מֵ/חֶ֥רֶב
פַּרְעֹֽה
וְ/שֵׁ֥ם
shêm
H8034
name
Conj | N-ms
הָ/אֶחָ֖ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Art | Adj
אֱלִיעֶ֑זֶר
ʼĔlîyʻezer
H461
Eliezer
N-proper
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֱלֹהֵ֤י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אָבִ/י֙
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
בְּ/עֶזְרִ֔/י
ʻêzer
H5828
helper
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וַ/יַּצִּלֵ֖/נִי
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
מֵ/חֶ֥רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
Prep | N-fs
פַּרְעֹֽה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 18:4
וְ/שֵׁ֥ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
הָ/אֶחָ֖ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
אֱלִיעֶ֑זֶר
ʼĔlîyʻezer
H461
"Eliezer"
N-proper
Eliezer means God is help, the name of Abraham's servant and several Israelites, including a prophet and a priest. It appears in Ezra 10:31 and other biblical accounts. Eliezer played significant roles in Israel's history.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.31 § Eliezer = "God is help" 1) Abraham's Damascene servant 2) a son of Moses 3) a Benjamite 4) a priest who helped move the ark 5) a Reubenite 6) a prophet who spoke to Jehoshaphat 7) a Levite chief 8) son of Harim 9) priest with foreign wife
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Eliezer. See also: Genesis 15:2; 1 Chronicles 26:25; Ezra 10:31.
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.
אֱלֹהֵ֤י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אָבִ/י֙
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
בְּ/עֶזְרִ֔/י
ʻêzer
H5828
"helper"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A helper or one who provides aid is the meaning of this word, used to describe someone who assists or supports others. It is used in the Psalms to express gratitude for God's help and in the book of Isaiah to describe God's aid to his people.
Definition: 1) help, succour 1a) help, succour 1b) one who helps
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: help. See also: Genesis 2:18; Psalms 115:9; Psalms 20:3.
וַ/יַּצִּלֵ֖/נִי
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
מֵ/חֶ֥רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
Prep | N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
פַּרְעֹֽה
Parʻôh
H6547
"Pharaoh"
N-proper
In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.
Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.
Study Notes — Exodus 18:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 18:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 18:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 18:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 18:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 18:4
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 18:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 18:4
- Sermons on Exodus 18:4
Context — The Visit of Jethro
2After Moses had sent back his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro had received her,
3along with her two sons. One son was named Gershom, for Moses had said, “I have been a foreigner in a foreign land.”
4The other son was named Eliezer, for Moses had said, “The God of my father was my helper and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.”
5Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, along with Moses’ wife and sons, came to him in the desert, where he was encamped at the mountain of God. 6He sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 13:6 | So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” |
| 2 | 2 Timothy 4:17 | But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion. |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 1:8–10 | We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us, |
| 4 | Acts 12:11 | Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from Herod’s grasp and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.” |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 23:15 | The sons of Moses: Gershom and Eliezer. |
| 6 | Psalms 46:1 | God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. |
| 7 | Psalms 34:4 | I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. |
| 8 | Exodus 2:15 | When Pharaoh heard about this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well. |
| 9 | Daniel 6:22 | My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.” |
| 10 | Isaiah 50:7–9 | Because the Lord GOD helps Me, I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set My face like flint, and I know that I will not be put to shame. The One who vindicates Me is near. Who will dare to contend with Me? Let us confront each other! Who has a case against Me? Let him approach Me! Surely the Lord GOD helps Me. Who is there to condemn Me? See, they will all wear out like a garment; the moths will devour them. |
Exodus 18:4 Summary
[This verse tells us about Moses' son Eliezer, whose name means 'my God is helper' because God helped Moses escape from the king of Egypt. God was with Moses and protected him, just like He is with us today. As seen in Psalm 46:1, God is our refuge and strength, and we can trust in His help and deliverance, just as Moses did. By remembering God's faithfulness, we can have confidence in His presence and power in our lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the name Eliezer in Exodus 18:4?
The name Eliezer signifies the help and deliverance that God provided to Moses, as stated in the verse, and reflects God's faithfulness and presence in Moses' life, similar to how God helped the Israelites in the book of Exodus and as seen in other instances like Genesis 49:25.
How does Moses' statement about God's help relate to his experience?
Moses' statement about God being his helper and delivering him from Pharaoh's sword refers to the events in Exodus where God intervened on Moses' behalf, showcasing God's power and protection, as seen in Exodus 4:19 and Exodus 12:31.
What does this verse reveal about Moses' faith and trust in God?
This verse highlights Moses' recognition of God's role in his life and his trust in God's deliverance, demonstrating a strong faith and understanding of God's character, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 11:27.
How does the naming of Eliezer reflect the cultural and spiritual practices of the time?
The naming of Eliezer reflects the common practice in biblical times of naming children based on significant events or characteristics, as seen in Genesis 16:15 and Genesis 25:26, which often served as a reminder of God's faithfulness and intervention in the lives of His people.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has been my helper and delivered me from challenging situations, and how can I give thanks and acknowledge His presence in my life?
- How can I, like Moses, recognize and trust in God's power and protection in my own life, especially during difficult times?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of trusting in God's help, as seen in Moses' life, to my own experiences and challenges, and what scriptures can I turn to for encouragement and guidance?
- What does the story of Moses and the naming of Eliezer teach me about the importance of remembering and sharing my testimony of God's faithfulness with others?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 18:4
And the name of the other was Eliezer,.... Who seems to be his second son, and was that which was circumcised by Zipporah at the inn, and about which there was such a stir, Exodus 4:24, and signifies
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 18:4
When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt; Jethro ... came ...
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 18:4
Exodus 18:4 And the name of the other [was] Eliezer; for the God of my father, [said he, was] mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh:Ver. 4. Eliezer.] Or, Lazarus. We should write God’ s mercies upon the names of our children, or some other ways perpetuate the memory of them.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 18:4
(4) Eliezer.—Eliezer is supposed to have been the boy whom Zipporah circumcised in the wilderness (Exodus 4:25). He grew to manhood, and had a son, Rehabiah (1 Chronicles 23:17), whose descendants were in the time of David very numerous (1 Chronicles 23:17; and comp. 1 Chronicles 26:25-26). It is uncertain whether Moses gave him his name before parting from him, in allusion to his escape from the Pharaoh who “sought to slay him” (Exodus 2:15), or first named him on occasion of receiving him back, in allusion to his recent escape from the host which had been destroyed in the Red Sea.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 18:4
4. the God of my father] Exodus 3:6 (E), Exodus 15:2 (the Song). from the sword of Pharaoh] cf. Exodus 2:15.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 18:4
4. Eliezer — Here for the first time mentioned by name, but both sons are referred to in Exodus 4:20, and it is supposed that this younger son was the one circumcised by the way, (Exodus 4:25.) The
Sermons on Exodus 18:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Let Compassion Swallow Your Fear by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about injuring his arm while running to the house. Despite the pain, he continued to preach the gospel with his son-in-law outsi |
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Facing Your Fears - Part 1 by Danny Bond | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Jesus sending his disciples into a boat and commanding them to go to the other side of the lake. The disciples obey Jesus and be |
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Faith That Overcomes by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of faith, overcoming through faith, confessing God's promises, and living a life surrendered to God. It highlights the victory in overcoming b |
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Through the Bible - Hebrews - Part 4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of striving against sin, just as Jesus did. He encourages the listeners to have an attitude of being willing to shed their bl |
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Why Is Gods Strength Made Perfect in Our Weakness by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the call to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, highlighting that our weaknesses can be used by God for His glory. It encourages believers to step out in faith |
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The Throne of Grace by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of getting to a specific place, which he refers to as "there." He encourages the audience to focus on this place and hold fir |
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Five Truths and Eight Confessions by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of believing and confessing God's promises, such as God's love, forgiveness, empowerment through the Holy Spirit, contentment, obedience to Hi |