Exodus 18:7
Exodus 18:7 in Multiple Translations
So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and went into the tent.
¶ 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.
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.
And Moses went out to his father-in-law, and went down on his face before him and gave him a kiss; and they said to one another, Are you well? and they came into the tent.
Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They asked each other how they were and then went into the tent.
And Moses went out to meete his father in law, and did obeisance and kissed him, and eche asked other of his welfare: and they came into the tent.
And Moses goeth out to meet his father-in-law, and boweth himself, and kisseth him, and they ask one at another of welfare, and come into the tent;
Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and bowed and kissed him. They asked each other of their welfare, and they came into the tent.
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.
And he went out to meet his kinsman, and worshipped and kissed him: and they saluted one another with words of peace. And when he was come into the tent,
So Moses/I went out of the campsite to meet his/my father-in-law. He/I bowed before him, and kissed him on the cheek. ◄They both/We► asked each other, “Have you been healthy?” Then they/we went into Moses’/my tent.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 18:7
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 18:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּצֵ֨א
מֹשֶׁ֜ה
לִ/קְרַ֣את
חֹֽתְנ֗/וֹ
וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֨חוּ֙
וַ/יִּשַּׁק
ל֔/וֹ
וַ/יִּשְׁאֲל֥וּ
אִישׁ
לְ/רֵעֵ֖/הוּ
לְ/שָׁל֑וֹם
וַ/יָּבֹ֖אוּ
הָ/אֹֽהֱלָ/ה
וַ/יֵּצֵ֨א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֹשֶׁ֜ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
לִ/קְרַ֣את
qirʼâh
H7125
befall
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
חֹֽתְנ֗/וֹ
châthan
H2859
relative
V-Qal | Suff
וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֨חוּ֙
shâchâh
H7812
to bow
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יִּשַּׁק
nâshaq
H5401
to kiss
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל֔/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּשְׁאֲל֥וּ
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אִישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
לְ/רֵעֵ֖/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
Prep | N-ms | Suff
לְ/שָׁל֑וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
Peace
Prep | N-ms
וַ/יָּבֹ֖אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הָ/אֹֽהֱלָ/ה
ʼôhel
H168
tent
Art | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 18:7
וַ/יֵּצֵ֨א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
מֹשֶׁ֜ה
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.
לִ/קְרַ֣את
qirʼâh
H7125
"befall"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.
Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.
חֹֽתְנ֗/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/יִּשְׁתַּ֨חוּ֙
shâchâh
H7812
"to bow"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
וַ/יִּשַּׁק
nâshaq
H5401
"to kiss"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To kiss or touch, also to equip with weapons, as seen in armed men or rulers. It appears in various forms, including a romantic kiss or a mode of attachment. In the Bible, it is used to describe intimate touch.
Definition: 1) to put together, kiss 1a) (Qal) to kiss 1b) (Piel) to kiss 1c) (Hiphil) to touch gently
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: armed (men), rule, kiss, that touched. See also: Genesis 27:26; 2 Samuel 14:33; Psalms 2:12.
ל֔/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּשְׁאֲל֥וּ
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
אִישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
לְ/רֵעֵ֖/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
לְ/שָׁל֑וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
"Peace"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
וַ/יָּבֹ֖אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
הָ/אֹֽהֱלָ/ה
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
Art | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
Study Notes — Exodus 18:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 18:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 18:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 18:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 18:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 18:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 18:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 18:7
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 18:7
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 18:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 18:7
- Sermons on Exodus 18:7
Context — The Visit of Jethro
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.”
7So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and went into the tent.
8Then Moses recounted to his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardships they had encountered along the way, and how the LORD had delivered them. 9And Jethro rejoiced over all the good things the LORD had done for Israel, whom He had rescued from the hand of the Egyptians.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 29:13 | When Laban heard the news about his sister’s son Jacob, he ran out to meet him. He embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his home, where Jacob told him all that had happened. |
| 2 | Genesis 14:17 | After Abram returned from defeating Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 11:7 | When Uriah came to him, David asked how Joab and the troops were doing with the war. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 2:19 | So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah. The king stood up to greet her, bowed to her, and sat down on his throne. Then the king had a throne brought for his mother, who sat down at his right hand. |
| 5 | Genesis 19:1 | Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them, bowed facedown, |
| 6 | Genesis 18:2 | And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. |
| 7 | Genesis 46:29 | Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely. |
| 8 | Genesis 33:3–7 | But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept. When Esau looked up and saw the women and children, he asked, “Who are these with you?” Jacob answered, “These are the children God has graciously given your servant.” Then the maidservants and their children approached and bowed down. Leah and her children also approached and bowed down, and then Joseph and Rachel approached and bowed down. |
| 9 | Genesis 45:15 | Joseph kissed each of his brothers as he wept over them. And afterward his brothers talked with him. |
| 10 | Psalms 2:12 | Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish in your rebellion, when His wrath ignites in an instant. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him. |
Exodus 18:7 Summary
[In Exodus 18:7, Moses shows respect and greeting to his father-in-law, Jethro, by bowing down and kissing him. This act of respect and love is a great example for us to follow, as seen in other Bible verses like Genesis 33:4 and 1 Samuel 20:41. Moses' actions remind us of the importance of honoring our elders and those in authority over us, as commanded in Exodus 20:12 and Leviticus 19:32. By following Moses' example, we can cultivate a spirit of humility, respect, and love in our own relationships.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Moses bow down and kiss his father-in-law in Exodus 18:7?
Moses showed respect and greeting to his father-in-law, Jethro, as was the custom in those days, similar to the greeting between Jacob and Esau in Genesis 33:4 or between David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:41.
What can we learn from Moses' actions in this verse?
We can learn the importance of showing respect and honor to our elders and those in authority over us, as seen in Exodus 20:12 and Leviticus 19:32.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is a part of the larger story of Jethro's visit to Moses, where Jethro will later provide counsel to Moses on how to lead the people of Israel, as seen in Exodus 18:13-27.
What does this verse reveal about Moses' character?
This verse reveals Moses' humility and willingness to show respect to others, which is a key aspect of his character, as also seen in Numbers 12:3 and Psalm 106:32-33.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show respect and honor to my elders and those in authority over me, like Moses did in this verse?
- How can I apply the principle of humility, as seen in Moses' actions, in my own life and relationships?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a spirit of welcome and hospitality, like Moses did when he greeted his father-in-law?
- What can I learn from Moses' example of taking time to connect with his loved ones, even in the midst of busy and demanding circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 18:7
And Moses went out to meet his father in law,.... Out of the camp, at least out of his tent: the Targum of Jonathan says, from under the cloud of glory; how far he went is not certain, nor material
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 18:7
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 18:7
Of their welfare, Heb. of their peace, i.e. prosperity and all happiness, which also they wished one to the other, as this phrase implies. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 18:7
Exodus 18:7 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.Ver. 7. And did obeisance.] Sir Thomas More, Lord Chancellor, would, in Westminster Hall, beg his father’ s blessing on his knees.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 18:7
(7) Moses went out . . . And did obeisance.—Oriental etiquette required the going forth to meet an honoured guest (Genesis 18:2; Genesis 19:1, &c). The obeisance was wholly voluntary, and marks the humility of Moses, who, now that he was the prince of his nation, might well have required Jethro to bow down to him. And kissed him.—Kissing is a common form of salutation in the East, even between persons who are in no way related. Herodotus says of the Persians: “When they meet each other in the streets, you may know if the persons meeting are of equal rank by the following token: if they are, instead of speaking they kiss each other on the lips. In the case where one is a little inferior to the other, the kiss is given on the cheek” (Book i. 134). (Comp. 2 Samuel 15:5; 2 Samuel 19:39; 2 Samuel 20:9; Matthew 26:48-49; Acts 20:37, &c.; and for the continuance of the custom to the present day, see the collection of instances given in the article Kiss, in Smith’s Dictionary of the Bible, vol. ii., p. 46.) They asked each other of their welfare.—Heb., wished peace to each other—exchanged, that is, the customary salutation, “Peace be with you.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 18:7
Verse 7. And did obeisance] וישתחו vaiyishtachu, he bowed himself down, (See Clarke on Genesis 17:3; and "Exodus 4:31";) this was the general token of respect. And kissed him; the token of friendship. And they asked each other of their welfare; literally, and they inquired, each man of his neighbour, concerning peace or prosperity; the proof of affectionate intercourse. These three things constitute good breeding and politeness, accompanied with sincerity. And they came into the tent.] Some think that the tabernacle is meant, which it is likely had been erected before this time; See Clarke on Exodus 18:5. Moses might have thought proper to take his relative first to the house of God, before he brought him to his own tent.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 18:7
7. Moses receives his father-in-law with the usual Oriental etiquette. did obeisance] lit. bowed himself down, in Eastern fashion: cf. Genesis 23:7; Genesis 23:12; Genesis 33:3; Genesis 33:6-7; Genesis 42:6, &c.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 18:7
Asked each other of their welfare - Addressed each other with the customary salutation, “Peace be unto you.”
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 18:7
7. Did obeisance — This brief but vivid description is true to the warmth and emotion of genuine Oriental greeting.
Sermons on Exodus 18:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Genesis 14:1-24 by John Calvin | John Calvin expounds on the historical account of Abram's victory over the kings, emphasizing the divine intervention and protection granted to him as a chosen servant of God. The |
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(1 Peter - Part 21): As Strangers & Pilgrims, Abstain From Fleshly Lusts by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that as Christians, we are pilgrims journeying home and our only real enemies are within us. God has changed the external world and protecte |
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The Eternal Spirit the Gifts That Came by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the presence of dens of vice in our society, indicating that the Lord's coming is near. He refers to the book, which keeps him on the right |
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Pt 5 the Corruption of the Leaven by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the three measures of meal. He explains that the parable represents fellowship with God in service, which can be spoiled by th |
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(Genesis) Genesis 19:1-5 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Lot in chapter 19 of the Bible. Two angels visit Lot in Sodom and warn him of the impending judgment. Lot leaves Sodom with his |
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I Am Thy Strength and Shield - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher describes a scene of immorality and sin in the world, with prostitutes and drug users. However, he emphasizes that these things do not move or concern |
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John 17 by William Fitch | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of the corruption and immorality that exists in the world, including the entertainment industry. He highlights the fact that movies |