Exodus 18
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The Visit of Jethro

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1Now Jethro, the priest of Midian and father-in-law of Moses, heard of everything God had done for Moses and for his people Israel, and how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt.1Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel his people, how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt.1Now Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel His people, how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt.1When 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;1Moses' father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard about everything that God had done for Moses and His people Israel, and how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt.
2After Moses had sent away his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro received her2Now Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, had taken Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her home,2Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, took Moses' wife Zipporah, after he had sent her away,2Then Jethro, Moses' father in law, took Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her back,2Now Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, had taken in Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her back,
3and her two sons. One son was named Gershom, for Moses said, "I have become a foreigner in a foreign land";3along with her two sons. The name of the one was Gershom (for he said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land”),3and her two sons, of whom one was named Gershom, for Moses said, "I have been a sojourner in a foreign land."3And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land:3along with her two sons, one of whom was named Gershom (because Moses had said, "I have been a foreigner in a foreign land")
4and the other was named Eliezer, for he said, "My father's God was my helper; he saved me from the sword of Pharaoh."4and the name of the other, Eliezer (for he said, “The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh”).4The other was named Eliezer, for he said, "The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh."4And 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:4and the other Eliezer (because he had said, "The God of my father was my helper and delivered me from Pharaoh's sword").
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5Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, together with Moses' sons and wife, came to him in the wilderness, where he was camped near the mountain of God.5Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness where he was encamped at the mountain of God.5Then Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness where he was camped, at the mount of God.5And Jethro, Moses' father in law, came with his sons and his wife unto Moses into the wilderness, where he encamped at the mount of God:5Moses' father-in-law Jethro, along with Moses' wife and sons, came to him in the wilderness where he was camped at the mountain of God.
6Jethro had sent word to him, "I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons."6And when he sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her,”6He sent word to Moses, "I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her."6And he said unto Moses, I thy father in law Jethro am come unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her.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 then went into the tent.7Moses 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.7Then Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and he bowed down and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare and went into the tent.7And 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.7So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, bowed down, and then kissed him. They asked each other how they had been and went into the tent.
8Moses told his father-in-law about everything the LORD had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel's sake and about all the hardships they had met along the way and how the LORD had saved them.8Then Moses told his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had come upon them in the way, and how the LORD had delivered them.8Moses told his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, all the hardship that had befallen them on the journey, and how the LORD had delivered them.8And Moses told his father in law all that the LORD had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, and all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and how the LORD delivered them.8Moses recounted to his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel's sake, all the hardships that confronted them on the way, and how the LORD delivered them.
9Jethro was delighted to hear about all the good things the LORD had done for Israel in rescuing them from the hand of the Egyptians.9And Jethro rejoiced for all the good that the LORD had done to Israel, in that he had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians.9Jethro rejoiced over all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, in delivering them from the hand of the Egyptians.9And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians.9Jethro rejoiced over all the good things the LORD had done for Israel when He rescued them from the power of the Egyptians. "
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10He said, "Praise be to the LORD, who rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians and of Pharaoh, and who rescued the people from the hand of the Egyptians.10Jethro said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh and has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.10So Jethro said, "Blessed be the LORD who delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of Pharaoh, and who delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.10And Jethro said, Blessed be the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.10Praise the LORD," Jethro exclaimed, "who rescued you from Pharaoh and the power of the Egyptians and snatched the people from the power of the Egyptians.
11Now I know that the LORD is greater than all other gods, for he did this to those who had treated Israel arrogantly."11Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods, because in this affair they dealt arrogantly with the people.”11"Now I know that the LORD is greater than all the gods; indeed, it was proven when they dealt proudly against the people."11Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.11Now I know that Yahweh is greater than all gods, because He did wonders when the Egyptians acted arrogantly against Israel."
12Then Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and other sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses' father-in-law in the presence of God.12And Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God; and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God.12Then Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses' father-in-law before God.12And Jethro, Moses' father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses' father in law before God.12Then Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses' father-in-law in God's presence.

Jethro Advises Moses

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13The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening.13The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening.13It came about the next day that Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood about Moses from the morning until the evening.13And 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.13The next day Moses sat down to judge the people, and they stood around Moses from morning until evening.
14When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, "What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?"14When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?”14Now when Moses' father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, "What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge and all the people stand about you from morning until evening?"14And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?14When Moses' father-in-law saw everything he was doing for them he asked, "What is this thing you're doing for the people? Why are you alone sitting as judge, while all the people stand around you from morning until evening?"
15Moses answered him, "Because the people come to me to seek God's will.15And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God;15Moses said to his father-in-law, "Because the people come to me to inquire of God.15And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to inquire of God:15Moses replied to his father-in-law, "Because the people come to me to inquire of God.
16Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God's decrees and instructions."16when they have a dispute, they come to me and I decide between one person and another, and I make them know the statutes of God and his laws.”16"When they have a dispute, it comes to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor and make known the statutes of God and His laws."16When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.16Whenever they have a dispute, it comes to me, and I make a decision between one man and another. I teach them God's statutes and laws.""
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17Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good.17Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good.17Moses' father-in-law said to him, "The thing that you are doing is not good.17And Moses' father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.17What you're doing is not good," Moses' father-in-law said to him. "
18You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.18You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone.18"You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.18Thou 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.18You will certainly wear out both yourself and these people who are with you, because the task is too heavy for you. You can't do it alone.
19Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people's representative before God and bring their disputes to him.19Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God,19"Now listen to me: I will give you counsel, and God be with you. You be the people's representative before God, and you bring the disputes to God,19Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:19Now listen to me; I will give you some advice, and God be with you. You be the one to represent the people before God and bring their cases to Him.
20Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave.20and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do.20then teach them the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk and the work they are to do.20And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.20Instruct them about the statutes and laws, and teach them the way to live and what they must do.
21But select capable men from all the people--men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain--and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.21Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.21"Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens.21Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:21But you should select from all the people able men, God-fearing, trustworthy, and hating bribes. Place them over the people as commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.
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22Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you.22And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you.22"Let them judge the people at all times; and let it be that every major dispute they will bring to you, but every minor dispute they themselves will judge. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you.22And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.22They should judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you every important case but judge every minor case themselves. In this way you will lighten your load, and they will bear it with you.
23If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied."23If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.”23"If you do this thing and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace."23If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.23If you do this, and God so directs you, you will be able to endure, and also all these people will be able to go home satisfied."
24Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.24So Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said.24So Moses listened to his father-in-law and did all that he had said.24So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.24Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.
25He chose capable men from all Israel and made them leaders of the people, officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.25Moses chose able men out of all Israel and made them heads over the people, chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.25Moses chose able men out of all Israel and made them heads over the people, leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens.25And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.25So Moses chose able men from all Israel and made them leaders over the people as commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.
26They served as judges for the people at all times. The difficult cases they brought to Moses, but the simple ones they decided themselves.26And they judged the people at all times. Any hard case they brought to Moses, but any small matter they decided themselves.26They judged the people at all times; the difficult dispute they would bring to Moses, but every minor dispute they themselves would judge.26And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.26They judged the people at all times; they would bring the hard cases to Moses, but they would judge every minor case themselves.
27Then Moses sent his father-in-law on his way, and Jethro returned to his own country.27Then Moses let his father-in-law depart, and he went away to his own country.27Then Moses bade his father-in-law farewell, and he went his way into his own land.27And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land.27Then Moses said good-bye to his father-in-law, and he journeyed to his own land.



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