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Exodus 18:11

Exodus 18:11 in Multiple Translations

Now I know that the LORD is greater than all other gods, for He did this when they treated Israel with arrogance.”

Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.

Now I know that Jehovah is greater than all gods; yea, in the thing wherein they dealt proudly against them.

Now I am certain that the Lord is greater than all gods, for he has overcome them in their pride.

This is so convincing to me that the Lord is greater than all other gods, for he saved the people from the Egyptians when they acted so arrogantly towards the Israelites.”

Now I know that the Lord is greater then all the gods: for as they haue dealt proudly with them, so are they recompensed.

now I have known that Jehovah [is] greater than all the gods, for in the thing they have acted proudly — [He is] above them!'

Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods because of the way that they treated people arrogantly.”

Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing in which they dealt proudly, he was above them.

Now I know that the Lord is great above all gods: because they dealt proudly against them.

Now I realize that Yahweh is greater than all other gods, because he rescued you all from the power [MTY] of the proud Egyptians when they were causing you to suffer.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 18:11

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 18:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB עַתָּ֣ה יָדַ֔עְתִּי כִּֽי גָד֥וֹל יְהוָ֖ה מִ/כָּל הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים כִּ֣י בַ/דָּבָ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֥ר זָד֖וּ עֲלֵי/הֶֽם
עַתָּ֣ה ʻattâh H6258 now Adv
יָדַ֔עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-1cs
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
גָד֥וֹל gâdôwl H1419 Great (Sea) Adj
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
מִ/כָּל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj
בַ/דָּבָ֔ר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Prep | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
זָד֖וּ zûwd H2102 to boil V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עֲלֵי/הֶֽם ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 18:11

עַתָּ֣ה ʻattâh H6258 "now" Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
יָדַ֔עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
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.
גָד֥וֹל gâdôwl H1419 "Great (Sea)" Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מִ/כָּל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | 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.
כִּ֣י 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.
בַ/דָּבָ֔ר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Prep | 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.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר 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.
זָד֖וּ zûwd H2102 "to boil" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to boil over with pride or arrogance, like in Exodus when the Israelites rebelled against God. It can also mean to act presumptuously or be insolent. In the Bible, it often describes people who defy God's authority.
Definition: 1) to boil, boil up, seethe, act proudly, act presumptuously, act rebelliously, be presumptuous, be arrogant, be rebelliously proud 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act presumptuously 1a2) to deal arrogantly (with 'al') 1a3) to defy proudly (with 'el') 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to boil, seethe, act proudly 1b2) to act presumptuously, act insolently Aramaic equivalent: zud (זוּד "be proud" H2103)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: be proud, deal proudly, presume, (come) presumptuously, sod. See also: Genesis 25:29; Deuteronomy 18:20; Jeremiah 50:29.
עֲלֵי/הֶֽם ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

Study Notes — Exodus 18:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 95:3 For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods.
2 Exodus 15:11 Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?
3 2 Chronicles 2:5 The house that I am building will be great, for our God is greater than all gods.
4 Psalms 135:5 For I know that the LORD is great; our Lord is above all gods.
5 Luke 1:51 He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
6 Psalms 97:9 For You, O LORD, are Most High over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.
7 Daniel 4:37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride.
8 1 Chronicles 16:25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.
9 Nehemiah 9:10 You performed signs and wonders against Pharaoh, all his officials, and all the people of his land, for You knew they had acted with arrogance against our fathers. You made a name for Yourself that endures to this day.
10 James 4:6 But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Exodus 18:11 Summary

This verse, Exodus 18:11, means that Jethro has come to realize that the Lord is the most powerful God, greater than all other gods, because of the amazing things He did to rescue the Israelites from the Egyptians, as seen in Exodus 14:13-31 and Exodus 15:1-21. This is similar to what the Lord says in Deuteronomy 4:35 and Isaiah 45:5-6, that He is the one true God. Jethro's statement shows that he has come to trust and worship the Lord, and we can learn from his example by recognizing the Lord's power and glory in our own lives, as seen in Romans 11:33-36. By acknowledging the Lord's sovereignty, we can, like Jethro, demonstrate our faith and trust in Him, as seen in Exodus 18:12 and Psalm 95:6-7.

Frequently Asked Questions

What event is Jethro referring to in Exodus 18:11?

Jethro is referring to the deliverance of the Israelites from the Egyptians, as described in the book of Exodus, specifically the parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of Pharaoh's army, as seen in Exodus 14:13-31 and Exodus 15:1-21.

Who is Jethro and why is his statement significant?

Jethro is Moses' father-in-law, a Midianite priest, and his statement is significant because it shows that he has come to recognize the Lord as the one true God, greater than all other gods, as stated in Exodus 18:11, similar to the declarations in Deuteronomy 4:35 and Isaiah 45:5-6.

What does Jethro's statement reveal about his spiritual journey?

Jethro's statement reveals that he has moved from being a polytheist to recognizing the Lord as the one true God, which is a significant spiritual milestone, as seen in his actions in Exodus 18:12, where he offers sacrifices to the Lord, similar to the actions of Abraham in Genesis 12:7-8 and Genesis 13:18.

How does Jethro's statement relate to the overall theme of Exodus?

Jethro's statement relates to the overall theme of Exodus, which is the demonstration of the Lord's power and glory over the gods of Egypt, as stated in Exodus 12:12 and Exodus 18:11, and the establishment of the Israelites as a holy nation, as seen in Exodus 19:5-6 and Leviticus 20:26.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can, like Jethro, recognize and acknowledge the Lord's power and glory in my life?
  2. How can I, like Jethro, move from a place of spiritual ignorance to a place of spiritual understanding and recognition of the one true God?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to acknowledge the Lord's sovereignty and power, as Jethro did in Exodus 18:11?
  4. How can I, like Jethro, demonstrate my faith and recognition of the Lord through my actions and worship, as seen in Exodus 18:12?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 18:11

Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods,.... He knew the Lord before, and that he was the only true God, and greater than all that were so called; but now he had a fresh instance of it, a

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 18:11

Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them. Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 18:11

Now I know, viz. more clearly and by certain experience; as that phrase signifies, ,24. For otherwise it is more than probable that Jethro had the knowledge of the true God before this time, not only because he was the great-grandchild of Abraham, but also because of his long conversation with a person of so great knowledge, and wisdom, and piety, as Moses was. Wherein they dealt proudly; either, 1. Their false gods, who wrought strange things in and by their servants the magicians, who contended with Moses, and proudly boasted of their skill as not a whit inferior to that of Moses, but at last were forced to yield up the cause, ; or rather, 2. The Egyptians, spoken of , who dealt proudly, and scornfully, and tyrannically with the Israelites, but God showed himself to be above them, and above their king; though Pharaoh would not own him for his superior, , but lift up his horn against God, and against his people: but the Lord brought that proud prince upon his knees, and forced him oft to confess his faults, and to become suppliant to Moses for deliverance from the plagues; and at last, when he continued incorrigible, he drowned him in the sea.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 18:11

Exodus 18:11 Now I know that the LORD [is] greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly [he was] above them.Ver. 11. Now I know.] So the people knew that Jehovah was God. See 2 Chronicles 33:13. He was above them.] God sits in the heavens, where he sees that their day is coming; and meanwhile scorneth these scorners; frights them, as he did those Syrians; overawes them, as he did Laban; diverts them, as he did Saul, Sennacherib, &c., or otherwise defeats them, as he did Benhadad, disclosing their counsels, blasting their designs, &c.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 18:11

(11) For in the thing . . . —Heb., even in the matter in which they dealt proudly against them. Jehovah’s superior power had been shown especially in the matter in which the Egyptians had dealt most proudly—viz., in pursuing the Israelites with an army when they had given them leave to depart, and attempting to re-capture or destroy them.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 18:11

Verse 11. Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods] Some think that Jethro was now converted to the true God; but it is very probable that he enjoyed this blessing before he knew any thing of Moses, for it is not likely that Moses would have entered into an alliance with this family had they been heathens. Jethro no doubt had the true patriarchal religion. Wherein they dealt proudly] Acting as tyrants over the people of God; enslaving them in the most unprincipled manner, and still purposing more tyrannical acts. He was above them - he showed himself to be infinitely superior to all their gods, by the miracles which he wrought. Various translations have been given of this clause; the above I believe to be the sense.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 18:11

11. greater than all gods] cf. Exodus 15:11. for in (or by) the thing wherein they dealt proudly against them …] The end of the sentence has accidentally dropped out; and something like he hath destroyed them must be supplied. Jehovah’s superiority to other gods was shewn by His overthrow of the Egyptians; and this was a consequence of their proud pursuit of the Israelites. dealt proudly against them] cf. the reminiscence in Nehemiah 9:10.

Barnes' Notes on Exodus 18:11

Greater than all gods - See Exodus 15:11. The words simply indicate a conviction of the incomparable might and majesty of Yahweh. For in ... above them - i. e.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 18:11

11. He was above them — The exact sense of the latter half of this verse is uncertain.

Sermons on Exodus 18:11

SermonDescription
Colin Peckham "The Great God" by Colin Peckham This sermon emphasizes the greatness and glory of God, highlighting the distinction between God's heavenly majesty and our earthly limitations. It calls for a reverent recognition
Paul Washer The Holiness of God by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of responding to the reality of God's holiness. He starts by highlighting the commandment in Exodus 20:3 to have no other god
A.W. Tozer The Holiness of God - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the holiness of God and the need for reverence and sanctification in His presence. He refers to the story of Moses encountering God at the b
A.W. Tozer (Reformation Within Protestantism): Faith in Practice by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that when God speaks, His words have multiple applications and are true for anyone who believes them. He asserts that nothing in history, ph
Leonard Ravenhill Take Heed, Lest You Fall by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher discusses the role of a prophet and the importance of listening to God's voice. The prophet in focus is described as having a fierce loyalty to God and
B.H. Clendennen Holy in Christ by B.H. Clendennen B.H. Clendennen emphasizes the profound connection between holiness and glory in God, illustrating that true holiness is not merely about rules but about the presence of God transf
Winkie Pratney Fear of the Lord by Winkie Pratney Winkie Pratney emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is the foremost requirement from God, as stated in Deuteronomy 10:12. He explains that while love, service, and obedience are im

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