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Exodus 18:15

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Exodus 18:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“Because the people come to me to inquire of God,” Moses replied.

King James Version KJV

And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:

American Standard Version ASV

And Moses said unto his father-in-law, Because the people come unto me to inquire of God:

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Moses said to his father-in-law, Because the people come to me to get directions from God:

Free Bible Version FBV

“Because the people come to me to ask God for his decision,” Moses replied.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Moses sayd vnto his father in law, Because the people come vnto me to seeke God.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Moses saith to his father-in-law, 'Because the people come unto me to seek God;

World English Bible WEB

Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Moses said to his father-in-law, Because the people come to me to inquire of God:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Moses answered him: The people come to me to seek the judgment of God.

Translation for Translators T4T

Moses/I replied, “I am doing this because the people keep coming to me to find out what God desires.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 18:15

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 18:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֖ה לְ/חֹתְנ֑/וֹ כִּֽי יָבֹ֥א אֵלַ֛/י הָ/עָ֖ם לִ/דְרֹ֥שׁ אֱלֹהִֽים
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֹשֶׁ֖ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper
לְ/חֹתְנ֑/וֹ châthan H2859 relative Prep | V-Qal | Suff
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
יָבֹ֥א bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֵלַ֛/י ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
לִ/דְרֹ֥שׁ dârash H1875 to seek Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֱלֹהִֽים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp
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 18:15

וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
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.
לְ/חֹתְנ֑/וֹ châthan H2859 "relative" Prep | 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.
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.
יָבֹ֥א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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.
אֵלַ֛/י ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
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.
הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
לִ/דְרֹ֥שׁ dârash H1875 "to seek" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
אֱלֹהִֽים 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.

Study Notes — Exodus 18:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Numbers 15:34 and because it had not been declared what should be done to him, they placed him in custody.
2 Numbers 27:5 So Moses brought their case before the LORD,
3 Numbers 9:8 “Wait here until I find out what the LORD commands concerning you,” Moses replied.
4 Numbers 9:6 But there were some men who were unclean due to a dead body, so they could not observe the Passover on that day. And they came before Moses and Aaron that same day
5 Deuteronomy 17:8–13 If a case is too difficult for you to judge, whether the controversy within your gates is regarding bloodshed, lawsuits, or assaults, you must go up to the place the LORD your God will choose. You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you a verdict in the case. You must abide by the verdict they give you at the place the LORD will choose. Be careful to do everything they instruct you, according to the terms of law they give and the verdict they proclaim. Do not turn aside to the right or to the left from the decision they declare to you. But the man who acts presumptuously, refusing to listen either to the priest who stands there to serve the LORD your God, or to the judge, must be put to death. You must purge the evil from Israel. Then all the people will hear and be afraid, and will no longer behave arrogantly.
6 Exodus 18:19–20 Now listen to me; I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their causes to Him. Teach them the statutes and laws, and show them the way to live and the work they must do.
7 Leviticus 24:12–14 They placed him in custody until the will of the LORD should be made clear to them. Then the LORD said to Moses, “Take the blasphemer outside the camp, and have all who heard him lay their hands on his head; then have the whole assembly stone him.

Exodus 18:15 Summary

In Exodus 18:15, Moses explains that the people come to him to inquire of God, meaning they want to know God's thoughts and plans. This is something we can all do by reading the Bible (like in Psalm 119:105), praying, and seeking God's guidance in our lives. Just like the Israelites, we can trust that God wants to lead and direct us, as seen in Jeremiah 29:13. By seeking God and listening to His voice, we can make decisions that honor Him and follow His path for our lives (as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the people to 'inquire of God' in Exodus 18:15?

Inquiring of God means seeking His guidance, wisdom, and direction, as seen in other instances like Exodus 33:7 where the people would go to the tent of meeting to inquire of the Lord, and as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.

Why did the people come to Moses to inquire of God?

The people came to Moses because he was seen as a representative of God, having been chosen by Him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, as mentioned in Exodus 3:10, and they sought his guidance and interpretation of God's laws and will for them.

Is this practice of inquiring of God still relevant today?

Yes, as believers, we are encouraged to seek God's guidance and wisdom in all aspects of our lives, as seen in Psalm 119:105 where the Word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, and in James 1:5 where it is written that if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault.

How does this relate to our personal relationship with God?

This practice of inquiring of God emphasizes the importance of seeking a personal relationship with Him, as seen in Jeremiah 29:13 where it is written that we will seek Him and find Him when we seek Him with all our heart, and in John 10:27 where Jesus says His sheep listen to His voice and follow Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can inquire of God in my daily life, and how can I make sure I am listening to His voice?
  2. How can I, like Moses, be a representative of God to those around me, and what does that look like in my relationships and interactions?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's guidance and wisdom, and how can I trust Him to provide it?
  4. How can I balance seeking God's will with using my own wisdom and discernment, and what role should each play in my decision-making process?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 18:15

And Moses said unto his father in law,.... In answer to his question; and there were two things, as Aben Ezra observes, he did to the people, and for which they came to him; the one is observed in

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 18:15

And 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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 18:15

i.e. Of the mind and will of God, both as to his worship and service and as to their mutual duties to one another. .

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 18:15

Exodus 18:15 And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:Ver. 15. To inquire of God.] For a divine sentence is in the mouth of the Judge: therefore also the place of judicature is called the holy place. Let those that go to law inquire of God, and rest in his will.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 18:15

(15, 16) Moses assigns two reasons for his conduct.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 18:15

Verse 15. The people come unto me to inquire of God] To know the mind and will of God on the subject of their inquiries. Moses was the mediator between God and the people; and as they believed that all justice and judgment must come from him, therefore they came to Moses to know what God had spoken.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 18:15

15. to inquire of God] i.e. to obtain from Him a legal decision. In early times judgement was a sacred act; legal decisions were regarded as coming from God, the judge being his representative, or mouthpiece (cf. v. 16 end)1[160], accordingly ‘God’ is sometimes used, where we should say ‘judge’ (see on Exodus 21:6). Perhaps in very primitive times the decision was given by the sacred lot (cf. the use of the Urim and Thummim in 1 Samuel 14:41 LXX. [see Kennedy’s note in the Century Bible, or DB. iv. 839b]; and the ‘breastplate of judgement,’ ch. Exodus 28:15): but the same view of the nature of judgement prevailed, even after this method of obtaining it was given up, or only resorted to exceptionally. To inquire of (or seek) God (γψω) in later times, means often to seek Him generally, in prayer and worship; but it means also, particularly in the early language, to resort to Him for the sake of obtaining an oracle, either in answer to some particular question, or, as here, a legal decision (LXX, ἐκζητῆσαικρίσινπαρὰτοῦθεοῦ): see Genesis 25:22 the answer follows in v. 23), 1 Samuel 9:9, 1 Kings 22:8, 2 Kings 3:11; 2 Kings 8:8; 2 Kings 22:13; 2 Kings 22:18, Jeremiah 21:2 (so, of inquiring of the dead, or of heathen gods, 1 Samuel 28:7, 2 Kings 1:2, Deuteronomy 18:11, Isaiah 8:19 al.). [160] So in Homer, θέμιστες are spoken of as received by kings from Zeus (Il. i. 239 οἵτεθέμισταςΠρὸςΔιὸςεἰρύαται); and cf. Sir Henry Maine, Ancient Law, ch. 1.

Barnes' Notes on Exodus 18:15

To enquire of God - The decisions of Moses were doubtless accepted by the people as oracles. The internal prompting of the Spirit was a sufficient guidance for him, and a sufficient authority for the people.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 18:15

15. The people come unto me to inquire of God — They recognised Moses as their divinely chosen lawgiver and judge, and his decision in any given case would be of the nature of a divine oracle.

Sermons on Exodus 18:15

SermonDescription
H. P. Barker Twentieth Century Jethro by H. P. Barker H. P. Barker preaches about the cautionary tale of Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, who despite his good qualities and wise counsel, failed to fully identify with the people of God an
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