Exodus 18:2
Exodus 18:2 in Multiple Translations
After Moses had sent back his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro had received her,
Then Jethro, Moses’ father in law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back,
And Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her away,
And Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her away,
When Moses had sent home his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro had welcomed her,
Then Iethro the father in lawe of Moses, tooke Zipporah Moses wife, (after he had sent her away)
and Jethro, father-in-law of Moses, taketh Zipporah, wife of Moses, besides her parents,
Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, received Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her away,
Then Jethro, Moses's father-in-law, took Zipporah Moses's wife, after he had sent her back,
He took Sephora the wife of Moses whom he had sent back:
Moses/I had previously sent his/my wife Zipporah back home when he/I was returning to Egypt. But now Jethro came to him/me,
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 18:2
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 18:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקַּ֗ח
יִתְרוֹ֙
חֹתֵ֣ן
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
אֶת
צִפֹּרָ֖ה
אֵ֣שֶׁת
מֹשֶׁ֑ה
אַחַ֖ר
שִׁלּוּחֶֽי/הָ
וַ/יִּקַּ֗ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יִתְרוֹ֙
Yithrôw
H3503
Jethro
N-proper
חֹתֵ֣ן
châthan
H2859
relative
V-Qal
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
צִפֹּרָ֖ה
Tsippôrâh
H6855
Zipporah
N-proper
אֵ֣שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
מֹשֶׁ֑ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
אַחַ֖ר
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
שִׁלּוּחֶֽי/הָ
shillûwach
H7964
parting gift
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 18:2
וַ/יִּקַּ֗ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
יִתְרוֹ֙
Yithrôw
H3503
"Jethro"
N-proper
Jethro was Moses' father-in-law, a man who lived during the time of the Exodus and Wilderness. He was the father of Zipporah and Hobab, and is also called Reuel. His name means 'his abundance'.
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.18; father of: Zipporah (H6855) and Hobab (H2246); also called Reuel (KJV: Raguel) at Num.10.29; § Jethro = "his abundance" father-in-law of Moses; also 'Jether'
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Jethro. Compare H3500 (יֶתֶר). See also: Exodus 3:1; Exodus 18:5; Exodus 18:12.
חֹתֵ֣ן
châthan
H2859
"relative"
V-Qal
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.
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
צִפֹּרָ֖ה
Tsippôrâh
H6855
"Zipporah"
N-proper
Zipporah was the wife of Moses and the daughter of Jethro, a priest in Midian. Her name means bird in Hebrew, and she played an important role in Moses' life. She is mentioned in Exodus 2:21 and 4:25 as the wife of Moses.
Definition: A woman living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.21; daughter of: Jethro (H3503); sister of: Eliasaph (H0460) and Hobab (H2246); married to Moses (H4872); mother of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H) § Zipporah = "bird" daughter of Reuel or Jethro, wife of Moses, and mother of Gershom and Eliezer
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Zipporah. See also: Exodus 2:21; Exodus 4:25; Exodus 18:2.
אֵ֣שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
מֹשֶׁ֑ה
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.
אַחַ֖ר
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
שִׁלּוּחֶֽי/הָ
shillûwach
H7964
"parting gift"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a parting gift, often given when someone is sent away, such as a wife receiving a divorce or a daughter receiving a dowry when she gets married. It is also associated with the idea of dismissal or separation.
Definition: 1) sending away, parting gift 1a) sending away 1b) parting gift
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: presents, have sent back. See also: Exodus 18:2; 1 Kings 9:16; Micah 1:14.
Study Notes — Exodus 18:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 18:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 18:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 18:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 18:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 18:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 18:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 18:2
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 18:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 18:2
Context — The Visit of Jethro
1Now Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard about all that God had done for Moses and His people Israel, and how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt.
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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 2:21 | Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage. |
| 2 | Exodus 4:25–26 | But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin, and touched it to Moses’ feet. “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,” she said. So the LORD let him alone. (When she said, “bridegroom of blood,” she was referring to the circumcision.) |
Exodus 18:2 Summary
This verse tells us that Moses had sent back his wife Zipporah, and his father-in-law Jethro had received her. This means that Moses and Zipporah were not together at this time, but Jethro was still taking care of his daughter and her family. This shows us that family is important, and we should take care of each other, just like Jethro did (as seen in 1 Timothy 5:8). It also reminds us that God is sovereign over all our circumstances, and we can trust Him even when we don't understand what's happening (as in Romans 8:28).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Moses send back his wife Zipporah?
The Bible does not give a clear reason why Moses sent back his wife Zipporah, but it may be related to the incident in Exodus 4:24-26 where Zipporah circumcised their son to save Moses' life, and then in Exodus 18:2, we see that Jethro had received her, indicating a possible separation or distance between Moses and Zipporah at this time.
Who was Jethro and what was his relationship to Moses?
Jethro was Moses' father-in-law, the priest of Midian, as mentioned in Exodus 18:1, and he had received Zipporah and her sons, showing that he was still connected to Moses' family even after Zipporah was sent back.
What can we learn from Moses' decision to send back his wife Zipporah?
Moses' decision to send back his wife Zipporah teaches us that sometimes, God may call us to make difficult choices or sacrifices for the sake of our ministry or calling, as seen in Luke 14:26, where Jesus says that we must hate our family members in comparison to our love for Him.
How does Jethro's reception of Zipporah reflect his character?
Jethro's reception of Zipporah shows that he was a caring and loving father-in-law, who was willing to take in his daughter and grandchildren, even if Moses was not with them, demonstrating a sense of family values and responsibility, similar to what we see in the story of Ruth and Naomi in the book of Ruth.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have had to make difficult choices or sacrifices, and how did I respond to those challenges?
- How can I balance my family responsibilities with my calling or ministry, and what priorities should I set in my life?
- What does it mean to 'receive' someone, like Jethro received Zipporah, and how can I show hospitality and care to those around me?
- How can I trust God's sovereignty in my life, even when I don't understand the reasons behind certain events or circumstances, like Moses' separation from Zipporah?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 18:2
Then Jethro, Moses's father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses's wife,.... When he had heard of the above things, he determined to pay Moses a visit, and congratulate him on that account; and he took his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 18:2
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 ...
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 18:2
From the way to Egypt, upon the occasion mentioned ,25, and because he found by experience that she was likely to hinder him from, or discourage him in, the discharge of his great and dangerous office, and to give an ill example to the Israelites.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 18:2
Exodus 18:2 Then Jethro, Moses’ father in law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back,Ver. 2. After he had sent her back.] Because she was troublesome with her peevishness, and a hindrance to the good work in hand. Sulla felix fuisset ni uxorem duxisset; Adrianus ni imperitasset; Moses, both.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 18:2
(2) He does not simply judge—i.e., decide the particular question brought before him; but he takes the opportunity to educate and instruct the people in delivering his judgments—he “makes them know the statutes of God and His laws”—he expounds principles and teaches morality. Both reasons were clearly of great weight, and constituted strong arguments in favour of his practice.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 18:2
Verse 2. After he had sent her back] Why Zipporah and her two sons returned to Midian, is not certainly known. From the transaction recorded Exodus 4:20; Exodus 4:24, it seems as if she had been alarmed at the danger to which the life of one of her sons had been exposed, and fearing worse evils, left her husband and returned to her father. It is however possible that Moses, foreseeing the troubles to which his wife and children were likely to be exposed had he taken them down to Egypt, sent them back to his father-in-law till it should please God to deliver his people. Jethro, now finding that God had delivered them, and totally discomfited the Egyptians, their enemies, thought it proper to bring Zipporah and her sons to Moses, while he was in the vicinity of Horeb.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 18:2
1–7. Meeting of Jethro and Moses.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 18:2
2. After he had sent her back — See notes on Exodus 4:24-26. The discrepancies which some interpreters find between this account and Moses’s return into Egypt narrated in Exodus 4:18-26, are creations of their own fancy.