Exodus 18:26
Exodus 18:26 in Multiple Translations
And they judged the people at all times; they would bring the difficult cases to Moses, but any minor issue they would judge themselves.
And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.
And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.
And they were judges in the causes of the people at all times: the hard questions they put before Moses; but on every small point they gave decisions themselves.
They acted as judges for the people on a continuing basis. They brought the difficult cases to Moses, but they would judge the small matters themselves.
And they iudged the people at all seasons, but they brought the hard causes vnto Moses: for they iudged all small matters themselues.
and they have judged the people at all times; the hard matter they bring in unto Moses, and every small matter they judge themselves.
They judged the people at all times. They brought the hard cases to Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.
And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought to Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.
And they judged the people at all times: and whatsoever was of greater difficulty they referred to him, and they judged the easier cases only.
They were appointed permanently to make decisions about the people’s disputes. They brought the difficult cases to Moses/me, but they decided the matters that were not difficult by themselves.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 18:26
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 18:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שָׁפְט֥וּ
אֶת
הָ/עָ֖ם
בְּ/כָל
עֵ֑ת
אֶת
הַ/דָּבָ֤ר
הַ/קָּשֶׁה֙
יְבִיא֣וּ/ן
אֶל
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
וְ/כָל
הַ/דָּבָ֥ר
הַ/קָּטֹ֖ן
יִשְׁפּוּט֥וּ
הֵֽם
וְ/שָׁפְט֥וּ
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
עֵ֑ת
ʻêth
H6256
time
N-cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/דָּבָ֤ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-ms
הַ/קָּשֶׁה֙
qâsheh
H7186
severe
Art | Adj
יְבִיא֣וּ/ן
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
הַ/דָּבָ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-ms
הַ/קָּטֹ֖ן
qâṭân
H6996
small
Art | Adj
יִשְׁפּוּט֥וּ
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
הֵֽם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
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 18:26
וְ/שָׁפְט֥וּ
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
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.
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.
בְּ/כָל
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.
עֵ֑ת
ʻêth
H6256
"time"
N-cs
Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.
Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.
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.
הַ/דָּבָ֤ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | 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.
הַ/קָּשֶׁה֙
qâsheh
H7186
"severe"
Art | Adj
This word describes something or someone as severe or cruel, like the harsh treatment of the Israelites by their enemies in Judges.
Definition: 1) hard, cruel, severe, obstinate 1a) hard, difficult 1b) severe 1c) fierce, intense, vehement 1d) stubborn, stiff of neck, stiff-necked 1e) rigorous (of battle)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: churlish, cruel, grievous, hard((-hearted), thing), heavy, [phrase] impudent, obstinate, prevailed, rough(-ly), sore, sorrowful, stiff(necked), stubborn, [phrase] in trouble. See also: Genesis 42:7; 2 Samuel 2:17; Psalms 60:5.
יְבִיא֣וּ/ן
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp | Suff
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
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.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | 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.
הַ/דָּבָ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | 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.
הַ/קָּטֹ֖ן
qâṭân
H6996
"small"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone small in size, amount, or importance. It can describe something as little or least, and is often used to convey a sense of youth or insignificance. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: young, small, unimportant Another spelling of qa.ton (קָטֹן ": small" H6996B)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: least, less(-er), little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing), young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 1:16; 1 Kings 22:31; Psalms 104:25.
יִשְׁפּוּט֥וּ
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
הֵֽם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
Study Notes — Exodus 18:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Jethro Advises Moses
24Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.
25So Moses chose capable men from all Israel and made them heads over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.
26And they judged the people at all times; they would bring the difficult cases to Moses, but any minor issue they would judge themselves.
27Then Moses sent his father-in-law on his way, and Jethro returned to his own land.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 18:22 | Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you. |
| 2 | Exodus 18:14–15 | When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone as judge, with all the people standing around you from morning till evening?” “Because the people come to me to inquire of God,” Moses replied. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 17:8 | 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. |
| 4 | Job 29:16 | I was a father to the needy, and I took up the case of the stranger. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 10:1 | Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 3:16–28 | At that time two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. One woman said, “Please, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth while she was in the house. On the third day after I gave birth, this woman also had a baby. We were alone, with no one in the house but the two of us. During the night this woman’s son died because she rolled over on him. So she got up in the middle of the night and took my son from my side while I was asleep. She laid him in her bosom and put her dead son at my bosom. The next morning, when I got up to nurse my son, I discovered he was dead. But when I examined him, I realized that he was not the son I had borne.” “No,” said the other woman, “the living one is my son and the dead one is your son.” But the first woman insisted, “No, the dead one is yours and the living one is mine.” So they argued before the king. Then the king replied, “This woman says, ‘My son is alive and yours is dead,’ but that woman says, ‘No, your son is dead and mine is alive.’” The king continued, “Bring me a sword.” So they brought him a sword, and the king declared, “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.” Then the woman whose son was alive spoke to the king because she yearned with compassion for her son. “Please, my lord,” she said, “give her the living baby. Do not kill him!” But the other woman said, “He will be neither mine nor yours. Cut him in two!” Then the king gave his ruling: “Give the living baby to the first woman. By no means should you kill him; she is his mother.” When all Israel heard of the judgment the king had given, they stood in awe of him, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice. |
Exodus 18:26 Summary
This verse tells us that the leaders Moses chose helped the people by judging small problems, but they brought bigger, harder problems to Moses. This is like how we can handle small things on our own, but sometimes we need to ask for help from someone wiser, like a parent or a pastor (as seen in Exodus 18:25 and Proverbs 11:14). It's also important to remember that, as leaders, we should recognize our own limitations and be willing to ask for help when we need it, just like the leaders in this verse. By doing so, we can focus on the things that are most important and trust God to guide us, as promised in Psalm 32:8.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cases did the leaders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens judge on their own?
The leaders judged minor issues themselves, but brought difficult cases to Moses, as seen in Exodus 18:26. This is similar to the principle of handling small matters within the church, as mentioned in Matthew 18:15-17.
How did Moses choose the leaders to judge the people?
Moses chose capable men from all Israel to be leaders over the people, as stated in Exodus 18:25. This emphasizes the importance of selecting wise and capable leaders, as also seen in Acts 6:3.
What is the significance of the leaders bringing difficult cases to Moses?
The leaders bringing difficult cases to Moses shows that Moses was the final authority and that the leaders recognized their own limitations, similar to how the apostles relied on the Holy Spirit for guidance in Acts 15:28.
How does this verse relate to the concept of delegation in leadership?
This verse demonstrates the importance of delegation in leadership, as Moses delegated authority to the leaders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, allowing him to focus on more critical issues, as also seen in Exodus 24:1-2 and Numbers 11:16-17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'minor issues' in my life that I can handle on my own, and what are some 'difficult cases' that I need to bring to God or to a trusted leader for guidance?
- How can I, like Moses, prioritize my tasks and delegate responsibilities to others, so that I can focus on the most important things?
- In what ways can I, as a leader or as a follower of God, recognize my own limitations and seek guidance from those who are wiser or more experienced?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of humility and recognizing when I need help or guidance?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 18:26
And they judged the people at all seasons,.... Any day in the week, or any time in the day, whenever there was any occasion for them, and cases were brought before them: the hard cases they brought
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 18:26
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.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 18:26
26. The tenses are all frequentative; and describe their custom.
Sermons on Exodus 18:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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2 Corinthians 8:16 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of unity and cooperation within the Church, highlighting the need for mutual respect and consideration among all members, regardless of st |
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(1 Kings) the Wisdom of Solomon by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of organization and order in the Bible. He uses the example of God organizing the Israelites in the book of Numbers to emphasiz |
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The Church's Threefold Temptation by Vance Havner | The sermon transcript discusses the importance of approaching church and sermons with a hungry heart, seeking blessings rather than finding faults. The speaker criticizes the tende |
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How Quickly We Turn Away by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging his unworthiness to stand in the pulpit and emphasizes his reliance on the righteousness of Jesus. He prays for the conviction |
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Christ Is Greater 03 Greater Than Solomon by Neil Fraser | In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a scene of a man trapped in a burning building, desperately calling for help. Eventually, a fireman arrives and extends a ladder t |
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The Queen of Sheba by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of recognizing the greatness of Jesus Christ compared to the Queen of Sheba's admiration for King Solomon. He challenges the congregation t |
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His Excellent Greatness by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the excellent greatness of the Lord Jesus, drawing parallels between Him and Solomon's dominion, bounty, and glory. He highlights that only the Father f |