Exodus 18:3
Exodus 18:3 in Multiple Translations
along with her two sons. One son was named Gershom, for Moses had said, “I have been a foreigner in a foreign land.”
And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land:
and her two sons; of whom the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been a sojourner in a foreign land:
And her two sons, one of whom was named Gershom, for he said, I have been living in a strange land:
together with her two sons. One son was named Gershom, for Moses had said, “I have been a foreigner in a foreign land.”
And her two sonnes, (whereof the one was called Gershom: for he sayd, I haue bene an aliant in a strange land:
and her two sons, of whom the name of the one [is] Gershom, for he said, 'a sojourner I have been in a strange land:'
and her two sons. The name of one son was Gershom, for Moses said, “I have lived as a foreigner in a foreign land”.
And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; (for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land:)
And her two sons, of whom one was called Gersam, his father saying: I have been a stranger in a foreign country.
bringing Zipporah and their/our two sons. One son was named Gershom, which sounds like the Hebrew word that means ‘foreigner’, because he/I had said, “I have been a foreigner living in another land.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 18:3
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 18:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֵ֖ת
שְׁנֵ֣י
בָנֶ֑י/הָ
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
שֵׁ֤ם
הָֽ/אֶחָד֙
גֵּֽרְשֹׁ֔ם
כִּ֣י
אָמַ֔ר
גֵּ֣ר
הָיִ֔יתִי
בְּ/אֶ֖רֶץ
נָכְרִיָּֽה
וְ/אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
שְׁנֵ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
בָנֶ֑י/הָ
bên
H1121
son
N-mp | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
שֵׁ֤ם
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms
הָֽ/אֶחָד֙
ʼechâd
H259
one
Art | Adj
גֵּֽרְשֹׁ֔ם
Gêrᵉshôm
H1647
Gershom
N-proper
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אָמַ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
גֵּ֣ר
gêr
H1616
sojourner
N-ms
הָיִ֔יתִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
בְּ/אֶ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
נָכְרִיָּֽה
nokrîy
H5237
foreign
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 18:3
וְ/אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
שְׁנֵ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
בָנֶ֑י/הָ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
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.
שֵׁ֤ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
הָֽ/אֶחָד֙
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
גֵּֽרְשֹׁ֔ם
Gêrᵉshôm
H1647
"Gershom"
N-proper
Gershom was the name of several Israelites, including the son of Moses and Zipporah, who played important roles in the Bible. The name means 'foreigner' and is mentioned in books like Exodus and Ezra.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.8.2 § Gershom = "foreigner" 1) firstborn son of Moses and Zipporah 2) firstborn son of Levi 3) a son of the priestly family of Phinehas who returned from exile with Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Gershom. See also: Exodus 2:22; 1 Chronicles 6:47; Ezra 8:2.
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.
אָמַ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-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.
גֵּ֣ר
gêr
H1616
"sojourner"
N-ms
A sojourner is a foreigner or temporary resident, lacking inherited rights, but often given concessions in Israel. This term appears in the Bible to describe outsiders living among God's people.
Definition: 1) sojourner 1a) a temporary inhabitant, a newcomer lacking inherited rights 1b) of foreigners in Israel, though conceded rights
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: alien, sojourner, stranger. See also: Genesis 15:13; Deuteronomy 10:19; Psalms 39:13.
הָיִ֔יתִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְּ/אֶ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
נָכְרִיָּֽה
nokrîy
H5237
"foreign"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes something or someone foreign or unfamiliar, including people, women, or things. It can also mean wonderful or outlandish. In the Bible, it is often translated as alien or foreigner.
Definition: 1) foreign, alien 1a) foreign 1b) foreigner (subst) 1c) foreign woman, harlot 1d) unknown, unfamiliar (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: alien, foreigner, outlandish, strange(-r, woman). See also: Genesis 31:15; Ezra 10:17; Psalms 69:9.
Study Notes — Exodus 18:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 18:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 18:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 18:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 18:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 18:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 18:3
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 18:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 18:3
- Sermons on Exodus 18:3
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.” 5Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, along with Moses’ wife and sons, came to him in the desert, where he was encamped at the mountain of God.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 2:22 | And she gave birth to a son, and Moses named him Gershom, saying, “I have become a foreigner in a foreign land.” |
| 2 | Acts 7:29 | At this remark, Moses fled to the land of Midian, where he lived as a foreigner and had two sons. |
| 3 | Psalms 39:12 | Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. For I am a foreigner dwelling with You, a stranger like all my fathers. |
| 4 | Hebrews 11:13 | All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. |
| 5 | Exodus 4:20 | So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and headed back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand. |
| 6 | 1 Peter 2:11 | Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul. |
Exodus 18:3 Summary
This verse tells us about Moses' son Gershom, whose name means 'a foreigner there,' because Moses had been a stranger in a foreign land. This reminds us that, as believers, we are also foreigners in this world, and our true home is in heaven, as seen in Philippians 3:20. Just like Moses, we can trust in God's presence and provision, even when we feel like strangers in a new place, and we can find comfort in knowing that He is always with us, as promised in Matthew 28:20.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Moses' son being named Gershom?
The name Gershom, which means 'a foreigner there,' reflects Moses' experience as a stranger in a foreign land, as stated in Exodus 18:3, and reminds us of the temporary nature of our earthly dwellings, as seen in Hebrews 11:13-14.
Why did Moses choose to express his foreigner status through his son's name?
Moses' choice to name his son Gershom may have been a way of acknowledging God's sovereignty over his life, even in unfamiliar circumstances, much like the apostle Paul's declaration in Romans 8:28 that God works all things together for good.
How does this verse relate to Moses' overall story in the Bible?
This verse provides insight into Moses' personal life and family, highlighting the human side of his story, which is also seen in Exodus 4:24-26 and Numbers 12:1-10, and reminds us that even prominent biblical figures faced ordinary life challenges.
What can we learn from Moses' reflections on being a foreigner?
Moses' reflections on being a foreigner can teach us to trust in God's presence and provision, even in unfamiliar or difficult circumstances, as expressed in Psalm 139:7-10 and Deuteronomy 31:6.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I, like Moses, acknowledge and trust in God's presence in my own life as a 'foreigner' in this world?
- How can I use my experiences, whether joyful or challenging, to point others to God's faithfulness and love, as seen in Moses' naming of his son?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a sense of dependence on God, especially in unfamiliar or difficult circumstances, as Moses did in his time in Midian?
- How can I, like Moses, find comfort in the fact that my earthly dwelling is temporary, and that my true home is in heaven, as described in Philippians 3:20?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 18:3
And her two sons,.... Those also Jethro took along with him and his daughter: of which the name of the one was Gershom; which seems to be his firstborn, Exodus 2:22, his name signifies a desolate
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 18:3
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 ...
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 18:3
Exodus 18:3 And her two sons; of which the name of the one [was] Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land:Ver. 3. In a strange land.]
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 18:3
(3)Gershom.—See Note on Exodus 2:22.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 18:3
Verse 3. The name of the one was Gershom] See Clarke on Exodus 2:22.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 18:3
3. I have been a sojourner in a foreign land] Repeated verbatim from Exodus 2:22. Eliezer is mentioned only here.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 18:3
3. Gershom — See on Exodus 2:22.
Sermons on Exodus 18:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1 Peter - Part 21): As Strangers & Pilgrims, Abstain From Fleshly Lusts by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that as Christians, we are pilgrims journeying home and our only real enemies are within us. God has changed the external world and protecte |
|
Homily 17 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the life of Moses, highlighting how God raised him up as a ruler and deliverer despite the rejection and disobedience of the Israelites. He emphasize |
|
Moses, God's Servant: 2nd Forty Years by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Moses and how God called him to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. The preacher emphasizes the importance of coming to the end o |
|
Tears by Tim Keller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a Psalm or a couple of Psalms that focus on weeping, suffering, and grief. The first three verses describe a past event where God did somethin |
|
Machpelah, and Its First Tenant by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the profound grief of Abraham following the death of Sarah, emphasizing the deep bond they shared over their long life together. He highlights Abraham's tear |
|
|
Our Daily Homily - Psalms Part 2 by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of spiritual purity and the importance of approaching God with a clean heart, as illustrated in Psalms 26:6. He explains that true cleansing com |
|
Rev. 12:6. Strangership and Pilgrimage by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the Christian's identity as a stranger and pilgrim in this world, drawing parallels between the journey of the Church and the experiences of biblical figu |