Exodus 4:18

Exodus 4:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, “Please let me return to my brothers in Egypt to see if they are still alive.” “Go in peace,” Jethro replied.

King James Version KJV

¶ And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.

American Standard Version ASV

And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren that are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Moses went back to Jethro, his father-in-law, and said to him, Let me go back now to my relations in Egypt and see if they are still living. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then Moses returned to Jethro his father-in-law and told him, “Please allow me to go back to my own people in Egypt so I can see if any of them are still alive.” “Go with my blessing,” Jethro replied.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Therefore Moses went and returned to Iethro his father in lawe, and said vnto him, I pray thee, let me goe, and returne to my brethren, which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet aliue. Then Iethro said to Moses, Go in peace.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Moses goeth and turneth back unto Jethro his father-in-law, and saith to him, 'Let me go, I pray thee, and I turn back unto my brethren who [are] in Egypt, and I see whether they are yet alive.' And Jethro saith to Moses, 'Go in peace.'

World English Bible WEB

Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, “Please let me go and return to my brothers who are in Egypt, and see whether they are still alive.” Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return to my brethren who are in Egypt, and see whether they are yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Moses went his way, and returned to Jethro his father in law and said to him: I will go and return to my brethren into Egypt, that I may see if they be yet alive. And Jethro said to him: Go in peace.

Translation for Translators T4T

Moses/I returned to his/my father-in-law Jethro and said to him, “Please let me go back to Egypt, to see my fellow Israelis there. I want to know if they are still alive.” Jethro said to Moses/me, “Go, and may God give you inner peace.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 4:18

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 4:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֵּ֨לֶךְ מֹשֶׁ֜ה וַ/יָּ֣שָׁב אֶל יֶ֣תֶר חֹֽתְנ֗/וֹ וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ל/וֹ֙ אֵ֣לֲכָה נָּ֗א וְ/אָשׁ֨וּבָה֙ אֶל אַחַ֣/י אֲשֶׁר בְּ/מִצְרַ֔יִם וְ/אֶרְאֶ֖ה הַ/עוֹדָ֣/ם חַיִּ֑ים וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר יִתְר֛וֹ לְ/מֹשֶׁ֖ה לֵ֥ךְ לְ/שָׁלֽוֹם

וַ/יֵּ֨לֶךְ yâlak H3212 to walk Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

מֹשֶׁ֜ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

וַ/יָּ֣שָׁב shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

יֶ֣תֶר Yether H3500 Jethro N-proper

חֹֽתְנ֗/וֹ châthan H2859 relative V-Qal | Suff

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

ל/וֹ֙ Prep | Suff

אֵ֣לֲכָה yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-1cs

נָּ֗א nâʼ H4994 please Part

וְ/אָשׁ֨וּבָה֙ shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Qal-1cs

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

אַחַ֣/י ʼâch H251 brother N-mp | Suff

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

בְּ/מִצְרַ֔יִם Mitsrayim H4714 Egypt Prep | N-proper

וְ/אֶרְאֶ֖ה râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

הַ/עוֹדָ֣/ם ʻôwd H5750 still Part | Adv | Suff

חַיִּ֑ים chay H2416 alive Adj

וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יִתְר֛וֹ Yithrôw H3503 Jethro N-proper

לְ/מֹשֶׁ֖ה Môsheh H4872 Moses Prep | N-proper

לֵ֥ךְ yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Impv-2ms

לְ/שָׁלֽוֹם shâlôwm H7965 Peace Prep | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 4:18

וַ/יֵּ֨לֶךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

מֹשֶׁ֜ה 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.

וַ/יָּ֣שָׁב shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

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.

יֶ֣תֶר Yether H3500 "Jethro" N-proper

Jethro, meaning abundance, was the father-in-law of Moses and a Midianite priest who advised Moses in Exodus 2 and 18.

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; Another spelling of yit.ro (יִתְרוֹ "Jethro" H3503) § Jether = "abundance" 1) father-in-law of Moses 2) oldest son of Gideon 3) father of Jephunneh and the chief of a line of warriors of the line of Asher 4) father of Amasa, the commander of Absalom's army 5) son of Jada, a descendant of Hezron, of the tribe of Judah 6) a son of Ezra, a Judaite

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Jether, Jethro. Compare H3503 (יִתְרוֹ). See also: Exodus 4:18; 1 Chronicles 2:17; 1 Chronicles 7:38.

חֹֽתְנ֗/וֹ châthan H2859 "relative" 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.

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר 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.

ל/וֹ֙ "" Prep | Suff

אֵ֣לֲכָה yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-1cs

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

נָּ֗א nâʼ H4994 "please" Part

The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.

Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation

Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.

וְ/אָשׁ֨וּבָה֙ shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Qal-1cs

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

אַחַ֣/י ʼâch H251 "brother" N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.

Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.

אֲשֶׁר 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.

בְּ/מִצְרַ֔יִם Mitsrayim H4714 "Egypt" Prep | N-proper

This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.

Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt

Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.

וְ/אֶרְאֶ֖ה râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

הַ/עוֹדָ֣/ם ʻôwd H5750 "still" Part | Adv | Suff

The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.

Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)

Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.

חַיִּ֑ים chay H2416 "alive" Adj

In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.

Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)

Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.

וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יִתְר֛וֹ 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'.

Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Jethro. Compare H3500 (יֶתֶר). See also: Exodus 3:1; Exodus 18:5; Exodus 18:12.

לְ/מֹשֶׁ֖ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" Prep | 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.

Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.

לֵ֥ךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

לְ/שָׁלֽוֹם shâlôwm H7965 "Peace" Prep | N-ms

This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.

Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.

Study Notes — Exodus 4:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 4:18 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 4:18
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 4:18
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 4:18
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 4:18
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 4:18
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 4:18
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 4:18
Sermons on Exodus 4:18

Context — Moses Leaves for Egypt

16He will speak to the people for you. He will be your spokesman, and it will be as if you were God to him. 17But take this staff in your hand so you can perform signs with it.”

18Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, “Please let me return to my brothers in Egypt to see if they are still alive.” “Go in peace,” Jethro replied.

19Now the LORD had said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who sought to kill you are dead.” 20So 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.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 3:1	Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.
2	1 Samuel 1:17	“Go in peace,” Eli replied, “and may the God of Israel grant the petition you have asked of Him.”
3	1 Timothy 6:1	All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited.
4	Genesis 45:3	Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But they were unable to answer him, because they were terrified in his presence.
5	Acts 16:36	The jailer informed Paul: “The magistrates have sent orders to release you. Now you may go on your way in peace.”
6	Luke 7:50	And Jesus told the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
7	Acts 15:36	Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in every town where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.”

Exodus 4:18 Summary

In Exodus 4:18, Moses asks his father-in-law Jethro if he can return to Egypt to see if his brothers are still alive, showing respect for Jethro's opinion and seeking his blessing. Jethro's response, 'Go in peace', is a wish for Moses' safety and success. This verse teaches us about the importance of respecting authority and seeking God's guidance, as Moses did, before making big decisions (as seen in Exodus 3:10). It also reminds us that, like Moses, we should trust in God's plan and timing for our lives, even when the future seems uncertain (as in Jeremiah 29:11).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Moses ask his father-in-law Jethro for permission to return to Egypt?

Moses asked Jethro for permission because he was showing respect for his father-in-law and seeking his blessing, as seen in Exodus 4:18, before embarking on his journey to Egypt, which was in line with God's instruction to him as mentioned in Exodus 3:10.

What does 'Go in peace' mean in this context?

When Jethro replied 'Go in peace', he was wishing Moses safety, prosperity, and God's blessing on his journey, similar to the blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26, which is a common Hebrew farewell.

Was Moses' decision to return to Egypt based on his own will or God's command?

While Moses asked Jethro for permission, his decision to return to Egypt was ultimately based on God's command, as mentioned in Exodus 3:10 and reinforced in Exodus 4:19, indicating that God was guiding his steps.

How does this verse relate to Moses' calling as a leader?

This verse shows Moses' obedience to God's calling, as he prepares to return to Egypt to lead his people, with the staff of God in his hand, as instructed in Exodus 4:17, symbolizing God's power and authority with him.

Reflection Questions

What are some times in your life when you have had to seek permission or blessing from someone before making a significant decision, and how did it turn out?
Reflect on the importance of having a supportive community, like Jethro, in your life as you follow God's will, as seen in Exodus 4:18.
How do you handle the uncertainty of the future, and what role does faith play in your decision-making process, considering Moses' situation in Exodus 4:18?
In what ways can you, like Moses, demonstrate respect and humility by seeking the input of others, even when you feel confident in your decisions?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 4:18

And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law,.... With his flock of sheep he kept, Exodus 3:1: and said unto him, let me go, I pray thee, and return to my brethren which are in Egypt; the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 4:18

And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 4:18

He pretends only a visit, and so indeed it was, and that no very long one neither: he knew that he should certainly return to this place, and there meet with his father-in-law. So that he did not deceive him, nor intended to do so though he thought fit to conceal from him the errand upon which God sent him, lest his father or wife should attempt to hinder or discourage him from so difficult and dangerous an enterprise. Moses shows here a rare example, as well of modesty and humility, that such glorious and familiar converse with God, and the high calling to which God had advanced him, did neither make him forget the civility and duty which he owed to his father, nor make him break forth into public and vain-glorious boasting of such a privilege; as also of his piety and prudence, that he avoided all occasions and temptations to disobedience to God’ s command.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 4:18

Exodus 4:18 And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which [are] in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.Ver. 18. Whether they be yet alive.] Which if they be, though in a low condition, both they and I shall see cause to be thankful.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 4:18

Moses . . . returned to Jethro.—Heb., to Jether. When Moses married Zipporah, he was probably adopted into the tribe, of which Reuel, and after him Jethro, was the head. The tribal tie was close, and would make the asking of permission for even a temporary absence the proper, if not even the necessary, course Apart from this, Moses would have had to “return,” in order to restore the flock, which he was tending, to its owner. (See Exodus 3:1.) My brethren.—Not “my nation,” for Moses could not doubt that some survived; nor “my actual brothers,” for he had but one brother; but, “my relations,” or “my family,” my kith and kin. Let me go and see whether my relatives survive, or whether they have succumbed to the tyranny of the Pharaoh. It is certain that this was not Moses’ sole motive, not even his main motive for wishing to return to Egypt; but, as it was among his motives, he was within his right in putting it forward, and omitting to mention others. Jethro said, Go in peace.—Jethro’s character is altogether one of which kindness and peacefulness are the main elements. If he be identified with Reuel, the pleasing picture drawn in Exodus 2:18-21 will furnish traits towards his portraiture. Even without this, the present passage and the notice in Exodus 18 sufficiently delineate him. He is a sort of second Melchizedek, both priest and king, a worshipper of the true God, and one in whose presence both Moses and Aaron are content to play a secondary part (Exodus 18:9; Exodus 18:12). But he never asserts himself; he is always kind, gentle, acquiescent, helpful. He might easily have made a difficulty at the present point of the narrative, have demurred to the weakening of the tribe by the withdrawal of an important member from it, have positively refused to allow of the departure of ‘Zipporah and her children. But his words are simply “Go in peace.” He consents, and does not mar the grace of his act by any show of reluctance. He lets Moses take his wife and children. He afterwards receives them back, and protects them (Exodus 18:2); and, finally, when his protection is no more needed, he restores them to their natural guardian, by a spontaneous act, as it would seem.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 4:18

Verse 18. Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren] Moses, having received his commission from God, and directions how to execute it, returned to his father-in-law, and asked permission to visit his family and brethren in Egypt, without giving him any intimation of the great errand on which he was going. His keeping this secret has been attributed to his singular modesty: but however true it might be that Moses was a truly humble and modest man, yet his prudence alone was sufficient to have induced him to observe silence on this subject; for, if once imparted to the family of his father-in-law, the news might have reached Egypt before he could get thither, and a general alarm among the Egyptians would in all probability have been the consequence; as fame would not fail to represent Moses as coming to stir up sedition and rebellion, and the whole nation would have been armed against them. It was therefore essentially necessary that the business should be kept secret. In the Septuagint and Coptic the following addition is made to this verse: ΜεταδεταςἡμεραςταςπολλαςεκιναςετελευτησενὁβασιλευςΑιγυπτου· After these many days, the king of Egypt died. This was probably an ancient gloss or side note, which in process of time crept into the text, as it appeared to throw light on the following verse.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 4:18

17–21. Here vv. 17–18, 20b–21 are assigned to E on account of their imperfect connexion with the context: Exodus 4:17 speaks of ‘the signs’ to be done with the rod, whereas only one sign to be performed with it has been enjoined in vv. 1–9; Exodus 4:21 mentions ‘portents’ to be done before the Pharaoh, whereas vv. 1–9 speak only of wonders to be wrought for the satisfaction of the people. Further, v. 19, from its contents, is not fitted to be the sequel of v. 18; it in fact states an alternative ground for Moses’ return into Egypt; and the name Jether (Jethro) makes it probable that v. 18 belongs to the same current of narrative as Exodus 3:1 and ch. 18 (i.e. E); hence v. 19 will be referred to J. V. 20b goes naturally with v. 17 (the rod). 17 (E). this rod, &c.] Not the rod of vv. 2–4 (with which only one sign was to be wrought), but the rod often mentioned in E as borne by Moses (v. 20b, Exodus 7:15; Exodus 7:17; Exodus 7:20, Exodus 9:23, Exodus 10:13, Exodus 14:16, Exodus 17:5; Exodus 17:9). In a previous part of E, which has not been preserved, it must have been told how Moses was equipped with a wonder-working rod, and what ‘the signs’ were which he was to perform with it before Pharaoh (so Di.).

Sermons on Exodus 4:18

	Sermon	Description
	Desert Survival Series Pt 15- Moses the Servant of God by Don Courville	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the breakdown of marriage and the consequences of violating God's word. They emphasize that God is not a respecter of persons and that everyon
	Books I Recommend With Comments - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of John Wesley and his dedication to meeting with God every morning at 4 o'clock. The speaker recommends a book called "A Treasury of
	Dedicated to God Not Man by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the essential principles of the Christian life. He begins by discussing Moses and how he was learned in the w
	A Stick and a One Line Sermon by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reaching the lost for the sake of Christ and giving one's life as a living sacrifice for God's causes. The preacher refers
	Matthew Ch2 by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, Pastor Symbola shares a personal experience he had with a couple who came to him seeking help. Despite feeling physically and emotionally drained, Pastor Symbola re
	Help Wanted a Steward by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the parable of the dishonest steward from Luke 16. The steward realizes that he has wasted his life and possessions and decides to make amends
	(Men Who Met God): Jacob Had an Encounter With God by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the character of Jacob from the Bible. He describes Jacob as a man with a streak of avarice and larceny. The preacher emphasizes the need to