King James Version

What Does Exodus 18:10 Mean?

Exodus 18:10 in the King James Version says “And Jethro said, Blessed be the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Ph...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Jethro said, Blessed be the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.”

Exodus 18:10 · KJV

Salvation

Context

8

And Moses told his father in law all that the LORD had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, and all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and how the LORD delivered them. come: Heb. found them

9

And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians.

10

And Jethro said, Blessed be the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.

11

Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.

12

And Jethro, Moses' father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses' father in law before God.

Read Exodus 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jethro said, Blessed be the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians—Jethro's blessing formula 'Blessed be the LORD' (בָּרוּךְ יְהוָה, barukh YHWH) is first use of this liturgical phrase in Scripture, setting pattern for worship. His blessing specifically names YHWH, not generic deity, showing he worships Israel's covenant God. The dual deliverance—'out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh'—distinguishes nation (Egyptians) from ruler (Pharaoh), comprehensively acknowledging complete liberation. The phrase 'who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians' adds third emphasis on rescue. This triple deliverance statement builds to crescendo of praise, modeling worship's multiplication of God's mercies.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jethro's blessing represents a Midianite priest's acknowledgment of YHWH's supremacy. As descendant of Abraham through Keturah, Jethro likely worshipped God but now explicitly recognizes YHWH's covenant name and power.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jethro blessing YHWH specifically teach about the particularity of true worship?
  2. How does threefold emphasis on deliverance model worship that multiplies recounting God's mercies?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיֹּאמֶר֮1 of 18

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יִתְרוֹ֒2 of 18

“And Jethro”

H3503

jethro, moses' father-in-law

בָּר֣וּךְ3 of 18

“Blessed”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 18

“be the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֲשֶׁ֨ר5 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הִצִּיל֙6 of 18

“who hath delivered”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

אֶתְכֶ֛ם7 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יַד8 of 18

“and out of the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

מִצְרָֽיִם׃9 of 18

“of the Egyptians”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

יַד10 of 18

“and out of the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

פַּרְעֹ֑ה11 of 18

“of Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

אֲשֶׁ֤ר12 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הִצִּיל֙13 of 18

“who hath delivered”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

אֶת14 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָעָ֔ם15 of 18

“the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

מִתַּ֖חַת16 of 18
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

יַד17 of 18

“and out of the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

מִצְרָֽיִם׃18 of 18

“of the Egyptians”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 18:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 18:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 14:202 Samuel 18:28Luke 1:681 Peter 1:3Revelation 5:11-131 Kings 8:15

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Exodus 18 →

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