King James Version

What Does Exodus 18:11 Mean?

Exodus 18:11 in the King James Version says “Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them. — study this verse from Exodus chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 18:11 · KJV


Context

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.

13

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them—Jethro's confession 'Now I know' (עַתָּה יָדַעְתִּי, attah yada'ti) indicates experiential knowledge gained through witnessing God's works. The declaration that 'the LORD is greater than all gods' (כִּי־גָדוֹל יְהוָה מִכָּל־הָאֱלֹהִים, ki-gadol YHWH mikol-ha'elohim) is comparative monotheism moving toward absolute monotheism—YHWH surpasses all false gods. The phrase 'for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly' (כִּי בַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר זָדוּ עֲלֵיהֶם, ki vadavar asher zadu alehem) means Egypt's proud oppression became the very means of their judgment—drowned in waters meant to drown Hebrew babies. This lex talionis (law of retaliation) shows God's justice. Jethro's confession prefigures Gentile acknowledgment of YHWH's supremacy.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

As a Midianite priest, Jethro's confession represents a religiously educated person's deliberate choice to acknowledge YHWH above all deities worshipped in ancient Near East.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jethro's 'now I know' teach that intellectual belief becomes genuine faith through witnessing God's works?
  2. What does Egypt's proud oppression becoming their judgment teach about God's poetic justice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
עַתָּ֣ה1 of 12
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

יָדַ֔עְתִּי2 of 12

Now I know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי3 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

גָד֥וֹל4 of 12

is greater

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

יְהוָ֖ה5 of 12

that the LORD

H3068

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

מִכָּל6 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים7 of 12

than all gods

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

כִּ֣י8 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בַדָּבָ֔ר9 of 12

for in the thing

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲשֶׁ֥ר10 of 12
H834

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

זָד֖וּ11 of 12

wherein they dealt proudly

H2102

to seethe; figuratively, to be insolent

עֲלֵיהֶֽם׃12 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications


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 18:11 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 18:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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