King James Version

What Does Exodus 18:16 Mean?

Exodus 18:16 in the King James Version says “When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws. one: Heb. a man and his fellow

Exodus 18:16 · KJV


Context

14

And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?

15

And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:

16

When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws. one: Heb. a man and his fellow

17

And Moses' father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.

18

Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. Thou wilt: Heb. Fading thou wilt fade


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws—Moses reiterates his comprehensive role: judging disputes and teaching divine law. The phrase 'judge between one and another' (וְשָׁפַטְתִּי בֵּין אִישׁ וּבֵין רֵעֵהוּ, v'shafat'ti bein ish uvein re'ehu) shows conflict resolution. The distinction between 'statutes' (חֻקִּים, chuqqim, prescribed ordinances) and 'laws' (תּוֹרֹתָיו, torotav, instructions) indicates diverse types of divine guidance Moses communicates. This verse's repetition (cf. v.15) emphasizes Moses' conviction about his calling. Yet good calling doesn't automatically mean right method—Moses' dedication is admirable but his solo approach is unsustainable. Jethro's forthcoming counsel will improve method without questioning calling.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Before formal law-giving at Sinai, Moses likely taught based on patriarchal tradition, creation order, and ongoing divine revelation. His teaching role prepared Israel for receiving comprehensive law.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Moses' clarity about calling (teaching God's laws) show that right vision can coexist with wrong method?
  2. What does the distinction between 'statutes' and 'laws' teach about diverse types of divine guidance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
כִּֽי1 of 17
H3588

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

יִהְיֶ֨ה2 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָהֶ֤ם3 of 17
H0
דָּבָר֙4 of 17

When they have a matter

H1697

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

בָּ֣א5 of 17

they come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלַ֔י6 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְשָׁ֣פַטְתִּ֔י7 of 17

unto me and I judge

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

בֵּ֥ין8 of 17
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

אִ֖ישׁ9 of 17

between one

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וּבֵ֣ין10 of 17
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

רֵעֵ֑הוּ11 of 17

and another

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

וְהֽוֹדַעְתִּ֛י12 of 17

and I do make them know

H3045

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

אֶת13 of 17
H853

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

חֻקֵּ֥י14 of 17

the statutes

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים15 of 17

of God

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

וְאֶת16 of 17
H853

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

תּֽוֹרֹתָֽיו׃17 of 17

and his laws

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch


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 18:16 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 18:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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