King James Version

What Does Exodus 18:22 Mean?

Exodus 18:22 in the King James Version says “And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but e... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.

Exodus 18:22 · KJV


Context

20

And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.

21

Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

22

And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.

23

If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.

24

So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge—Jethro's organizational plan establishes distributed justice: routine cases handled locally, exceptional cases escalated to Moses. The phrase 'at all seasons' (בְּכָל־עֵת, b'khol-et) means continuous availability—justice isn't occasional but constant. The distinction between 'great matter' (דָּבָר הַגָּדֹל, davar hagadol) and 'small matter' (דָּבָר־קָטֹן, davar-qaton) requires wisdom to discern what requires higher authority. The benefit 'so shall it be easier for thyself' addresses Moses' burden, while 'they shall bear the burden with thee' implements burden-sharing. This delegation doesn't diminish Moses' authority but extends it through subordinates, modeling Christ's distribution of ministry through the church (Eph 4:11-12).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This judicial hierarchy became the pattern for Israel's governance throughout their history. Local judges handled routine matters; exceptional cases reached national leaders (cf. Deut 1:9-18).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does delegation that retains final authority differ from abdication?
  2. What does 'bearing burden with thee' teach about shared ministry versus solitary hero leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
יִשְׁפְּטוּ1 of 20

And let them 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

אֶת2 of 20
H853

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

הָעָם֮3 of 20

the people

H5971

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

בְּכָל4 of 20
H3605

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

עֵת֒5 of 20

at all seasons

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

וְהָיָ֞ה6 of 20
H1961

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

כָּל7 of 20
H3605

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

הַדָּבָ֥ר8 of 20

matter

H1697

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

הַגָּדֹל֙9 of 20

and it shall be that every great

H1419

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

יָבִ֣יאוּ10 of 20

they shall bring

H935

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

אֵלֶ֔יךָ11 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְכָל12 of 20
H3605

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

הַדָּבָ֥ר13 of 20

matter

H1697

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

הַקָּטֹ֖ן14 of 20

unto thee but every small

H6996

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

יִשְׁפְּטוּ15 of 20

And let them 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

הֵ֑ם16 of 20
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וְהָקֵל֙17 of 20

so shall it be easier

H7043

to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

מֵֽעָלֶ֔יךָ18 of 20
H5921

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

וְנָֽשְׂא֖וּ19 of 20

for thyself and they shall bear

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אִתָּֽךְ׃20 of 20
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc


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 18:22 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 18:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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