King James Version

What Does Exodus 18:4 Mean?

Exodus 18:4 in the King James Version says “And the name of the other was Eliezer; for the God of my father, said he, was mine help, and delivered me from the sword...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the name of the other was Eliezer; for the God of my father, said he, was mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh: Eliezer: that is, My God is an help”

Exodus 18:4 · KJV

Salvation

Context

2

Then Jethro, Moses' father in law, took Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her back,

3

And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land: Gershom: that is A stranger there

4

And the name of the other was Eliezer; for the God of my father, said he, was mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh: Eliezer: that is, My God is an help

5

And Jethro, Moses' father in law, came with his sons and his wife unto Moses into the wilderness, where he encamped at the mount of God:

6

And he said unto Moses, I thy father in law Jethro am come unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her.

Read Exodus 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the name of the other was Eliezer; for the God of my father, said he, was mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh—Eliezer's name (אֱלִיעֶזֶר, 'God is help') contrasts with Gershom's alienation theme—though stranger, Moses found divine help. The naming reference 'God of my father' invokes patriarchal covenant (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob), showing Moses' connection to Israel's lineage despite Midian residence. The phrase 'delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh' likely refers to Moses' flight after killing the Egyptian (Ex 2:15). These two names encapsulate Moses' theology: alienation (Gershom) met by divine rescue (Eliezer). Together they preview Israel's story: though exiled, God delivers. Christ fulfills both names: Immanuel ('God with us') joins our exile and delivers from death.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Eliezer's birth in Midian marked God's protection of Moses during his fugitive years. The name testified to God's faithfulness even when Moses lived outside the covenant community in Egypt.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the two sons' names (stranger and God-helps) summarize the tension of living by faith?
  2. What does Moses invoking 'God of my father' teach about covenant identity transcending geography?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְשֵׁ֥ם1 of 10

“And the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הָֽאֶחָ֖ד2 of 10

“of the other”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

אֱלִיעֶ֑זֶר3 of 10

“was Eliezer”

H461

eliezer, the name of a damascene and of ten israelites

כִּֽי4 of 10
H3588

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

אֱלֹהֵ֤י5 of 10

“for the 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

אָבִי֙6 of 10

“of my father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

בְּעֶזְרִ֔י7 of 10

“said he was mine help”

H5828

aid

וַיַּצִּלֵ֖נִי8 of 10

“and delivered”

H5337

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

מֵחֶ֥רֶב9 of 10

“me from the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

פַּרְעֹֽה׃10 of 10

“of Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

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 18:4 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 18:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 12:11Hebrews 13:62 Corinthians 1:8-102 Timothy 4:17Daniel 6:221 Chronicles 23:15

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