King James Version

What Does Exodus 18:7 Mean?

Exodus 18:7 in the King James Version says “And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welf...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent. welfare: Heb. peace”

Exodus 18:7 · KJV

Peace

Context

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.

7

And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent. welfare: Heb. peace

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.

Read Exodus 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him—Moses' going out to meet Jethro demonstrates honor toward father-in-law despite Moses' superior position as Israel's leader. The verb 'did obeisance' (וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ, vayishtachu, 'bowed down, worshipped') shows deep respect—Moses, who speaks with God face-to-face, bows to his father-in-law. This humility models that spiritual authority doesn't eliminate family or social respect. The kiss (וַיִּשַּׁק, vayishaq) indicates affection, not merely protocol. The mutual inquiry 'they asked each other of their welfare' (וַיִּשְׁאֲלוּ אִישׁ־לְרֵעֵהוּ לְשָׁלוֹם, vayish'alu ish-l're'ehu l'shalom) shows genuine relationship. Christ models similar honor, submitting to parents despite being their Creator (Luke 2:51).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern culture emphasized honor toward elders and in-laws. Moses' demonstration of respect affirmed cultural propriety while modeling that leadership doesn't breed arrogance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Moses bowing to Jethro teach that spiritual authority doesn't eliminate respect for others?
  2. What does mutual inquiry about welfare reveal about genuine versus merely formal relationships?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיֵּצֵ֨א1 of 13

“went out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מֹשֶׁ֜ה2 of 13

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

לִקְרַ֣את3 of 13

“to meet”

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

חֹֽתְנ֗וֹ4 of 13

“his father in law”

H2859

to give (a daughter) away in marriage; hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage

וַיִּשְׁתַּ֙חוּ֙5 of 13

“and did obeisance”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

וַיִּשַּׁק6 of 13

“and kissed”

H5401

to kiss, literally or figuratively (touch); also (as a mode of attachment), to equip with weapons

ל֔וֹ7 of 13
H0
וַיִּשְׁאֲל֥וּ8 of 13

“him and they asked”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

אִישׁ9 of 13

“each”

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)

לְרֵעֵ֖הוּ10 of 13

“other”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

לְשָׁל֑וֹם11 of 13

“of their welfare”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ12 of 13

“and they came”

H935

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

הָאֹֽהֱלָה׃13 of 13

“into the tent”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

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 18:7 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 18:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 29:13Genesis 18:22 Samuel 11:7Genesis 14:17Genesis 19:11 Kings 2:19

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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