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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 18:20 Teach them the statutes and laws, and show them the way to live and the work they must do.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/18-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/02_Exo_18_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 18:20 - Jethro Advises Moses" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Teach them the statutes and laws, and show them the way to live and the work they must do." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/18-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/18-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/18-19.htm" title="Exodus 18:19">◄</a> Exodus 18:20 <a href="/exodus/18-21.htm" title="Exodus 18:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/exodus/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/exodus/18.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Teach them God’s decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Teach them the statutes and laws, and show them the way to live and the work they must do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />then admonish them about the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk and the work they are to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />then teach them the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk and the work they are to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />then teach them the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk, and the work they are to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />then warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they shall go and the work they shall do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />You shall teach them the decrees and laws. You shall show them the way they are to live and the work they are to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Instruct them about the statutes and laws, and teach them the way to live and what they must do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Instruct them about the statutes and laws, and teach them the way to live and what they must do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and thou shalt teach them the statutes and the laws, and shalt show them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and you should teach them God's laws and show them what they must do to live right. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and thou shalt teach them the statutes and the laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />You must instruct them in the laws and the teachings, show them how to live, and tell them what to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You should teach them God's commands and explain to them how they should live and what they should do. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />You are to teach them the statutes and instructions and make known to them the way they're to go and the things they're to do. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Teach them the statutes and laws, and show them the way to live and the work they must do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />warn them of the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />You shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and shall show them the way in which they must walk, and the work that they must do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt show them the way in which they must walk, and the work that they must do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />You shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and shall show them the way in which they must walk, and the work that they must do. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and you have warned them [concerning] the statutes and the laws, and have made known to them the way in which they go, and the work which they do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and thou hast warned them concerning the statutes and the laws, and hast made known to them the way in which they go, and the work which they do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And teach them the laws and the precepts and make known to them the way they shall go in it, and the work which they shall do.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And to shew the people the ceremonies and the manner of worshipping, and the way wherein they ought to walk, and the work that they ought to do. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />and to reveal to the people the ceremonies, and the rituals of worship, and the way by which they should progress, and the work that they should do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Enlighten them in regard to the statutes and instructions, showing them how they are to conduct themselves and what they are to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />teach them the statutes and instructions and make known to them the way they are to go and the things they are to do.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And you shall warn them to keep the ordinances and laws that you may show them how to conduct themselves and the works that they must do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And you should warn them so that they keep the commandments and the Law, and show them the way to go in it and the works to do.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And thou shalt teach them the statutes and the laws, and shalt show them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And thou shalt testify to them the ordinances of God and his law, and thou shalt shew to them the ways in which they shall walk, and the works which they shall do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/18-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=4626" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/18.htm">Jethro Advises Moses</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>Now listen to me; I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their causes to Him. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2094.htm" title="2094: wə·hiz·har·tāh (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To gleam, to enlighten. A primitive root; to gleam; figuratively, to enlighten.">Teach</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ·hem (DirObjM:: 3mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">them</a> <a href="/hebrew/2706.htm" title="2706: ha·ḥuq·qîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Something prescribed or owed, a statute. From chaqaq; an enactment; hence, an appointment.">the statutes</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8451.htm" title="8451: hat·tō·w·rōṯ (Art:: N-fp) -- Direction, instruction, law. Or torah; from yarah; a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch.">and laws,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: wə·hō·w·ḏa‘·tā (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">and show</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">them</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: had·de·reḵ (Art:: N-cs) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">the way</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: yê·lə·ḵū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">to live</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḇāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4639.htm" title="4639: ham·ma·‘ă·śeh (Art:: N-ms) -- A deed, work. From asah; an action; generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product or property.">and the work</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ya·‘ă·śūn (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp:: Pn) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">they must do.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-1.htm">Deuteronomy 4:1</a></span><br />Hear now, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances I am teaching you to follow, so that you may live and may enter and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/6-1.htm">Deuteronomy 6:1-2</a></span><br />These are the commandments and statutes and ordinances that the LORD your God has instructed me to teach you to follow in the land that you are about to enter and possess, / so that you and your children and grandchildren may fear the LORD your God all the days of your lives by keeping all His statutes and commandments that I give you, and so that your days may be prolonged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/11-1.htm">Deuteronomy 11:1</a></span><br />You shall therefore love the LORD your God and always keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/31-12.htm">Deuteronomy 31:12-13</a></span><br />Assemble the people—men, women, children, and the foreigners within your gates—so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and to follow carefully all the words of this law. / Then their children who do not know the law will listen and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as you live in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/25-4.htm">Psalm 25:4-5</a></span><br />Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. / Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/32-8.htm">Psalm 32:8</a></span><br />I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-33.htm">Psalm 119:33-34</a></span><br />Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, and I will keep them to the end. / Give me understanding that I may obey Your law, and follow it with all my heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-1.htm">Proverbs 4:1-2</a></span><br />Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. / For I give you sound teaching; do not abandon my directive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/2-3.htm">Isaiah 2:3</a></span><br />And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/48-17.htm">Isaiah 48:17</a></span><br />Thus says the LORD your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you for your benefit, who directs you in the way you should go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a></span><br />Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/24-47.htm">Luke 24:47</a></span><br />and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-26.htm">John 14:26</a></span><br />But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-42.htm">Acts 2:42</a></span><br />They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-20.htm">Acts 20:20-21</a></span><br />I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you as I taught you publicly and from house to house, / testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And you shall teach them ordinances and laws, and shall show them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.</p><p class="hdg">teach</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/18-16.htm">Exodus 18:16</a></b></br> When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make <i>them</i> know the statutes of God, and his laws.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/4-1.htm">Deuteronomy 4:1,5</a></b></br> Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do <i>them</i>, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/5-1.htm">Deuteronomy 5:1</a></b></br> And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them.</p><p class="hdg">the way</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/12-23.htm">1 Samuel 12:23</a></b></br> Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/32-8.htm">Psalm 32:8</a></b></br> I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/143-8.htm">Psalm 143:8</a></b></br> Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.</p><p class="hdg">work</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/1-18.htm">Deuteronomy 1:18</a></b></br> And I commanded you at that time all the things which ye should do.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/3-17.htm">Ezekiel 3:17</a></b></br> Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/28-20.htm">Matthew 28:20</a></b></br> Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, <i>even</i> unto the end of the world. Amen.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/16-6.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/exodus/18-16.htm">Decisions</a> <a href="/genesis/26-5.htm">Decrees</a> <a href="/genesis/39-11.htm">Duties</a> <a href="/exodus/15-13.htm">Guiding</a> <a href="/exodus/18-16.htm">Laws</a> <a href="/exodus/8-7.htm">Making</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-10.htm">Ordinances</a> <a href="/exodus/18-18.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/genesis/26-5.htm">Rules</a> <a href="/exodus/14-13.htm">Show</a> <a href="/exodus/18-16.htm">Statutes</a> <a href="/exodus/4-15.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/exodus/4-15.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/exodus/17-5.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/genesis/43-3.htm">Warned</a> <a href="/exodus/18-8.htm">Way</a> <a href="/exodus/18-11.htm">Wherein</a> <a href="/exodus/18-18.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/21-28.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/exodus/18-22.htm">Decisions</a> <a href="/leviticus/10-11.htm">Decrees</a> <a href="/numbers/3-7.htm">Duties</a> <a href="/exodus/19-4.htm">Guiding</a> <a href="/exodus/20-6.htm">Laws</a> <a href="/exodus/19-23.htm">Making</a> <a href="/exodus/21-1.htm">Ordinances</a> <a href="/exodus/21-11.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-3.htm">Rules</a> <a href="/exodus/23-3.htm">Show</a> <a href="/leviticus/10-11.htm">Statutes</a> <a href="/exodus/24-12.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/leviticus/10-11.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/exodus/21-19.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/exodus/19-23.htm">Warned</a> <a href="/exodus/18-22.htm">Way</a> <a href="/exodus/22-27.htm">Wherein</a> <a href="/exodus/20-9.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/18-1.htm">Jethro brings his wife and two sons to Moses</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/18-7.htm">Moses entertains him, and relates the goodness of the Lord</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/18-9.htm">Jethro rejoices, blesses God, and offers sacrifice</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/18-13.htm">He gives good counsel, which is accepted</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/18-27.htm">Jethro departs</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Teach them the statutes and laws</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of imparting God's commandments to the people. In the context of Exodus, Moses is advised by his father-in-law Jethro to delegate responsibilities and educate the Israelites in God's decrees. The statutes and laws refer to the divine instructions given to Moses, which include moral, civil, and ceremonial laws. This teaching is foundational for the covenant community, establishing a framework for righteous living. The emphasis on teaching aligns with <a href="/deuteronomy/6-7.htm">Deuteronomy 6:7</a>, where parents are instructed to diligently teach God's commandments to their children, highlighting the generational transmission of faith.<p><b>and show them the way to live</b><br>This phrase underscores the practical application of God's laws in daily life. It is not enough to know the statutes; the Israelites must also understand how to live them out. This guidance is akin to the wisdom literature found in Proverbs, which offers practical advice for living a life pleasing to God. The "way to live" can be seen as a precursor to the concept of "walking in the Spirit" found in <a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16</a>, where believers are called to live according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This phrase also foreshadows Jesus Christ, who declared Himself to be "the way" in <a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>, embodying the perfect example of living according to God's will.<p><b>and the work they must do</b><br>This final phrase highlights the importance of action and responsibility within the community. The work refers to the duties and tasks necessary for maintaining order and justice among the people. In the historical context, this would include the administration of justice, community service, and religious observance. The concept of work is integral to the biblical narrative, beginning with God's command to Adam to tend the Garden of Eden (<a href="/genesis/2-15.htm">Genesis 2:15</a>). In the New Testament, believers are encouraged to do good works as a reflection of their faith (<a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm">Ephesians 2:10</a>). This phrase also points to the active role of believers in God's redemptive plan, as they are called to be co-laborers with Christ (<a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">1 Corinthians 3:9</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage and guide them through the wilderness.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jethro.htm">Jethro</a></b><br>Moses' father-in-law, a Midianite priest, who visits Moses and offers wise counsel on leadership and governance.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God, recently freed from slavery in Egypt, who are learning to live as a covenant community under God's laws.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a></b><br>The location where Moses receives the Law from God, a significant place of divine revelation and instruction.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wilderness.htm">The Wilderness</a></b><br>The setting for the Israelites' journey, representing both physical and spiritual challenges as they learn to trust and obey God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership_in_teaching.htm">The Role of Leadership in Teaching</a></b><br>Moses is instructed to teach the people, highlighting the responsibility of leaders to impart God's truth and guide others in righteous living.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_god's_law.htm">The Importance of God's Law</a></b><br>The statutes and laws are not merely rules but a way of life that reflects God's character and purposes for His people.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_out_god's_commands.htm">Living Out God's Commands</a></b><br>The phrase "the way to live" implies that God's laws are practical and applicable to daily life, not just theoretical knowledge.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/work_as_worship.htm">Work as Worship</a></b><br>The "work they must do" suggests that all aspects of life, including work, are opportunities to serve and honor God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a></b><br>Teaching and living out God's laws are communal activities, requiring mutual support and accountability among believers.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_role_does_satan_play_in_the_bible.htm">What constitutes the works of the law?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_god_hear_us_if_we_ask_by_his_will.htm">Why is the law insufficient for our salvation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_lev._18_5_vs._rom._3_20_a_contradiction.htm">Leviticus 18:5 promises life through obedience, yet Romans 3:20 says the Law can't grant righteousness. Is this an irreconcilable contradiction?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_jesus_heal_on_the_sabbath.htm">If Jesus was sinless, why did He break the Sabbath by healing (John 5:18)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws</span>. Or, "statutes and laws," as in ver. 16. It is not quite clear how these differ. Some regard "statutes" as connected with religion, and laws as regulations with respect to civil and social matters. Others explain the first as "specific" and the second as "general enactments." <span class="cmt_word">The way wherein they must walk</span>. The general line of conduct which all axe bound to pursue. <span class="cmt_word">The work that they must do</span>. The special task which each has to perform individually. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/18-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Teach</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהִזְהַרְתָּ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hiz·har·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2094.htm">Strong's 2094: </a> </span><span class="str2">To gleam, to enlighten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them the statutes</span><br /><span class="heb">הַחֻקִּ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(ha·ḥuq·qîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2706.htm">Strong's 2706: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something prescribed or owed, a statute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and laws,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַתּוֹרֹ֑ת</span> <span class="translit">(hat·tō·w·rōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8451.htm">Strong's 8451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Direction, instruction, law</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and show</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהוֹדַעְתָּ֣</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hō·w·ḏa‘·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them the way</span><br /><span class="heb">הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙</span> <span class="translit">(had·de·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to live</span><br /><span class="heb">יֵ֣לְכוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yê·lə·ḵū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the work</span><br /><span class="heb">הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(ham·ma·‘ă·śeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4639.htm">Strong's 4639: </a> </span><span class="str2">An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they must do.</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲשֽׂוּן׃</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·śūn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/18-20.htm">Exodus 18:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/18-20.htm">Exodus 18:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/18-20.htm">Exodus 18:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/18-20.htm">Exodus 18:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/18-20.htm">Exodus 18:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/18-20.htm">Exodus 18:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/18-20.htm">Exodus 18:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/18-20.htm">Exodus 18:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/18-20.htm">Exodus 18:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/18-20.htm">Exodus 18:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/18-20.htm">OT Law: Exodus 18:20 You shall teach them the statutes (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/18-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 18:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 18:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/18-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 18:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 18:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>