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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 18:7 So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and went into the tent.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/18-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/02_Exo_18_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 18:7 - The Visit of Jethro" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. 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They greeted each other and then went into the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law. He bowed low and kissed him. They asked about each other’s welfare and then went into Moses’ tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. And they asked each other of their welfare and went into the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and went into the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of <i>their</i> welfare; and they came into the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, bowed down, and kissed him. And they asked each other about <i>their</i> well-being, and they went into the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and he bowed down and kissed him; and they asked each other about their welfare, and went into the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and he bowed down and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare and went into the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and he bowed down and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare, and went into the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and he bowed down and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare and went into the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and he bowed down [in respect] and kissed him. They asked each other about their well-being and went into the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, bowed down, and then kissed him. They asked each other how they had been and went into the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, bowed down, and then kissed him. They asked each other how they had been and went into the tent. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When they arrived, Moses went out and bowed down in front of Jethro, then kissed him. After they had greeted each other, they went into the tent, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law. Moses bowed with his face touching the ground and kissed Jethro. After they asked each other how they were, they went into the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />so Moses went out to meet him, bowed before him, and kissed him. They asked about each other's health and then went into Moses' tent. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, he bowed low and kissed him, and they greeted one another. Then they went into the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and went into the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him; they each asked about the other's welfare, and then they went into the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and bowed and kissed him. They asked each other of their welfare, and they came into the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and bowed and kissed him. They asked each other of their welfare, and they came into the tent. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Moses goes out to meet his father-in-law, and bows himself, and kisses him, and they ask of one another of welfare, and come into the tent;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Moses goeth out to meet his father-in-law, and boweth himself, and kisseth him, and they ask one at another of welfare, and come into the tent;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Moses will go forth to the meeting of his father-in-law, and will worship him and kiss him: and they will ask each his friend of peace; and they will come into the tent.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he went out to meet his kinsman, and worshipped and kissed him: and they saluted one another with words of peace. And when he was come into the tent, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And going out to meet his kinsman, he reverenced and kissed him. And they saluted each other with peaceful words. And when he had arrived at the tent,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, bowed down, and then kissed him. Having greeted each other, they went into the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Moses went out to meet his father-in-law; he bowed down and kissed him; each asked after the other’s welfare, and they went into the tent.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />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 went into the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Moshe went out to meet his Father in Law, and he bowed to him and he kissed him and they invoked, each man, the peace of his fellow, and they entered the tent.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and bowed down and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Moses went forth to meet his father-in-law, and did him reverence, and kissed him, and they embraced each other, and he brought them into the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/18-7.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=4507" 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">The Visit of Jethro</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">6</span>He sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons.” <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">So Moses</a> <a href="/hebrew/7122.htm" title="7122: liq·raṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To encounter, befall. A primitive root: to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: way·yê·ṣê (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">went out to meet</a> <a href="/hebrew/2859.htm" title="2859: ḥō·ṯə·nōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Make oneself a daughter's husband. A primitive root; to give away in marriage; hence to contract affinity by marriage.">his father-in-law</a> <a href="/hebrew/7812.htm" title="7812: way·yiš·ta·ḥū (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To bow down. A primitive root; to depress, i.e. Prostrate.">and bowed down</a> <a href="/hebrew/5401.htm" title="5401: way·yiš·šaq- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To kiss, to equip with weapons. A primitive root; to kiss, literally or figuratively; also, to equip with weapons.">and kissed</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">him.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7592.htm" title="7592: way·yiš·’ă·lū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.">They greeted</a> <a href="/hebrew/7965.htm" title="7965: lə·šā·lō·wm (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Or shalom; from shalam; safe, i.e. well, happy, friendly; also welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace."></a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš- (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">each</a> <a href="/hebrew/7453.htm" title="7453: lə·rê·‘ê·hū (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Friend, companion, fellow. Or reya2; from ra'ah; an associate.">other</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">and went</a> <a href="/hebrew/168.htm" title="168: hā·’ō·hĕ·lāh (Art:: N-ms:: 3fs) -- A tent. From 'ahal; a tent.">into the tent.</a> </span><span class="reftext">8</span>Then Moses recounted to his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardships they had encountered along the way, and how the LORD had delivered them.…<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="/genesis/14-18.htm">Genesis 14:18-20</a></span><br />Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine—since he was priest of God Most High— / and he blessed Abram and said: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, / and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/33-4.htm">Genesis 33:4</a></span><br />Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/43-26.htm">Genesis 43:26-28</a></span><br />When Joseph came home, they presented him with the gifts they had brought, and they bowed to the ground before him. / He asked if they were well, and then he asked, “How is your elderly father you told me about? Is he still alive?” / “Your servant our father is well,” they answered. “He is still alive.” And they bowed down to honor him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/45-14.htm">Genesis 45:14-15</a></span><br />Then Joseph threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin wept as they embraced. / Joseph kissed each of his brothers as he wept over them. And afterward his brothers talked with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/46-29.htm">Genesis 46:29</a></span><br />Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/10-1.htm">1 Samuel 10:1</a></span><br />Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/20-41.htm">1 Samuel 20:41</a></span><br />When the young man had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone, fell facedown, and bowed three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept together—though David wept more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-39.htm">2 Samuel 19:39</a></span><br />So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned home.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-29.htm">2 Kings 4:29</a></span><br />So Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tie up your garment, take my staff in your hand, and go! If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not answer him. Then lay my staff on the boy’s face.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/10-15.htm">2 Kings 10:15</a></span><br />When he left there, he found Jehonadab son of Rechab, who was coming to meet him. Jehu greeted him and asked, “Is your heart as true to mine as my heart is to yours?” “It is!” Jehonadab replied. “If it is,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.” So he gave him his hand, and Jehu helped him into his chariot,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-49.htm">Matthew 26:49</a></span><br />Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-40.htm">Luke 1:40-41</a></span><br />where she entered the home of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. / When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/7-45.htm">Luke 7:45</a></span><br />You did not greet Me with a kiss, but she has not stopped kissing My feet since I arrived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/15-20.htm">Luke 15:20</a></span><br />So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-20.htm">John 11:20</a></span><br />So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him, but Mary stayed at home.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">went</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/14-17.htm">Genesis 14:17</a></b></br> And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that <i>were</i> with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which <i>is</i> the king's dale.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/46-29.htm">Genesis 46:29</a></b></br> And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/22-36.htm">Numbers 22:36</a></b></br> And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto a city of Moab, which <i>is</i> in the border of Arnon, which <i>is</i> in the utmost coast.</p><p class="hdg">did obeisance</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/18-2.htm">Genesis 18:2</a></b></br> And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw <i>them</i>, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/19-1.htm">Genesis 19:1</a></b></br> And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing <i>them</i> rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/33-3.htm">Genesis 33:3-7</a></b></br> And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother… </p><p class="hdg">kissed</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/29-13.htm">Genesis 29:13</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister's son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/31-28.htm">Genesis 31:28</a></b></br> And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly in <i>so</i> doing.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/33-4.htm">Genesis 33:4</a></b></br> And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.</p><p class="hdg">welfare.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/43-27.htm">Genesis 43:27</a></b></br> And he asked them of <i>their</i> welfare, and said, <i>Is</i> your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? <i>Is</i> he yet alive?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/11-7.htm">2 Samuel 11:7</a></b></br> And when Uriah was come unto him, David demanded <i>of him</i> how Joab did, and how the people did, and how the war prospered.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/12-27.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/genesis/48-12.htm">Boweth</a> <a href="/exodus/16-14.htm">Face</a> <a href="/exodus/18-6.htm">Father-In-Law</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm">Greeted</a> <a href="/exodus/4-27.htm">Kiss</a> <a href="/exodus/4-27.htm">Kissed</a> <a href="/exodus/4-27.htm">Kisseth</a> <a href="/exodus/18-6.htm">Law</a> <a href="/exodus/8-26.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/exodus/18-6.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/12-28.htm">Obeisance</a> <a href="/exodus/18-5.htm">Tent</a> <a href="/genesis/43-27.htm">Welfare</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/24-1.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/exodus/34-8.htm">Boweth</a> <a href="/exodus/23-17.htm">Face</a> <a href="/exodus/18-8.htm">Father-In-Law</a> <a href="/judges/18-15.htm">Greeted</a> <a href="/ruth/1-9.htm">Kiss</a> <a href="/ruth/1-9.htm">Kissed</a> <a href="/ruth/1-9.htm">Kisseth</a> <a href="/exodus/18-8.htm">Law</a> <a href="/exodus/19-17.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/exodus/18-8.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/34-8.htm">Obeisance</a> <a href="/exodus/26-7.htm">Tent</a> <a href="/judges/18-15.htm">Welfare</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>So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law</b><br>This phrase highlights the respect and honor Moses shows to Jethro, his father-in-law. In ancient Near Eastern culture, family relationships were highly valued, and showing respect to elders was a significant part of societal norms. Moses' action reflects humility and reverence, despite his prominent role as the leader of the Israelites. This meeting occurs after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, indicating a time of transition and new beginnings. The act of going out to meet Jethro signifies Moses' acknowledgment of Jethro's wisdom and guidance, which is later demonstrated when Jethro advises Moses on leadership (<a href="/exodus/18-17.htm">Exodus 18:17-24</a>).<p><b>and bowed down and kissed him</b><br>Bowing down and kissing were traditional gestures of respect and affection in ancient cultures. This act signifies Moses' deep respect and familial love for Jethro. It also reflects the customs of the time, where physical gestures were important in expressing honor and establishing relationships. The bowing can be seen as a sign of humility, which is a recurring theme in Moses' life, as seen in his interactions with God (<a href="/exodus/3-11.htm">Exodus 3:11</a>). The kiss is a sign of peace and reconciliation, reminiscent of other biblical accounts such as Jacob and Esau's reunion (<a href="/genesis/33-4.htm">Genesis 33:4</a>).<p><b>They greeted each other</b><br>The mutual greeting indicates a relationship of mutual respect and warmth. This encounter is not just a formal meeting but a personal and familial reunion. The greeting sets the stage for the exchange of news and advice that follows, emphasizing the importance of communication and relationship-building. In the broader biblical narrative, greetings often precede significant events or discussions, as seen in the New Testament with the greetings of the apostles in their letters (<a href="/romans/16-16.htm">Romans 16:16</a>).<p><b>and went into the tent</b><br>The tent symbolizes a place of hospitality, privacy, and discussion. In the nomadic lifestyle of the Israelites, the tent was a central part of daily life and a place where important conversations and decisions took place. This setting provides a backdrop for the counsel Jethro gives to Moses, which has lasting implications for the governance of the Israelite community. The tent can also be seen as a type of the tabernacle, where God would later meet with Moses and the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence and guidance (<a href="/exodus/25-8.htm">Exodus 25:8-9</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The central figure in the Book of Exodus, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. In this passage, he demonstrates humility and respect.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jethro.htm">Jethro</a></b><br>Moses' father-in-law, also known as Reuel, a priest of Midian. He visits Moses in the wilderness, bringing Moses' wife and sons.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_tent.htm">The Tent</a></b><br>Represents a place of meeting and hospitality. It is where Moses and Jethro engage in conversation and share wisdom.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/midian.htm">Midian</a></b><br>The region where Jethro is from, and where Moses spent years in exile before returning to Egypt to lead the Israelites.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/greeting_rituals.htm">Greeting Rituals</a></b><br>The act of bowing and kissing was a customary greeting, showing respect and familial affection in ancient Near Eastern culture.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/respect_and_humility.htm">Respect and Humility</a></b><br>Moses, despite his leadership role, shows humility and respect to Jethro. We are called to honor and respect those in our lives, regardless of our status.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/v/value_of_family.htm">Value of Family</a></b><br>The reunion of Moses and Jethro underscores the importance of maintaining strong family ties and relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hospitality_and_fellowship.htm">Hospitality and Fellowship</a></b><br>The act of going into the tent signifies the importance of hospitality and fellowship in building and maintaining relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_from_elders.htm">Wisdom from Elders</a></b><br>Jethro, as an elder and priest, brings wisdom to Moses. We should seek and value the counsel of those who have walked before us in faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reconciliation_and_peace.htm">Reconciliation and Peace</a></b><br>The greeting between Moses and Jethro is a model of reconciliation and peace, encouraging us to pursue harmony in our relationships.<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_does_'god_is_truth'_mean.htm">Who was Moses' father-in-law?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_the_moses_model_lead_churches.htm">How does the Moses Model structure church leadership?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_jethro_also_reuel,_or_a_contradiction.htm">Exodus 18:1 calls Moses' father-in-law 'Jethro,' yet Exodus 2:18 refers to him as 'Reuel.' Are these two names for the same person, or is this a contradiction?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_moses'_speech_traits.htm">Stephen states Moses was 'mighty in words' (Acts 7:22), but Exodus 4:10 depicts Moses as slow of speech. How do we reconcile these descriptions?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) <span class= "bld">Moses went out . . . And did obeisance.</span>--Oriental etiquette required the going forth to meet an honoured guest (<a href="/genesis/18-2.htm" title="And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, see, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,">Genesis 18:2</a>; <a href="/genesis/19-1.htm" title="And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;">Genesis 19:1</a>, &c). The obeisance was wholly voluntary, and marks the humility of Moses, who, now that he was the prince of his nation, might well have required Jethro to bow down to him.<p><span class= "bld">And kissed him.</span>--Kissing is a common form of salutation in the East, even between persons who are in no way related. Herodotus says of the Persians: "When they meet each other in the streets, you may know if the persons meeting are of equal rank by the following token: if they are, instead of speaking they kiss each other on the lips. In the case where one is a little inferior to the other, the kiss is given on the cheek" (Book i. 134). (Comp. <a href="/2_samuel/15-5.htm" title="And it was so, that when any man came near to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.">2Samuel 15:5</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/19-39.htm" title="And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned to his own place.">2Samuel 19:39</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/20-9.htm" title="And Joab said to Amasa, Are you in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.">2Samuel 20:9</a>; <a href="/context/matthew/26-48.htm" title="Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.">Matthew 26:48-49</a>; <a href="/acts/20-37.htm" title="And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,">Acts 20:37</a>, &c.; and for the continuance of the custom to the present day, see the collection of instances given in the article Kiss, in Smith's <span class= "ital">Dictionary of the Bible, </span>vol. ii., p. 46.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Moses went out to meet his father-in-law</span>. Oriental ideas of politeness require such a movement in case of an honoured or even of a welcome visitor (see <a href="/genesis/18-2.htm">Genesis 18:2</a>; <a href="/genesis/19-1.htm">Genesis 19:1</a>; <a href="/genesis/32-6.htm">Genesis 32:6</a>; <a href="/genesis/33-1.htm">Genesis 33:1</a>; <a href="/luke/15-20.htm">Luke 15:20</a>; etc.). It was evidently the intention of Moses to receive Jethro with all possible marks of honour and respect. He not only went out to meet him, but <span class="cmt_word">did obeisance</span> to him, as to a superior. <span class="cmt_word">They asked each other of their welfare</span>. Rather "exchanged salutations;" addressed each other mutually with the customary phrase "Peace he unto you." <span class="cmt_word">Came into the tent</span> - <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, went together into the tent of Moses, which had been already glanced at in the word "encamped" (verse 5). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/18-7.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">So Moses</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹשֶׁ֜ה</span> <span class="translit">(mō·šeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> </span><span class="str2">Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver</span><br /><br /><span class="word">went out to meet</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּצֵ֨א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·ṣê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his father-in-law</span><br /><span class="heb">חֹֽתְנ֗וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥō·ṯə·nōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2859.htm">Strong's 2859: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, away in marriage, to contract affinity by marriage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and bowed down</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁתַּ֙חוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·ta·ḥū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7812.htm">Strong's 7812: </a> </span><span class="str2">To depress, prostrate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and kissed him.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשַּׁק־</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·šaq-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5401.htm">Strong's 5401: </a> </span><span class="str2">To kiss, to equip with weapons</span><br /><br /><span class="word">They greeted</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁאֲל֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·’ă·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7592.htm">Strong's 7592: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inquire, to request, to demand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">each</span><br /><span class="heb">אִישׁ־</span> <span class="translit">(’îš-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">other</span><br /><span class="heb">לְרֵעֵ֖הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·rê·‘ê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7453.htm">Strong's 7453: </a> </span><span class="str2">Friend, companion, fellow</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and went</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḇō·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">into the tent.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֹֽהֱלָה׃</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ō·hĕ·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_168.htm">Strong's 168: </a> </span><span class="str2">A tent</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/18-7.htm">Exodus 18:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/18-7.htm">Exodus 18:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/18-7.htm">Exodus 18:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/18-7.htm">Exodus 18:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/18-7.htm">Exodus 18:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/18-7.htm">Exodus 18:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/18-7.htm">Exodus 18:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/18-7.htm">Exodus 18:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/18-7.htm">Exodus 18:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/18-7.htm">Exodus 18:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/18-7.htm">OT Law: Exodus 18:7 Moses went out to meet his father-in-law (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/18-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 18:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 18:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/18-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 18:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 18:8" /></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>