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Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. <a href="/esv/exodus/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. <a href="/bsb/exodus/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/exodus/18.htm">King James Bible</a> 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: <a href="/nkjv/exodus/18.htm">New King James Version</a> Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. <a href="/nasb_/exodus/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. <a href="/nasb/exodus/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. <a href="/nasb77/exodus/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them, as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. <a href="/lsb/exodus/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But you shall select excellent men out of all the people, those who fear God, men of truth, those who hate greedy gain; and you shall place these men over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. <a href="/amp/exodus/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Furthermore, you shall select from all the people competent men who [reverently] fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; you shall place these over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. <a href="/csb/exodus/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But you should select from all the people able men, God-fearing, trustworthy, and hating dishonest profit. Place them over the people as commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. <a href="/hcsb/exodus/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But you should select from all the people able men, God-fearing, trustworthy, and hating bribes. Place them over the people as commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. <a href="/asv/exodus/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: <a href="/cev/exodus/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You will need to appoint some competent leaders who respect God and are trustworthy and honest. Then put them over groups of 10, 50, 100, and 1,000. <a href="/erv/exodus/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: <a href="/gwt/exodus/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "But choose capable men from all the people, men who fear God, men you can trust, men who hate corruption. Put them in charge of groups of 1,000, or 100, or 50, or 10 people. <a href="/gnt/exodus/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> But in addition, you should choose some capable men and appoint them as leaders of the people: leaders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. They must be God-fearing men who can be trusted and who cannot be bribed. <a href="/isv/exodus/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> You are to look for capable men among the people, men who fear God, men of integrity who hate dishonest gain. You are to set these men over them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. <a href="/msb/exodus/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/exodus/18.htm">NET Bible</a> But you choose from the people capable men, God-fearing, men of truth, those who hate bribes, and put them over the people as rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. <a href="/nheb/exodus/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Moreover you shall provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God: men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. <a href="/wbt/exodus/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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: <a href="/web/exodus/18.htm">World English Bible</a> Moreover you shall provide out of all the people able men which fear God: men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/exodus/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And you provide out of all the people men of ability, fearing God, men of truth, hating dishonest gain, and have placed [these] over them [for] heads of thousands, heads of hundreds, heads of fifties, and heads of tens, <a href="/ylt/exodus/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And thou -- thou dost provide out of all the people men of ability, fearing God, men of truth, hating dishonest gain, and hast placed these over them, heads of thousands, heads of hundreds, heads of fifties, and heads of tens, <a href="/slt/exodus/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And thou shalt look out from all the people men of ability, fearing God, men of truth, men hating gain; and set thou over them chiefs of thousands, chiefs of hundreds, chiefs of fifties, and chiefs of ten.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/exodus/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, in whom there is truth, and that hate avarice, and appoint of them rulers of thousands, and of hundreds, and of fifties, and of tens. <a href="/cpdv/exodus/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then provide, from all of the people, men capable and fearing God, in whom there is truth and who hate avarice, and appoint from them tribunes, and leaders of hundreds, and of fifties, and of tens, <a href="/nabre/exodus/18.htm">New American Bible</a> But you should also look among all the people for able and God-fearing men, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain, and set them over the people as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. <a href="/nrsvce/exodus/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> You should also look for able men among all the people, men who fear God, are trustworthy, and hate dishonest gain; set such men over them as officers over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/exodus/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Moreover you shall provide out of all the people able men who fear God, truthful men who hate bribes and deceit; and appoint such over them to be officers of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. <a href="/hpbt/exodus/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And you shall see from all the people men of power who are in awe of God, faithful men and they hate a bribe and deceit and set over them Chiefs of thousands and Chiefs of hundreds and Chiefs of fifties and Chiefs of tens:<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/exodus/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. <a href="/sep/exodus/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And do thou look out for thyself out of all the people able men, fearing God, righteous men, hating pride, and thou shalt set over the people captains of thousands and captains of hundreds, and captains of fifties, and captains of tens. <a href="/parallel/exodus/18-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=4632" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/exodus/18.htm">Jethro Advises Moses</a> …20Teach them the statutes and laws, and show them the way to live and the work they must do. 21<a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: wə·’at·tāh (Conj-w:: Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">Furthermore,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2372.htm" title="2372: ṯe·ḥĕ·zeh (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- See, behold. A primitive root; to gaze at; mentally, to perceive, contemplate; specifically, to have a vision of.">select</a> <a href="/hebrew/2428.htm" title="2428: ḥa·yil (N-ms) -- From chuwl; probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength.">capable</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’an·šê- (N-mpc) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">men</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: mik·kāl (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">from among</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people—</a> <a href="/hebrew/3373.htm" title="3373: yir·’ê (Adj-mpc) -- Fearing, reverent. From yare'; fearing; morally, reverent.">God-fearing,</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God"></a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’an·šê (N-mpc) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general."></a> <a href="/hebrew/571.htm" title="571: ’ĕ·meṯ (N-fs) -- Firmness, faithfulness, truth. Contracted from 'aman; stability; certainty, truth, trustworthiness.">trustworthy men</a> <a href="/hebrew/8130.htm" title="8130: śō·nə·’ê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- To hate. A primitive root; to hate.">who are averse</a> <a href="/hebrew/1215.htm" title="1215: ḇā·ṣa‘ (N-ms) -- Gain made by violence, unjust gain, profit. From batsa'; plunder; by extension, gain.">to dishonest gain.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: wə·śam·tā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">Appoint them</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">over the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: śā·rê (N-mpc) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">as leaders</a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: ’ă·lā·p̄îm (Number-mp) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand.">of thousands,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: śā·rê (N-mpc) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3967.htm" title="3967: mê·’ō·wṯ (Number-fp) -- Hundred. Or metyah; properly, a primitive numeral; a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction.">of hundreds,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: śā·rê (N-mpc) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2572.htm" title="2572: ḥă·miš·šîm (Number-cp) -- Fifty. Multiple of chamesh; fifty.">of fifties,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: wə·śā·rê (Conj-w:: N-mpc) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6235.htm" title="6235: ‘ă·śā·rōṯ (Number-mp) -- Ten. Masculine of term aasarah; from asar; ten.">and of tens.</a> 22Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/deuteronomy/1-13.htm">Deuteronomy 1:13-15</a> Choose for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will appoint them as your leaders.” / And you answered me and said, “What you propose to do is good.” / So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them as leaders over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, and as officers for your tribes. <a href="/acts/6-3.htm">Acts 6:3</a> Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them <a href="/numbers/11-16.htm">Numbers 11:16-17</a> Then the LORD said to Moses, “Bring Me seventy of the elders of Israel known to you as leaders and officers of the people. Bring them to the Tent of Meeting and have them stand there with you. / And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself. <a href="/1_timothy/3-1.htm">1 Timothy 3:1-7</a> This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. / An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, / not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money. ... <a href="/1_samuel/8-1.htm">1 Samuel 8:1-5</a> When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as judges over Israel. / The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second was Abijah. They were judges in Beersheba. / But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice. ... <a href="/titus/1-5.htm">Titus 1:5-9</a> The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. / An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination. / As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/16-18.htm">Deuteronomy 16:18-20</a> You are to appoint judges and officials for your tribes in every town that the LORD your God is giving you. They are to judge the people with righteous judgment. / Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. / Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land that the LORD your God is giving you. <a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Proverbs 29:2</a> When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. <a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9-12</a> Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— ... <a href="/2_chronicles/19-5.htm">2 Chronicles 19:5-7</a> He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. / Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment. / And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.” <a href="/matthew/20-25.htm">Matthew 20:25-28</a> But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— ... <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-4</a> Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ... <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2-3</a> Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. <a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Proverbs 11:14</a> For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance. <a href="/luke/22-25.htm">Luke 22:25-27</a> So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. / But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. / For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Moreover you shall 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:moreover<a href="/deuteronomy/1-13.htm">Deuteronomy 1:13-17</a> Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you… <a href="/acts/6-3.htm">Acts 6:3</a> Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.able men<a href="/exodus/18-25.htm">Exodus 18:25</a> And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.<a href="/deuteronomy/16-18.htm">Deuteronomy 16:18</a> Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.<a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9-12</a> Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? … such as<a href="/exodus/23-2.htm">Exodus 23:2-9</a> Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment: … <a href="/genesis/22-12.htm">Genesis 22:12</a> And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.<a href="/genesis/42-18.htm">Genesis 42:18</a> And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God:men<a href="/job/29-16.htm">Job 29:16</a> I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.<a href="/job/31-13.htm">Job 31:13</a> If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;<a href="/isaiah/16-5.htm">Isaiah 16:5</a> And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.hating<a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Exodus 23:8</a> And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.<a href="/deuteronomy/16-18.htm">Deuteronomy 16:18,19</a> Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment… <a href="/1_samuel/8-3.htm">1 Samuel 8:3</a> And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.rulers of thousands.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/18-18.htm">Able</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-14.htm">Covetousness</a> <a href="/exodus/15-16.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/exodus/13-18.htm">Fifties</a> <a href="/exodus/11-3.htm">Furthermore</a> <a href="/exodus/14-18.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/genesis/24-60.htm">Hating</a> <a href="/mark/6-40.htm">Hundreds</a> <a href="/exodus/12-7.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/genesis/50-21.htm">Provide</a> <a href="/exodus/16-22.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/exodus/14-7.htm">Select</a> <a href="/jude/1-14.htm">Tens</a> <a href="/genesis/24-60.htm">Thousands</a> <a href="/genesis/42-21.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/revelation/22-11.htm">Unjust</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/18-23.htm">Able</a> <a href="/psalms/119-36.htm">Covetousness</a> <a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/exodus/18-25.htm">Fifties</a> <a href="/exodus/39-20.htm">Furthermore</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-37.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/exodus/23-5.htm">Hating</a> <a href="/exodus/18-25.htm">Hundreds</a> <a href="/exodus/26-1.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/exodus/21-11.htm">Provide</a> <a href="/exodus/18-25.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Select</a> <a href="/exodus/18-25.htm">Tens</a> <a href="/exodus/18-25.htm">Thousands</a> <a href="/exodus/34-6.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/job/6-29.htm">Unjust</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 18</div>1. <a href="/exodus/18-1.htm">Jethro brings his wife and two sons to Moses</a> 7. <a href="/exodus/18-7.htm">Moses entertains him, and relates the goodness of the Lord</a> 9. <a href="/exodus/18-9.htm">Jethro rejoices, blesses God, and offers sacrifice</a> 13. <a href="/exodus/18-13.htm">He gives good counsel, which is accepted</a> 27. <a href="/exodus/18-27.htm">Jethro departs</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>Furthermore, select capable men from among the people— This directive comes from Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, who advises Moses on how to manage the burden of leadership. The selection of "capable men" emphasizes the need for individuals with the necessary skills and wisdom to lead effectively. This principle of selecting qualified leaders is echoed in the New Testament, such as in <a href="/acts/6-3.htm">Acts 6:3</a>, where the apostles instruct the early church to choose men full of the Spirit and wisdom to oversee certain tasks.God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. The criteria for leadership include being "God-fearing," which implies a reverence and respect for God's laws and commands. Trustworthiness is crucial for maintaining integrity and justice. Being "averse to dishonest gain" highlights the importance of leaders who are not swayed by corruption or personal profit, aligning with the biblical principle found in <a href="/1_timothy/3-3.htm">1 Timothy 3:3</a>, where church leaders are advised to be free from the love of money.Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. This structure of leadership introduces a hierarchical system that allows for efficient governance and delegation. It reflects an organized approach to leadership that can be seen in other parts of the Bible, such as the division of labor among the Levites in <a href="/numbers/3.htm">Numbers 3</a>. This system also prefigures the organizational structure of the early church, where different roles and responsibilities were assigned to ensure effective ministry and care for the community.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. He is the central figure in this passage, receiving advice from his father-in-law. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jethro.htm">Jethro</a> Moses' father-in-law, a priest of Midian, who provides wise counsel to Moses on how to manage the leadership of the Israelites effectively. 3. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The people of God, who have been delivered from slavery in Egypt and are now in the wilderness, requiring governance and leadership. 4. <a href="/topical/m/midian.htm">Midian</a> The region where Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, comes from. It is significant as a place of refuge and counsel for Moses. 5. <a href="/topical/l/leaders_of_thousands,_hundreds,_fifties,_and_tens.htm">Leaders of Thousands, Hundreds, Fifties, and Tens</a> The structure of leadership that Jethro advises Moses to establish, emphasizing a hierarchical and organized system of governance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_delegation.htm">The Importance of Delegation</a> Effective leadership involves recognizing the need to delegate responsibilities to capable individuals. This prevents burnout and ensures that the needs of the community are met efficiently. <a href="/topical/q/qualities_of_a_leader.htm">Qualities of a Leader</a> Leaders should be God-fearing, trustworthy, and have integrity. These qualities ensure that they lead with wisdom and justice, avoiding corruption and self-interest. <a href="/topical/s/structured_leadership.htm">Structured Leadership</a> A well-organized leadership structure is crucial for managing large groups. It allows for better communication, accountability, and decision-making. <a href="/topical/g/godly_counsel.htm">Godly Counsel</a> Seeking and heeding wise counsel from others, especially those with spiritual insight, is vital for making sound decisions. <a href="/topical/c/community_involvement.htm">Community Involvement</a> The selection of leaders from among the people emphasizes the importance of community involvement and recognition of leadership potential within the group.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 18</a> <a href="/q/evidence_outside_bible_for_exodus_18_21-22.htm">Is there any historical or archaeological evidence outside the Bible that supports the judicial structure described in Exodus 18:21–22? </a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_church_elders.htm">What does the Bible say about multiple church elders?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_the_moses_model_lead_churches.htm">How does the Moses Model structure church leadership?</a> <a href="/q/who_were_the_old_testament_elders.htm">Who were the elders in the Old Testament?</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>(21) Provide out of all the people able men.--This was the gist of Jethro's advice. It seems somewhat surprising that it should have been needed. In Egypt, as in all other settled governments, while the king was the fountain of justice, it was customary for him to delegate the duty of hearing causes to officials of different ranks, who decided in this or that class of complaints. In Arabia a similar practice no doubt prevailed. Jethro himself had his subordinates, the head men of the various clans or families, who discharged judicial functions in "small matters," and thereby greatly lightened the burthen which would otherwise have rested upon his shoulders. His advice to Moses was simply that he should adopt this generally established system--one which belongs to a very early period in the history of nations.Jethro's definition of "able men"--men, i.e., fitted to exercise the judicial office--is interesting. He requires them to be (1) God-fearing, (2) truthful, and (3) men of integrity. The second and third requirements would approve themselves to men of all times and countries. The first would generally be deemed superfluous. But it really lies at the root of all excellence of character, and is the point of greatest importance.Rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds.--An organisation of the entire people on a decimal system is implied in the arrangement suggested. Such an organisation may not improbably have existed at the same in connection with the march and the encamping. See the Comment on <a href="/exodus/13-18.htm" title="But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.">Exodus 13:18</a>.) Jethro thought that it might be utilised for judicial purposes. One an out of ten might be competent to judge in "small matters." If either party were dissatisfied, there might be an appeal to the "ruler of fifty"--from him the "ruler of an hundred," and then to the "rulerOf a thousand." In all ordinary disputes this would suffice, and the contest would not require to be carried further.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - Able men. Literally, "men of might" - i.e., of capacity or ability - men competent for the office of judge; who are further defined to be, such as possess the three qualities of piety, veracity, and strict honesty, or incorruptness. Jethro's conception of the true judicial character leaves little to be desired. If among every ten Israelites there was one such person, the moral condition of the nation cannot have been so much depressed by the Egyptian servitude as is sometimes represented. Place such over them to be rulers of thousands, etc. A decimal organisation naturally presents itself to men's minds as the simplest in a simple state of society, and was probably already in use among the Arab tribes with whom Jethro was familiar. The graduated series - rulers of tens, of fifties, of hundreds, and of thousands, implies a power of three-fold appeal, from the "ruler of ten" to the "ruler of fifty" - from him to the "ruler of a hundred" - and from him to the "ruler of a thousand." Whether there was an appeal from the last-named to Moses, is doubtful. Probably there was not; Moses deciding those cases only which the "rulers of thousands" reserved for him as being specially difficult or important. <a href="/commentaries/exodus/18-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Furthermore, וְאַתָּ֣ה (wə·’at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you select תֶחֱזֶ֣ה (ṯe·ḥĕ·zeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2372.htm">Strong's 2372: </a> To gaze at, to perceive, contemplate, to have a, vision of capable חַ֜יִל (ḥa·yil) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2428.htm">Strong's 2428: </a> A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength men אַנְשֵׁי־ (’an·šê-) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person from among מִכָּל־ (mik·kāl) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the people— הָ֠עָם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock God-fearing, יִרְאֵ֧י (yir·’ê) Adjective - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3373.htm">Strong's 3373: </a> Fearing, reverent trustworthy men אֱמֶ֖ת (’ĕ·meṯ) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_571.htm">Strong's 571: </a> Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness who are averse שֹׂ֣נְאֵי (śō·nə·’ê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8130.htm">Strong's 8130: </a> To hate to dishonest gain. בָ֑צַע (ḇā·ṣa‘) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1215.htm">Strong's 1215: </a> Gain made by violence, unjust gain, profit Appoint them וְשַׂמְתָּ֣ (wə·śam·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> Put -- to put, place, set over [the people] עֲלֵהֶ֗ם (‘ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against as leaders שָׂרֵ֤י (śā·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8269.htm">Strong's 8269: </a> Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince of thousands, אֲלָפִים֙ (’ă·lā·p̄îm) Number - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_505.htm">Strong's 505: </a> A thousand of hundreds, מֵא֔וֹת (mê·’ō·wṯ) Number - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3967.htm">Strong's 3967: </a> A hundred of fifties, חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים (ḥă·miš·šîm) Number - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2572.htm">Strong's 2572: </a> Fifty and of tens. עֲשָׂרֹֽת׃ (‘ă·śā·rōṯ) Number - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6235.htm">Strong's 6235: </a> Ten <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/18-21.htm">Exodus 18:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/exodus/18-21.htm">Exodus 18:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/exodus/18-21.htm">Exodus 18:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/exodus/18-21.htm">Exodus 18:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/exodus/18-21.htm">Exodus 18:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/18-21.htm">Exodus 18:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/18-21.htm">Exodus 18:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/18-21.htm">Exodus 18:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/18-21.htm">Exodus 18:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/exodus/18-21.htm">Exodus 18:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/exodus/18-21.htm">OT Law: Exodus 18:21 Moreover you shall provide out of all (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/18-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 18:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 18:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/18-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 18:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 18:22" /></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>