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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 18:18 Surely you and these people with you will wear yourselves out, because the task is too heavy for you. You cannot handle it alone.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/18-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/02_Exo_18_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 18:18 - Jethro Advises Moses" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Surely you and these people with you will wear yourselves out, because the task is too heavy for you. 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The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. <a href="/nlt/exodus/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. <a href="/esv/exodus/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. <a href="/bsb/exodus/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Surely you and these people with you will wear yourselves out, because the task is too heavy for you. You cannot handle it alone. <a href="/kjv/exodus/18.htm">King James Bible</a> Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. <a href="/nkjv/exodus/18.htm">New King James Version</a> Both you and these people who are with you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you; you are not able to perform it by yourself. <a href="/nasb_/exodus/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, because the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. <a href="/nasb/exodus/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. <a href="/nasb77/exodus/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. <a href="/lsb/exodus/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. <a href="/amp/exodus/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> You will certainly wear out both yourself and these people who are with you, because the task is too heavy for you [to bear]; you cannot do it alone. <a href="/csb/exodus/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “You will certainly wear out both yourself and these people who are with you, because the task is too heavy for you. You can’t do it alone. <a href="/hcsb/exodus/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> You will certainly wear out both yourself and these people who are with you, because the task is too heavy for you. You can&#8217t do it alone. <a href="/asv/exodus/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for the thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. <a href="/cev/exodus/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You and the people who come to you will soon be worn out. The job is too much for one person; you can't do it alone. <a href="/erv/exodus/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for the thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. <a href="/gwt/exodus/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You and your people will wear yourselves out. This is too much work for you. You can't do it alone! <a href="/gnt/exodus/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> You will wear yourself out and these people as well. This is too much for you to do alone. <a href="/isv/exodus/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> You will certainly wear yourself out, both you and these people who are with you, because the task is too heavy for you. You cannot do it by yourself. <a href="/msb/exodus/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Surely you and these people with you will wear yourselves out, because the task is too heavy for you. You cannot handle it alone. <a href="/net/exodus/18.htm">NET Bible</a> You will surely wear out, both you and these people who are with you, for this is too heavy a burden for you; you are not able to do it by yourself. <a href="/nheb/exodus/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> You will surely wear away, both you, and this people that is with you; for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to perform it yourself alone. <a href="/wbt/exodus/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. <a href="/web/exodus/18.htm">World English Bible</a> You will surely wear away, both you, and this people that is with you; for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to perform it yourself alone. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/exodus/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> you surely wear away, both you, and this people which [is] with you, for the thing is too heavy for you, you are not able to do it by yourself. <a href="/ylt/exodus/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> thou dost surely wear away, both thou, and this people which is with thee, for the thing is too heavy for thee, thou art not able to do it by thyself. <a href="/slt/exodus/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Fading, thou wilt fade away, also thou, also this people that is with thee: for this word is heavy for thee; thou wilt not be able to do it thyself alone.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/exodus/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Thou are spent with foolish labour, both thou and this people that is with thee: the business is above thy strength, thou alone canst not bear it. <a href="/cpdv/exodus/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> You will be consumed by foolish efforts, both you and this people who are with you. The task is beyond your strength; you will not be able bear it alone. <a href="/nabre/exodus/18.htm">New American Bible</a> “You will surely wear yourself out, both you and these people with you. The task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. <a href="/nrsvce/exodus/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> You will surely wear yourself out, both you and these people with you. For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/exodus/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> You will surely wear yourself out, both you, and all this people that is with you; for this thing is too heavy for you; you are not able to do it alone. <a href="/hpbt/exodus/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Being dishonored you are also shamed, so is also all this people that are with you, because the matter is too heavy for you and you cannot do it alone.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/exodus/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee; for the thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. <a href="/sep/exodus/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> thou wilt wear away with intolerable weariness, both those and all this people which is with thee: this thing is hard, thou wilt not be able to endure it thyself alone. <a href="/parallel/exodus/18-18.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=4606" 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> …17But Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. 18<a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">Surely</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">these</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.">people</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/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·māḵ (Prep:: 2ms) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with you</a> <a href="/hebrew/5034.htm" title="5034: nā·ḇōl (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- A primitive root; to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint; figuratively, to be foolish or wicked; causatively, to despise, disgrace.">will wear yourselves out,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5034.htm" title="5034: tib·bōl (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint; figuratively, to be foolish or wicked; causatively, to despise, disgrace."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·dā·ḇār (Art:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">the task</a> <a href="/hebrew/3515.htm" title="3515: ḵā·ḇêḏ (Adj-ms) -- Heavy. From kabad; heavy; figuratively in a good sense or in a bad sense.">is too heavy</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·mə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">for you.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">You cannot</a> <a href="/hebrew/3201.htm" title="3201: ṯū·ḵal (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To be able, have power. Or yakowl; a primitive root; to be able, literally or morally."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ă·śō·hū (V-Qal-Inf:: 3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">handle</a> <a href="/hebrew/905.htm" title="905: lə·ḇad·de·ḵā (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 2ms) -- Separation, a part. ">it alone.</a> 19Now 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.…<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="/numbers/11-14.htm">Numbers 11:14-17</a> I cannot carry all these people by myself; it is too burdensome for me. / If this is how You are going to treat me, please kill me right now—if I have found favor in Your eyes—and let me not see my own wretchedness.” / 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. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/1-9.htm">Deuteronomy 1:9-14</a> At that time I said to you, “I cannot carry the burden for you alone. / The LORD your God has multiplied you, so that today you are as numerous as the stars in the sky. / May the LORD, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand times over and bless you as He has promised. ... <a href="/acts/6-1.htm">Acts 6:1-4</a> In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. / So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. / 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="/1_kings/3-7.htm">1 Kings 3:7-9</a> And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in. / Your servant is here among the people You have chosen, a people too numerous to count or number. / 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?” <a href="/2_corinthians/2-16.htm">2 Corinthians 2:16</a> To the one we are an odor that brings death, to the other a fragrance that brings life. And who is qualified for such a task? <a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28-30</a> Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” <a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">Galatians 6:2</a> Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-28.htm">1 Corinthians 12:28</a> And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues. <a href="/romans/12-6.htm">Romans 12:6-8</a> We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; / if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; / if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. <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="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Proverbs 15:22</a> Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:9-10</a> Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. / For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up! <a href="/1_timothy/5-17.htm">1 Timothy 5:17</a> Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. <a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Hebrews 13:17</a> Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>You will surely wear away, both you, and this people that is with you: for this thing is too heavy for you; you are not able to perform it yourself alone.thou wilt surely wear away.<a href="/2_corinthians/12-15.htm">2 Corinthians 12:15</a> And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.<a href="/philippians/2-30.htm">Philippians 2:30</a> Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.<a href="/1_thessalonians/2-8.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:8,9</a> So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us… thou art<a href="/numbers/11-14.htm">Numbers 11:14-17</a> I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me… <a href="/deuteronomy/1-9.htm">Deuteronomy 1:9-12</a> And I spake unto you at that time, saying, I am not able to bear you myself alone: … <a href="/acts/6-1.htm">Acts 6:1-4</a> And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/16-18.htm">Able</a> <a href="/exodus/18-14.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/exodus/17-14.htm">Completely</a> <a href="/genesis/47-13.htm">Exhausted</a> <a href="/genesis/4-21.htm">Handle</a> <a href="/exodus/17-12.htm">Heavy</a> <a href="/exodus/10-1.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/genesis/45-26.htm">Quite</a> <a href="/exodus/15-13.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/exodus/13-19.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/exodus/5-19.htm">Task</a> <a href="/exodus/18-14.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/exodus/14-31.htm">Used</a> <a href="/genesis/28-20.htm">Wear</a> <a href="/exodus/15-26.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/exodus/14-31.htm">Work</a> <a href="/exodus/16-23.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/18-21.htm">Able</a> <a href="/exodus/21-3.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/exodus/21-19.htm">Completely</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-24.htm">Exhausted</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-5.htm">Handle</a> <a href="/numbers/11-14.htm">Heavy</a> <a href="/exodus/18-20.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/exodus/23-24.htm">Quite</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-19.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/exodus/19-12.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/exodus/36-4.htm">Task</a> <a href="/exodus/18-22.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/exodus/21-28.htm">Used</a> <a href="/exodus/28-35.htm">Wear</a> <a href="/exodus/20-25.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/exodus/18-20.htm">Work</a> <a href="/exodus/19-4.htm">Yourselves</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>Surely you and these people with you will wear yourselves out This phrase highlights the immense burden Moses was carrying as the sole judge and leader of the Israelites. The context is Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, observing Moses' leadership and offering advice. The Israelites, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, were in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, and Moses was responsible for resolving all disputes. This situation reflects the human limitations in leadership and the need for delegation, a principle seen throughout Scripture, such as in <a href="/acts/6.htm">Acts 6:1-7</a>, where the apostles appoint deacons to assist with the growing needs of the early church.because the task is too heavy for you The "task" refers to the judicial and leadership responsibilities Moses was shouldering. This phrase underscores the importance of recognizing one's limitations and the necessity of shared leadership. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, leaders often had a council or group of advisors, which Moses lacked at this point. Theologically, this can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament teaching on the body of Christ, where different members have different roles (<a href="/1_corinthians/12-12.htm">1 Corinthians 12:12-27</a>). It also foreshadows the establishment of a more structured leadership system in Israel, as seen later with the appointment of elders.You cannot handle it alone This statement emphasizes the need for community and support in leadership. It reflects the biblical principle that God often works through a community of believers rather than through isolated individuals. This is evident in the New Testament, where Jesus sends out the disciples in pairs (<a href="/mark/6-7.htm">Mark 6:7</a>) and establishes the church as a body of believers working together. Theologically, it points to the concept of the Trinity, where even within the Godhead, there is a relational dynamic. Moses' situation is a type of Christ, who, although He bore the ultimate burden of sin alone, established the church to continue His work collectively.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The central figure in this passage, Moses is leading the Israelites through the wilderness. He is tasked with judging the people's disputes, which is becoming overwhelming. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jethro.htm">Jethro</a> Moses' father-in-law, a Midianite priest, who observes Moses' leadership burden and offers wise counsel to delegate responsibilities. 3. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The people of Israel, who are journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land. They bring their disputes to Moses for resolution. 4. <a href="/topical/w/wilderness.htm">Wilderness</a> The setting where the Israelites are traveling and where Moses is leading them, highlighting the challenges of leadership in difficult circumstances. 5. <a href="/topical/j/judging_the_people.htm">Judging the People</a> The event of Moses sitting to judge the people from morning until evening, which prompts Jethro's advice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_delegation.htm">The Importance of Delegation</a> Just as Moses needed to delegate responsibilities, leaders today must recognize the limits of their capacity and share the load with others. <a href="/topical/s/seeking_wise_counsel.htm">Seeking Wise Counsel</a> Jethro's advice to Moses underscores the value of seeking and heeding wise counsel from trusted individuals. <a href="/topical/a/avoiding_burnout.htm">Avoiding Burnout</a> The warning that Moses would "wear out" serves as a reminder to prioritize self-care and sustainable practices in leadership and service. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_shared_responsibility.htm">Community and Shared Responsibility</a> The passage highlights the importance of community and shared responsibility in achieving common goals and supporting one another. <a href="/topical/g/god's_design_for_leadership.htm">God's Design for Leadership</a> God's design for leadership involves collaboration and the distribution of tasks, reflecting His wisdom and care for His people.<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/how_does_the_moses_model_lead_churches.htm">How does the Moses Model structure church leadership?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_jethro_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Jethro in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_no_priestly_rites_in_exodus_18_12.htm">Why does Exodus 18:12 lack priestly procedures or tabernacle sacrifices, unlike later instructions, when Jethro offers sacrifices with Israelite elders?</a> <a href="/q/do_children_suffer_for_fathers'_sins.htm">Does God punish children for their fathers' sins? (Exodus 20:5 vs. Ezekiel 18:20)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 18. - The thing... is not good - i.e., not expedient, and so not the right thing to do. It is a man's duty to have regard to his health, and not unnecessarily overtask his strength. Verse 18. - Thou wilt surely wear away. Literally, "Wasting thou wilt waste away," Thy strength, i.e., will not long hold out, if thou continuest this practice. Both thou, and this people. The people's strength and patience will also fail, if, owing to the number of the complaints, they have - some of them - to wait all day at the tribunal before they can obtain a decision. <a href="/commentaries/exodus/18-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Surely גַּם־ (gam-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and you אַתָּ֕ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you and גַּם־ (gam-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and these הַזֶּ֖ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that people הָעָ֥ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock with you עִמָּ֑ךְ (‘im·māḵ) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with will wear yourselves out, נָבֹ֣ל (nā·ḇōl) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5034.htm">Strong's 5034: </a> To wilt, to fall away, fail, faint, to be foolish, wicked, to despise, disgrace because כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction the task הַדָּבָ֔ר (had·dā·ḇār) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause is too heavy כָבֵ֤ד (ḵā·ḇêḏ) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3515.htm">Strong's 3515: </a> Heavy for you. מִמְּךָ֙ (mim·mə·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of You cannot לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no handle עֲשֹׂ֖הוּ (‘ă·śō·hū) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make it alone. לְבַדֶּֽךָ׃ (lə·ḇad·de·ḵā) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_910.htm">Strong's 910: </a> Isolation, separation <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/18-18.htm">Exodus 18:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/exodus/18-18.htm">Exodus 18:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/exodus/18-18.htm">Exodus 18:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/exodus/18-18.htm">Exodus 18:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/exodus/18-18.htm">Exodus 18:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/18-18.htm">Exodus 18:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/18-18.htm">Exodus 18:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/18-18.htm">Exodus 18:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/18-18.htm">Exodus 18:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/exodus/18-18.htm">Exodus 18:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/exodus/18-18.htm">OT Law: Exodus 18:18 You will surely wear away both you (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/18-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 18:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 18:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/18-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 18:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 18:19" /></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>