Then Jethro, Moses' father in law, took Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her back,

EXODUS 18:2KJV
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Exodus 18:2 (KJV)

What does Exodus 18:2 mean?

Exodus 18:2 describes how Jethro, who is Moses’ father-in-law, took care of Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after Moses had sent her back to her family. The verse notes that Jethro brought Zipporah back, highlighting a moment when Moses’ family was separated and then reunited.

In the story, Moses had previously sent Zipporah away, likely for her safety or because of the demands of his mission in Egypt. Now, as Moses leads the Israelites out of Egypt, Jethro brings Zipporah and their children to meet him again. This sets the stage for the family’s reunion and for Jethro’s later advice to Moses about leadership.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 18:2

  • "Took" (לָקַח, laqach): This word often means to take, grasp, or bring. Here, it shows Jethro’s active role in caring for Zipporah and bringing her back to Moses, not just a passive transfer.
  • "After" (אַחַר, achar): This word signals a sequence of events, clarifying that Jethro’s action happened after Moses had sent Zipporah away, not at the same time.
  • "Back" (שִׁלּוּחַ, shilluach): This word is related to sending away or dismissal. It emphasizes that Moses had intentionally sent Zipporah away, rather than her leaving on her own.

Why Exodus 18:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Moses’ family was not with him during the dramatic events in Egypt, but was cared for by Jethro and later reunited.
  • The mention of Jethro’s role highlights his importance and sets up his later influence on Moses’ leadership.
  • Understanding that Moses sent Zipporah away, rather than her leaving for another reason, helps explain the family dynamics and the context for their reunion.

Where else these words appear

“Zipporah” Hebrew H6855 · used in 3 verses

  • Exodus 2:21 And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter.
  • Exodus 4:25 Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me.

“back” Hebrew H7964 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Kings 9:16 For Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up, and taken Gezer, and burnt it with fire, and slain the Canaanites that dwelt in the city, and given it for a present unto his daughter, Solomon's wife.
  • Micah 1:14 Therefore shalt thou give presents to Moreshethgath: the houses of Achzib shall be a lie to the kings of Israel.

“Jethro” Hebrew H3503 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 3:1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.
  • Exodus 18:1 When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt;
  • Exodus 18:9 And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians.

“law” Hebrew H2859 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 34:9 And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you.
  • Exodus 18:15 And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:
  • Judges 19:4 And his father in law, the damsel's father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there.