And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.

EXODUS 18:20KJV
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Exodus 18:20 (KJV)

What does Exodus 18:20 mean?

Exodus 18:20 describes how Moses is instructed to teach the Israelites God’s rules and expectations, showing them both the right way to live and the specific things they are supposed to do. The verse emphasizes that Moses should make clear not just the laws themselves, but also how the people should conduct themselves day-to-day.

In this scene, Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, is advising Moses on how to lead the people more effectively. Jethro tells Moses to explain God’s “ordinances and laws” and to guide the Israelites in the practical steps of living according to God’s ways. The focus is on teaching both the principles and the practical actions that make up faithful living.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 18:20

  • “Ordinances” (חֹקִים, ḥoqim): This word refers to specific statutes or decrees, often understood as fixed rules that are to be followed. Here, it highlights that Moses is to teach not just general ideas but concrete regulations.
  • “Laws” (תּוֹרֹת, torot): This term is broader and often means instruction or teaching, not just legal rules. It suggests Moses is to provide both the letter and the spirit of God’s guidance.
  • “Way” (דֶּרֶךְ, derekh): This word means a road or path, and is often used metaphorically for a way of life. Moses is to show the Israelites not just what to do, but the overall direction their lives should take.
  • “Work” (מַעֲשֶׂה, ma’aseh): This word means deeds or actions. The verse stresses that knowing the rules is not enough; the people must also understand the practical actions required of them.

Why Exodus 18:20 matters

  • Exodus 18:20 clarifies that spiritual leadership involves more than just telling people what the rules are; it requires showing them how to live those rules out in daily life.
  • The verse connects the giving of laws to personal guidance, showing that God’s instructions are meant to shape both beliefs and behavior.
  • This instruction from Jethro sets up the later organization of Israel’s leadership and the way Moses will share responsibility, making it a key moment in the story’s development.

Where else these words appear

“teach” Hebrew H853 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
  • Genesis 19:13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.
  • Judges 11:27 Wherefore I have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon.

“teach” Hebrew H2094 · used in 19 verses

  • 2 Kings 6:10 And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice.
  • Ezekiel 3:18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
  • Ezekiel 33:5 He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.

“ordinances” Hebrew H2706 · used in 124 verses

  • Genesis 47:22 Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands.
  • Deuteronomy 26:17 Thou hast avouched the LORD this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice:
  • Psalms 119:12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.