And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.

EXODUS 18:22KJV
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Exodus 18:22 (KJV)

What does Exodus 18:22 mean?

Exodus 18:22 describes how Moses should appoint others to judge the people regularly, letting them handle smaller disputes themselves, while only the most difficult cases are brought to Moses. This system would make Moses’ workload lighter, as others would share the responsibility of leading and judging the people.

In this verse, Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, is advising Moses on how to manage the heavy burden of judging all the people’s issues by himself. Jethro suggests a practical system where trustworthy men are chosen to judge routine matters, so Moses only deals with the most significant problems. This advice comes as Moses leads a large community through the wilderness, facing many daily disputes and questions.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 18:22

  • שָׁפַט (shaphat, H8199) — "judge": This word means to govern, decide, or give a legal verdict. Here, it highlights the role of these appointed leaders as decision-makers, not just mediators.
  • עָם (am, H5971) — "people": This word refers to the whole community, emphasizing that the judging is for everyone, not just a select group.
  • גָּדוֹל (gadol, H1419) — "great": Used for the "great matter," this word points to cases of major importance or complexity, which only Moses should handle.
  • קָטָן (qatan, H6996) — "small": This word describes the everyday, less significant disputes that the appointed leaders can resolve, showing a clear division of responsibility.
  • נָשָׂא (nasa, H5375) — "bear": This word means to carry or support. Here, it shows that the leaders are helping Moses carry the burden of leadership, not just doing tasks for him.

Why Exodus 18:22 matters

  • Exodus 18:22 clears up the misconception that Moses was meant to handle every issue himself; instead, it shows the value of shared leadership and delegation.
  • The verse highlights the importance of organizing community life so that no single person is overwhelmed, and everyone’s needs are addressed efficiently.
  • This advice from Jethro sets the stage for how Israel would be governed throughout its history, showing early roots of structured leadership and justice among the people.

Where else these words appear

“easier” Hebrew H7043 · used in 79 verses

  • Genesis 8:8 Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;
  • 2 Samuel 16:9 Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.
  • Psalms 109:28 Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.

“small” Hebrew H6996 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 1:16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
  • 1 Samuel 16:11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:30 And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, great and small: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of the LORD.