Exodus 18:6 (KJV)

What does Exodus 18:6 mean?

Exodus 18:6 records Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, sending a message to Moses to announce his arrival, along with Moses’ wife and their two sons. The verse shows Jethro respectfully identifying himself and letting Moses know that his family has come to see him.

Jethro is speaking to Moses, likely through a messenger, as he approaches the Israelite camp. The situation is that Moses’ wife and children had been staying with Jethro, and now Jethro is bringing them back to Moses. This sets up the reunion and the important conversation between Moses and Jethro that follows in the chapter.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 18:6

• "said" (אָמַר, ’amar): This Hebrew word is commonly used for speaking or declaring, and here it shows Jethro’s respectful approach in sending word to Moses rather than arriving unannounced.
• "law" (חֹתֵן, choten): This word means "father-in-law," clarifying the relationship between Jethro and Moses and emphasizing the family connection at the heart of this meeting.
• "Jethro" (יִתְרוֹ, Yitro): The personal name identifies the speaker, who is an important figure as both a Midianite priest and Moses’ relative.
• "come" (בּוֹא, bo): This verb means "to come" or "to arrive," highlighting the action of Jethro bringing Moses’ family to him.
• "wife" (אִשָּׁה, ishah): This word means "wife" and refers specifically to Zipporah, Moses’ wife, showing the restoration of Moses’ immediate family.
• "two" (שְׁנַיִם, shenayim): This word specifies the number of sons, making clear that both of Moses’ sons are present.
• "sons" (בֵּן, ben): This word means "sons," referring to Gershom and Eliezer, Moses’ children.

Why Exodus 18:6 matters

• This verse clarifies that Moses had been separated from his wife and sons, which is not always obvious to readers, and shows their reunion.
• The respectful way Jethro approaches Moses sets a tone of honor and family care, which shapes the interaction that follows.
• The verse connects to the wider story by setting up the context for Jethro’s advice to Moses about leadership and delegation, which becomes a key moment in the chapter.